Following an internal investigation and weeks of speculation, Red Bull Racing team principal Christian Horner was cleared of any wrongdoing Wednesday after allegations of inappropriate and controlling behavior. The 50-year-old was cleared by the team’s parent company, Red Bull GmbH.
Horner, who has led the Red Bull Racing team since its first race in 2005, was accused of inappropriate and controlling behavior by a female colleague at the UK-based team. However her allegations were dismissed following an independent investigation, reports BBC Sport.
In a statement shared with BBC Sport, Red Bull said that it was confident the investigation into the allegations had been “fair, rigorous and impartial.” As the site reports:
“The independent investigation into the allegations made against Mr Horner is complete, and Red Bull can confirm that the grievance has been dismissed,” added [a Red Bull] spokesperson.
“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.”
While the BBC reports that the complainant has the right to appeal the findings of the inquiry, it’s expected that its conclusion means that Horner will remain in his position as CEO of Red Bull Racing into the 2024 season.
The inquiry into Horner’s behavior as team principle of the Milton Keynes-based team was first announced more than three weeks ago. In the time since, Horner has been questioned by an independent barrister and an estimated 100 pages of evidence has been evaluated while as the team’s parent company looked into the issue.
While the investigation took shape, members of the F1 paddock and the sport’s wider community questioned the silence coming out of Red Bull. Team bosses at Mclaren and Mercedes called for transparency from Red Bull, while future engine partner Ford voiced its frustration with the team.
Now, the issue has been settled just in time for the start of the 2024 Formula 1 season. Teams and drivers are now in Bahrain for the first race of the year, which kicks off on Saturday at 10 am Eastern Time.