A folder allegedly containing leaked messages and photos from Christian Horner was leaked to journalists on Thursday. This development came after the Red Bull team principal was cleared of misconduct allegations on Wednesday at the conclusion of an internal investigation.
Following the first two free practice sessions ahead of the Bahrain Grand Prix, journalists in the paddock were sent a Google Drive folder containing what the sender claimed were WhatsApp messages and photos from Horner, sent to an unnamed employee, which have been seen by Express Sport. Red Bull have been contacted for comment regarding the matter.
The investigation into the allegations facing Horner became public knowledge at the start of February following a report from De Telegraaf. Red Bull then confirmed that an internal probe was ongoing with the help of an independent barrister and that a decision would be made when the process had been completed.
Red Bull bosses made the decision not to suspend Horner while the investigation was ongoing, and their team principal was present at the RB20 car launch event as well as in the garage for pre-season testing at the Sakhir International Circuit.
The decision came on Wednesday ahead of media duties for the Bahrain Grand Prix with Horner cleared to continue in his role at the conclusion of the investigation.
Red Bull then released a statement, reading: “The independent investigation into the allegations made against Mr Horner is complete, and Red Bull can confirm that the grievance has been dismissed. 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.”
This meant that Horner was present on the pit wall for the first two free practice sessions in Bahrain on Thursday, although the lack of transparency from Red Bull regarding the process of the investigation did attract some criticism from fellow members of the paddock, including Toto Wolff and Zak Brown.
Horner offered little insight when asked about the situation by Sky Sports F1, stating: “I’m just pleased that the process is over. I obviously can’t comment about it, but here, the focus is very much now on the Grand Prix and the season ahead and trying to defend both of our titles. I can’t give you any further comment, but the process has been conducted and concluded.”
