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Red Bull Racing Formula 1 boss Christian Horner has been cleared by his team’s parent company following an investigation into allegations about his conduct.
Red Bull’s parent company launched an independent investigation led by an external specialist barrister after being made aware of unspecified allegations against Horner.
He has denied the claims and remained in his role as Red Bull Racing team principal and CEO while the investigation was carried out.
The allegations emerged in the week before Red Bull’s car launch and this has only now been resolved on the eve of the new season – meaning this issue has hung over the team’s pre-season preparations.
A Red Bull spokesperson said on Wednesday ahead of the Bahrain Grand Prix that “the grievance has been dismissed”.
“The complainant has a right of appeal,” Red Bull GmbH said.
“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.”
Though the statement makes no mention of the matter, The Race understands there is absolute certainty that Horner will now remain in his role.
Horner has led Red Bull Racing since it was created from Red Bull’s takeover of Jaguar ahead of the 2005 season, so is an F1 mainstay and one of the most influential and recognisable figures in the paddock – which is what made this such a high-profile pre-season saga.
The claim at the heart of this situation was clearly taken seriously enough to warrant a full and lengthy investigation, instigated at the parent company’s behest.
It fits a trend of Red Bull now paying more attention to the F1 team and treating it like a proper part of the business with greater accountability.
Though it was not the same severity as this, and resulted in less formal action, Helmut Marko had his own conduct scrutinised last year after making derogatory comments about Red Bull Racing driver Sergio Perez, and was forced to publicly apologise.
