CHRISTIAN Horner has broken his silence after a string of shock texts to a female colleague were leaked.
The F1 boss was cleared by Red Bull of sexually inappropriate behaviour this week.
GettyChristian Horner on the phone in the Paddock prior to practice ahead of the F1 Grand Prix of Bahrain at Bahrain International Circuit on February 29, 2024 in Bahrain[/caption]
gettyHorner and wife Geri married in 2015[/caption]
Now, a tranche of messages and photos showing details of private conversations between Horner and an unknown staffer – who appears to be a woman – have been released .
While there doesn’t appear to be any explicit images in the WhatsApp messages – which mention Geri Halliwell – some are sexually suggestive in nature.
In a statement, Horner said: “I won’t comment on anonymous speculation, but to reiterate, I have always denied the allegations.
“I respected the integrity of the independent investigation and fully cooperated with it every step of the way.
“It was a thorough and fair investigation conducted by an independent specialist barrister and it has concluded, dismissing the complaint made.”
This comes just 24 hours after the three-week internal investigation by Red Bull into alleged inappropriate behaviour was concluded.
Horner, who has a six-year-old son with Geri and two children from a previous marriage, has always denied any wrongdoing.
Red Bull Racing’s Austrian parent company yesterday confirmed the woman’s claims had been thrown out – and a statement was released just minutes after Horner landed in the Gulf kingdom.
It said: “Red Bull can confirm that the grievance has been dismissed. 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 told press today he was “pleased” that the investigation had come to an end.
And wife Geri was reportedly “relieved and elated” as her husband was cleared of any wrongdoing.
She has been described as her husband’s rock throughout the process and was said to have insisted behind closed doors that he did nothing wrong.
The Red Bull Racing boss arrived smiling in Bahrain this morning for the F1 season opener – just two days before the first race.
He told Sky Sports today: “I’m just pleased that the process is over, I can’t comment about it.
“The focus is very much now on the Grand Prix and the season ahead and trying to defend both of our titles.
“I’m pleased to be here in Bahrain and with the team, focussed on the season ahead.
“The team has never been stronger.”
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