Red Bull team boss Christian Horner under investigation over alleged misconduct

Red Bull says it is investigating F1 team boss Christian Horner over an allegation of misconduct toward a team employee.

Red Bull is investigating team boss Christian Horner over alleged misconduct toward a team employee. (File/Brendan Smialowski/AFP/Getty Images)

“After being made aware of certain recent allegations, the company launched an independent investigation,” read a statement from the energy drink manufacturer.

“This process, which is already underway, is being carried out by an external specialist barrister.”

“The company takes these matters extremely seriously and the investigation will be completed as soon as practically possible. It would not be appropriate to comment further at this time.”

Dutch outlet De Telegraaf first reported the investigation with “multiple sources” confirming it focused on alleged aggressive behaviour based on the report of a sole complainant.

Christian Horner has denied any wrongdoing.

While details were not immediately made public, a further report in Bild added that “Horner is said to have sent photos to an employee.”

The Telegraaf reports that the accusations arose amid a tense period in the team with a growing power struggle between Horner and Helmut Marko, team director.

"I won't say anything about it,” Marko told Motorsport-Total.

Geri Haliwell and Christian Horner at the Hahnenkamm ski race in 2015. (File/Hannes Magerstaedt/Getty Images)

The Times reported the team had confirmed the complaint included “inappropriate, controlling behaviour,” with F1 Insider adding that the rumours arose at the Hahnenkamm ski race in Austria in the presence of F1 decision makers as well as McLaren boss Zak Brown and Mercedes head Toto Wolff.

Horner attended the race in 2015 with then-girlfriend Geri Halliwell, who he married later that year.

The 50-year-old has been permitted to continue working ahead of the 2024 Formula 1 season, which commences next month in Bahrain.

Red Bull is due to launch their 2024 challenger on February 15 with a presentation focused on the team’s 20th anniversary.

Horner has been Red Bull team principal since it entered the sport in 2005, taking the team to six constructors’ championships and seven drivers’ titles.