Official: Red Bull rules out any dismissal of Christian Horner, cleared of investigation
It's official, Red Bull has confirmed that after its investigations, Christian Horner will not be implicated and will be able to continue in his role as team principal.
It was therefore expected by the end of the day and Red Bull has decided to communicate on the subject this Wednesday evening, at 7 p.m. local time. Christian Horner has been cleared of the investigation against him. Red Bull has found no evidence of inappropriate behavior by the director of its Formula 1 team, despite the allegations of one of its employees.
The headquarters of Red Bull in Austria has released a statement: The independent investigation into the allegations against Mr. Horner is completed and Red Bull can confirm that the complaint has been dismissed. The complainant has the right to appeal.
Red Bull explained that they had hired a lawyer to analyze the information from both parties. The investigation included interviews with the people at the center of the case and lasted several weeks. Many sponsors, including the FIA and Liberty Media, were eagerly awaiting the outcome of this investigation.
The plaintiff not being identified, no media got to have his version of the facts. On his side, the team principal, Horner, also did not comment on the case, deflecting during the press conference, stating that the investigation had been conducted fairly, rigorously, and impartially.
Red Bull explained that the investigation report is confidential and contains private information about the parties and third parties who participated in the investigation, and therefore, we will not make any further comments out of respect for all those involved.
Aware of the negative impact this case could have on its image, the company wishes to emphasize that it will continue to strive to meet the highest standards of work.
Horner’s whitewashing puts an end to a few difficult weeks for him, where he was at the center of intense media speculation and questions about his future.
What about the employee?
The person who reported this case is not known to the press. Red Bull has also not provided any information on the future career of this employee. Is she still in her position at the moment? Has an agreement been reached to close the case? No information on that front.
A few weeks ago, the media reported that Christian Horner had offered a compensation of 600,000 euros.
Speaking at the launch of Red Bull earlier this month, Horner admitted that the events had been tough for him and the team.
The next team principals press conference, this Thursday, will inevitably see Christian Horner being asked questions related to this investigation.
