Horner complaint dismissed after Red Bull GmbH investigation

A complaint against Red Bull Racing team principal Christian Horner’s behavior has been dismissed by an independent investigation, Red Bull GmbH has announced.

Red Bull GmbH — the global company that owns the Formula 1 team — publicly acknowledged the investigation into alleged inappropriate behavior from Horner earlier this month, with the process taking a number of weeks. A Red Bull spokesperson has now confirmed the investigation has been concluded and the complaint dismissed, with Horner continuing in his role as team principal and CEO of Red Bull Racing.

“The independent investigation into the allegations made against Mr Horner is complete, and Red Bull can confirm that the grievance has been dismissed,” the statement read. “The complainant has a right of appeal.

“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.”

The matter had been drawing plenty of focus during the F1 team’s launch in Milton Keynes and subsequent pre-season test in Bahrain, with Horner central to both and his presence leading to comments from rival team members. Prior to Wednesday’s statement, Lewis Hamilton had said “it does need to be resolved as it’s hanging over the sport,” while adding the outcome would be important for F1’s values. That followed Mercedes team principal Toto Wolff saying the then-ongoing investigation was “something that we need to look at, what the outcomes are and what it means for Formula 1, how we can learn from that”.

Also speaking before the investigation was concluded, McLaren Racing CEO Zak Brown said: “I just think it is important it is handled in a transparent way in which there is no doubt whatsoever that it has been handled appropriately.”

Horner maintained his innocence at all times in public, admitting the investigation had been a distraction during the build-up to the new season but later declining to comment on the process while it was ongoing.

The 50-year-old has led Red Bull Racing since its inception as a full constructor in 2005, overseeing seven drivers’ championships, six constructors’ titles and 113 race victories to date.