- Horner remained in his role during the investigation.
- On Wednesday, Red Bull announced Horner’s exoneration.
- Horner—as per his usual travel schedule—was not yet present in the paddock in Bahrain on Wednesday as the decision was made public.
A case of inappropriate conduct against Red Bull Racing Formula 1 team principal Christian Horner has been dismissed, the company announced Wednesday.
Reports emerged earlier in February that Horner was being investigated after a female member of staff lodged an official complaint over inappropriate behavior. The exact details of the case were not publicized.
The case was overseen by Red Bull GmbH—independent of Red Bull Racing—while an external barrister was brought in to question Horner at length in London.
Horner remained in his role during the investigation, attending Red Bull’s launch to mark its 20th anniversary, as well as preseason testing in Bahrain, but cut a noticeably downbeat figure.
On Wednesday, after the conclusion of driver media activities at the Bahrain International Circuit ahead of the opening round of the season, Red Bull announced Horner’s exoneration.
“The independent investigation into the allegations made against Mr. Horner is complete, and Red Bull can confirm that the grievance has been dismissed,” read a statement.
“The complainant has a right of appeal. Red Bull is confident that the investigation has been fair, rigorous and impartial.
“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.”
Horner—as per his usual travel schedule—was not yet present in the paddock in Bahrain on Wednesday.
Horner has been the team principal of Red Bull Racing since its arrival in Formula 1 in 2005.
Under Horner Red Bull Racing emerged from the midfield to establish itself as a front-runner in Formula 1, winning titles across 2010-13 with Sebastian Vettel, before rising as the dominant force under new regulations in 2022.
Red Bull Racing set a new Formula 1 record in 2023 as it claimed 21 victories from 22 grands prix, with Max Verstappen cruising to his third successive championship.
