Red Bull releases statement as F1 boss Christian Horner cleared of 'inappropriate behaviour'

F1 boss Christian Horner has been cleared of 'inappropriate behaviour', Red Bull has confirmed in a statement.

The decision, which has come in the week preceding the 2024 F1 season opener on 2 March, means Horner could continue his responsibilities as Principal of Red Bull Racing.

Horner has always denied the allegations.

Red Bull said in a statement today (28 February): "The independent investigation into the allegations made against Mr Horner is complete, and Red Bull can confirm that the grievance has been dismissed. The complainant has a right of appeal. Red Bull is confident that the investigation has been fair, rigorous and impartial.

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"The investigation report is confidential and contains the private information of the parties and third parties who assisted in the investigation, and therefore we will not be commenting further out of respect for all concerned. Red Bull will continue striving to meet the highest workplace standards."

The Brit has won 13 world titles in his time as head of the team at Red Bull, initially starting as a 31-year-old in 2005.

In claims first publicised on 5 February, he was accused of 'coercive behaviour', facing allegations over his conduct towards a female employee.

Horner is the husband of ex-Spice Girl Geri Halliwell.

Throughout this process, Geri, mother of their seven-year-old son, has stood by him but admitted she was 'devastated' by this event in their lives.

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The team appointed a London KC to lead the inquiry, and he went through 60 hours of evidence, which included eight hours from the Red Bull boss in just one day.

The 150-page report was distributed among the company's higher ups on Wednesday 28 February, as Horner waited for the verdict onboard his private jet from UK to Bahrain, the location for the opening race of the F1 season.

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Ford, who from 2026 is entering an engine partnership with Red Bull, called for a quick resolution to the investigation.

Chief executive Jim Farley expressed his annoyance at the 'unresolved allegations of inappropriate behaviour by Red Bull Racing leadership'.

F1's American owners, Liberty Media, also called for clarity as soon as possible.

Horner was not suspended during the investigation, and continued to deny any wrongdoing.

Topics: Formula 1, Business, Sport

Joshua Nair

Joshua Nair is a journalist at LADbible. Born in Malaysia and raised in Dubai, he has always been interested in writing about a range of subjects, from sports to trending pop culture news. After graduating from Oxford Brookes University with a BA in Media, Journalism and Publishing, he got a job freelance writing for SPORTbible while working in marketing before landing a full-time role at LADbible. Unfortunately, he's unhealthily obsessed with Manchester United, which takes its toll on his mental and physical health. Daily.

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