Red bull boss Christian Horner cleared of misconduct on eve of new F1 season

Red Bull Formula One team boss Christian Horner will remain in his position after an internal investigation cleared him of wrongdoing after an allegation of misconduct.

Christian Horner was cleared of wrongdoing after an allegation of misconduct as Red Bull team principal. (Clive Mason/Getty Images/Red Bull Content Pool)

Horner arrived in Bahrain on Wednesday to the news that the complaint of misconduct had been dismissed, just hours before the season was due to start at the Sakhir circuit.

“The independent investigation into the allegations made against Mr. Horner is complete, and Red Bull can confirm that the grievance has been dismissed,” read a statement from the energy drink company.

“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.”

Horner had denied wrongdoing throughout the investigation, remaining in his role as the allegation of aggressive behaviour surfaced in the media.

A further allegation of inappropriate photos made by some publications was not substantiated.

The high-profile investigation led to a frantic reaction from team partners, including future engine supplier Ford.

The Associated Press reported that Ford CEO Jim Farley had personally written to Red Bull demanding the investigation be resolved.

It remains to be seen if the attention was a distraction for Horner and the team, who won all but one race in the 2023 season and have embarked on a radical redesign for 2024.

The 2024 Formula One season begins with Free Practice for the Bahrain Grand Prix on Thursday.