Text messages and photos allegedly sent by Red Bull boss Christian Horner to a female employee have been leaked after he was cleared of wrongdoing ahead of the Bahrain Grand Prix

Australia

Christian Horner’s career in Formula 1 was plunged into a new crisis on Thursday evening when part of the WhatsApp conversations between him and a close female employee were leaked.

The leak of 79 screenshots of messages and photos was emailed to key figures in the sport ahead of the Bahrain Grand Prix. The sender was anonymous.

The bomb leak comes a day after the 50-year-old husband of former Spice Girl Geri Halliwell was cleared of ‘coercive conduct’ in an internal investigation conducted by Red Bull’s parent company in Salzburg.

The Englishman was free to stay on as team boss of the world championship-winning team on a salary of £8 million a year.

The leak, which included hundreds of WhatsApp messages, was sent to leading F1 figures including FIA president Mohammad Ben Sulayem and F1 chief executive Stefano Domenicali. All team chiefs were also taken over, together with the father of star driver Max Verstappen, Jos.

Christian Horner was acquitted on Wednesday of ‘coercive behavior towards female employee’

Alleged text messages that 50-year-old Horner sent to the female employee have been leaked

Red Bull launched the investigation into Horner, husband of ex-Spice Girl Geri Halliwell, on February 5

Throughout the investigation, he had maintained his innocence and insisted he wasn’t going anywhere

Shortly after messages and photos were leaked, Horner released a statement saying, “I will not comment on anonymous speculation, but I repeat: 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, carried out by an independent, specialist lawyer, and the conclusion is that the complaint submitted has been dismissed.

‘I remain fully focused on the start of the season.’

The parent company of the world champion team, Red Bull GmbH in Salzburg, which launched the investigation on February 5, said on Wednesday: ‘The The independent investigation into the allegations 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 the private information of the parties and third parties who participated in the investigation. Out of respect for all involved, we will therefore make no further comment. Red Bull will continue to strive to meet the highest standards in the workplace.”

Former pop star Geri (left) was devastated by the shock to their lives as a result of the claims

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 it.

‘The focus now is very much on the Grand Prix and the coming season and on defending both our titles.’

Asked if he felt this was the end of the matter, the Red Bull chief replied: ‘I cannot comment further, but the process has been carried out and completed. I am happy to be here in Bahrain and looking forward to the coming season.

‘The unity in the team has never been stronger.’

Horner, who remained silent throughout the investigation, has won 13 world championships since taking charge of the team in 2005 at the age of 31. He was the youngest team boss on the grid at the time, but is now the longest-serving.

Reigning world champion Max Verstappen was questioned ahead of the Bahrain Grand Prix about whether Red Bull’s investigation into Horner had affected or changed the team’s preparations for the season.

The Dutchman emphasized that his focus has not changed and replied: ‘That is not the case. I am very focused on the performance of the car and myself.

Horner embraces three-time champion Verstappen in Bahrain ahead of the 2024 curtain-raiser

Max Verstappen emphasized that he and Red Bull had not changed their preparations during the investigation

THE BATTLE FOR HORNER’S LIFE

Febb 5 Red Bull’s parent company, GmbH Confirm Horner, is under investigation following an allegation of ‘inappropriate behaviour’.

February 9th Horner is interrogated for eight hours by a QC in London.

15 February Horner appears at the Red Bull car launch and swears it’s ‘business as normal’.

February 20 Despite the ongoing investigation, he flies to Bahrain for a test week.

February 22 Horner declined to comment on the investigation at a press conference, but asked for “a conclusion as soon as possible.”

February 28 Red Bull GmbH announces that ‘the complaint has been rejected’.

February 29 Horner breaks silence on the investigation and insists that Red Bull has ‘never been stronger’ after he was acquitted.

February 29 Text messages and photos allegedly sent by Horner have been leaked.

‘Hopefully it will be resolved soon. It is a team effort that requires everyone to stick together and work towards greater success. That is why it is important to get everything resolved as quickly as possible.

“(Horner) is very important, otherwise he wouldn’t have been in that position for so long.”

Former Spice Girl sensation Geri, mother of their seven-year-old son Monty, stood firmly behind Horner throughout the ordeal. She is said to be ‘devastated’ by the shock the investigation has had on their lives.

It is understood she could join him in Bahrain to watch the start of the 2024 Formula 1 campaign.