Helmut Marko has revealed that he is ‘surprised’ after learning that a series of alleged messages from Christian Horner had been leaked. The email from an anonymous account with a link to the messages was sent to F1 personnel and the wider media on Thursday.
After an extended investigation, Horner was cleared of inappropriate behaviour by an independent investigation set up by his F1 team’s parent company Red Bull GmbH on Wednesday. The team principal denied the accusations throughout and assisted the investigation.
Red Bull have insisted that the investigation was entirely independent, with a lawyer being instructed to conduct interviews with the 50-year-old and all others involved. In a statement that announced that the investigation had concluded, Red Bull insisted that the details of the investigation would not be made public due to the private nature of the information shared and to keep those who assisted the case anonymous.
But just 24 hours after Horner was cleared of wrongdoing by Red Bull, a series of alleged messages involving Horner have been leaked from an anonymous email sent to people in the Formula One sphere as well as the sporting media. Horner refused to comment on the matter, but Marko has since spoken out after being informed of the leaks.
Speaking to BILD via motorsport-total, the 80-year-old said: “I’m flabbergasted and surprised that the documents were leaked. I’ve never seen them myself.”
Horner was asked about the leaks when in attendance at Bahrain on Thursday, but the team principal refused to be drawn into commenting on the matter. He said: “I won’t comment on anonymous speculation. But, to reiterate, I have always denied the allegations.”
Express Sport has seen the content of the alleged messages involving Horner and Red Bull have been contacted for comment.
