Christian Horner's Formula 1 career was plunged into a new crisis on Thursday evening when a tranche of WhatsApp exchanges was allegedly leaked between him and a close associate.
Ahead of the Bahrain Grand Prix, 79 screenshots of messages and images were emailed to key figures in the sport. The sender was anonymous.
The shocking revelation came a day after former Spice Girl Geri Halliwell's 50-year-old husband was cleared of “coercive behavior” in an internal investigation by Red Bull's parent company in Salzburg.
The Englishman was free to remain as team boss of the world champion team with an annual salary of £8 million.
The leak, which contained hundreds of WhatsApp messages, was sent to top Formula 1 figures, including FIA President Mohammad Ben Sulayem and Formula 1 CEO Stefano Domenicali. All team bosses were also taken over, as was the father of star driver Max Verstappen, Jos.
Christian Horner was acquitted on Wednesday of “coercive behavior towards female employees”.
Alleged text messages that 50-year-old Horner sent to the employee were leaked
Red Bull opened an investigation into Horner, the husband of ex-Spice Girl Geri Halliwell, on February 5th
He had maintained his innocence throughout the investigation and insisted he was not going anywhere
Shortly after messages and photos were leaked, Horner released a statement saying, “I will not comment on anonymous speculation, but to reiterate, I have always denied the allegations.”
“I respected the integrity of the independent investigation and cooperated fully with it every step of the way.”
“It was a thorough and fair investigation conducted by independent counsel and concluded that the complaint filed was dismissed.”
“I’m still fully focused on the start of the season.”
The world champion team's parent company, Red Bull GmbH in Salzburg, which launched the investigation on February 5, said on Wednesday: “The independent investigation into the allegations made against Mr Horner has been completed and Red Bull can confirm that the complaint has been dismissed.”
“The complainant has the right to appeal. Red Bull is confident that the investigation was fair, rigorous and impartial.
“The investigation report is confidential and contains private information of the parties and third parties who participated in the investigation. Therefore, out of respect for everyone involved, we will have no further comment.” “Red Bull will continue to strive to meet the highest workplace standards.”
Former pop star Geri (left) was devastated by the shock the allegations caused her life
Horner broke his silence on the completed investigation on Thursday morning as Red Bull prepared for the Bahrain Grand Prix.
Horner told Sky Sports on Thursday morning: “I'm just glad the process is over, I can't comment on that.”
“The focus is now very much on the Grand Prix and the coming season as well as on defending our two titles.”
When asked whether he thought the matter was closed, the Red Bull boss replied: “I can't give you any further comment, but the process has been carried out and completed.” I'm happy to be here in Bahrain and look to the coming season.
“The solidarity in the team has never been so strong.”
Horner, who remained silent throughout the investigation, has won 13 world championships since leading the team in 2005 as a 31-year-old. At that time he was the youngest team boss in the starting field, today he is the longest-serving.
Reigning world champion Max Verstappen was asked ahead of the Bahrain Grand Prix whether Red Bull's investigation into Horner had influenced or changed the team's preparations for the season.
The Dutchman insisted his focus hasn't changed, replying: “It doesn't.” I'm very focused on the performance of the car and myself.
Horner hugs three-time champion Verstappen in Bahrain ahead of the 2024 opener
Max Verstappen emphasized that he and Red Bull had not changed their preparations during the investigation
THE FIGHT FOR HORNER'S LIFE
February 5: Red Bull's parent company GmbH confirms that Horner is being investigated over allegations of “inappropriate behavior.”
February 9: Horner is interrogated for eight hours by a KC in London.
February 15 Horner appears at the Red Bull car launch and swears: “It’s business as usual.”
February 20: Despite the ongoing investigation, he flies to Bahrain for the test week.
February 22 Horner refuses to comment on the investigation at a press conference, but asks for “an early conclusion.”
February 28: Red Bull GmbH announces that “the complaint has been dismissed.”
February 29 Horner breaks his silence on the investigation and insists Red Bull have “never been stronger” after being acquitted.
February 29: Text messages and photos allegedly sent by Horner are leaked.
“Hopefully it will be resolved very soon.” It is a team effort where everyone has to stick together and work for greater success. That's why it's important to resolve everything as quickly as possible.
“(Horner) is very important, otherwise he wouldn’t have been in this position for so long.”
Former Spice Girls sensation Geri, mother of her seven-year-old son Monty, stood by Horner steadfastly throughout the ordeal. She is said to be “devastated” by the impact the investigation has had on her life.
It is understood she could accompany him to Bahrain to watch the start of the 2024 Formula 1 season.