Following a probe, the Red Bull F1 team principal was found not to have engaged in “inappropriate behaviour” as the leaked pictures, messages and Google Drive email of Christian Horner went viral on Reddit
Following the Thursday revelation of purportedly sexually provocative WhatsApp communications from the Red Bull F1 chief, Christian Horner issued a forceful statement in response. After a three-week internal investigation headed by an outside attorney, the team principal was cleared of “inappropriate behaviour” on Wednesday. Horner strongly refuted the charges made by a female colleague, which led to the probe.
Red Bull’s Christian Horner pictures, WhatsApp chat messages and Google Drive leaked email go viral on Twitter/X and Reddit
Lewis Hamilton was robbed of 8th tite at Abu Dhabi 2021. What happened was a travesty of justice.
Worse is that Red bull racing and their management Christian Horner, Helmut Makro celebrated the win and mocked Lewis.
Here is pics of Naked Christian Horner. Karma is bitch pic.twitter.com/XEYDeWrxkA
— 2Jays (@2Jays5) March 1, 2024
However, just one day later, leaked WhatsApp texts and photos allegedly showing discussions between Horner and the accuser were sent to FIA president Mohammed Ben Sulayem, F1 chief executive Stefano Domenicali, the nine other team principals in the sport, and media representatives. The source remained unnamed. Although the leaked material—a Google Drive with 79 different documents—was accessed, its authenticity has not yet been verified.
Furthermore, it’s unclear now if the reported conversations were included in the probe or if they represent brand-new information. As his star driver Max Verstappen secured the pole position for the race on Saturday, the Red Bull CEO was in the Bahraini F1 paddock on Friday.
Horner responds to the allegations
On Friday, Horner met Ben Sulayem and Domenicali at the Bahrain track. After a drama that clouded the opening race of the 2024 season, it will be interesting to see how Formula One and the sport’s governing body handle the situation in the coming days.
Horner told the media in the paddock just before practice on Friday, saying, “I am not going to comment on anonymous speculation from unknown sources.” “We go racing,” he said in response to a question about what comes next.
Are these leaked #ChristianHorner messages legit..??? pic.twitter.com/n3nOailp7L
— Mariyah_slays (@mariaslays143) March 2, 2024
In response to the most recent development, Horner first issued a brief statement on Thursday night that he had always denied the allegations, but he would not comment on anonymous speculation. He fully cooperated with the investigation throughout, showing respect for its integrity. He further added that an independent specialist barrister carried out a comprehensive and equitable investigation, which has resulted in the dismissal of the complaint and he is still totally focused on the beginning of the season.
Statement from Red Bull
The parent company of Red Bull Racing, Red Bull GmbH, responded to the request for additional information by saying, “This is a private matter between Mr. Horner and another, and it would be inappropriate for Red Bull to comment on this.”
The FIA, which oversees the sport, may potentially find Horner in hot water because Ben Sulayem and Domenicali spoke about it on Friday in Bahrain.
Are these leaked #ChristianHorner messages legit..??? pic.twitter.com/ttztKBUt1o
— Hira khan (@hira_khans) March 1, 2024
Formula 1 competitors are subject to a set of regulations, which include Article 12.2, which states that any words, deeds, or writings that cause moral injury or loss to the FIA, its bodies, its members, or its executive officers, and more generally on the interest of motorsport and on the values defended by the FIA, could result in a competitor’s disqualification.