LONDON: Red Bull team chief Christian Horner was cleared Wednesday of wrongdoing following an investigation into complaints of inappropriate behavior against him made by a female team member.
A statement from Austrian energy drinks brand Red Bull, the parent company of the world champion Formula One team, said the 鈥済rievance has been dismissed.鈥�
Horner, who has been team principal since 2005, denied the allegations made against him and was subjected to a lengthy interview by an independent London lawyer acting as investigator, who submitted a report to Red Bull.
The lawyer鈥檚 report was delivered on Tuesday and has been considered by Red Bull directors.
In a statement, Red Bull GmbH said: 鈥淭he independent investigation into the allegations made against Mr.Horner is complete and Red Bull can confirm that the grievance has been dismissed.
鈥淭he complainant has a right of appeal. Red Bull is confident that the investigation has been fair, rigorous and impartial.
鈥淭he 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.
鈥淩ed Bull will continue striving to meet the highest workplace standards.鈥�
Horner flew to Bahrain from London on Wednesday, but was not present at the circuit for a media day ahead of the season-opening Bahrain Grand Prix this weekend.
He is expected to be on the pit wall for the opening practice sessions on Thursday.
Dutch newspaper De Telegraaf reported the allegation of 鈥渋nappropriate behavior鈥� by a female member of staff for the British-based team earlier this month.
Asked about the accusations, Horner, 50, told De Telegraaf: 鈥淚 completely deny these claims.鈥�
Formula One chiefs had said they wanted the issue resolved at the 鈥渆arliest opportunity.鈥�
Mercedes team chief Toto Wolff described the investigation as 鈥渁n issue for all of Formula One鈥� and called for transparency.
Under Horner鈥檚 guidance, Red Bull have become the dominant force in Formula One, with Max Verstappen winning the past three drivers鈥� titles.
Horner, who is married to former Spice Girl Geri Halliwell, has been in charge of the team since they entered Formula One 19 years ago.
During that time he has overseen seven drivers鈥� world championships and six constructors鈥� titles.
Red Bull dominated the 2023 season, winning 21 of the 22 races as Verstappen defended his drivers鈥� crown.