Christian Horner dismisses "anonymous speculation" after misconduct investigation

Red Bull team principal Christian Horner has dismissed “anonymous speculation” and denied any misconduct after an alleged cache of evidence against him was distributed on Thursday.

Christian Horner greets Red Bull driver Max Verstappen in Bahrain. (Clive Rose/Getty Images/Red Bull Content Pool)

Horner had faced a misconduct investigation from parent company Red Bull, who had dismissed the grievance on the eve of the season-opening grand prix in Bahrain.

Despite the outcome of the investigation, a collection of screenshots purporting to be evidence against Horner was sent to journalists during Free Practice 2 on Thursday evening in Sakhir.

The files have not been seen by RACEWEEK and Horner denies any wrongdoing.

“I won’t comment on anonymous speculation, but to reiterate, I have always denied the allegations,” said Horner in a statement.

“I respected the integrity of the independent investigation and fully cooperated with it every step of the way.”

“It was a thorough and fair investigation conducted by an independent specialist barrister and it has concluded, dismissing the complaint made.”

“I remain fully focused on the start of the season.”

Details of the complaint have never been made public, with Red Bull stating that while the claim had been dismissed, the complainant had a right to appeal the decision.

That statement, part of the outcome of the investigation, came on Wednesday night as Horner arrived in Bahrain.

The documents, a Google Drive folder with screenshots purporting to be evidence proving workplace misconduct by Horner, was sent on Thursday evening to F1 accredited journalists and key F1 personnel, including Liberty Media, the FIA, and other team principals, reported The Associated Press.