Christian Horner insists he ‘has the support of his incredible wife’ Geri Halliwell after she joined him in Bahrain amid the scandal surrounding the Red Bull boss.
Horner was under investigation after an employee of the Red Bull F1 team accused him of ‘inappropriate behaviour’, but he was cleared of the allegations on the eve of the 2024 season.
The scandal is far from over however after many texts and images related to the probe were leaked to the media and F1 personnel.
Former Spice Girl Halliwell, who married Horner in 2015, has been an ever present at F1 grand prix over the last few years, but there were doubt she would show for the 2024 season opener in Bahrain with the saga putting great strain on her and their relationship.
However, she did fly into the Gulf state on Saturday and was by her husband’s side before and after the race, which was won by Red Bull’s Max Verstappen.
Post-race, Horner was defiant that he would remain in charge of the team he has run since its inception in 2005, and later thanked his wife, family and the Red Bull team for their support in what he called ‘unpleasant’ times.
‘I’m not going to comment on what motives, whatever person may have for doing this [leaking the confidential materials],’ the 50-year-old told the media.
Christian Horner investigation timeline
How the scandal has unfolded…
– Red Bull confirm investigation into Horner over ‘controlling behaviour’ allegations
– Horner grilled by independent lawyer during eight-hour hearing
– Horner attends Red Bull’s 2024 car launch and publicly addresses allegations for first time – says he ‘fully denies’ any wrongdoing
– Fresh allegations emerge in Dutch Newspaper De Telegraaf suggesting Horner sent messages of a ‘suggestive nature’ to a female employee
– Horner attends Formula 1 pre-season testing in Bahrain – says: ‘We hope there is a resolution as soon as possible’
– Sixth series of F1: Drive to Survive releases on Netflix – Horner and wife Geri Halliwell feature in docuseries
– Horner cleared of allegations – Red Bull say: ‘The investigation is complete and the grievance has been dismissed. The complainant has a right of appeal’
– Formula 1 season gets underway with the Bahrain Grand Prix
– WhatsApp messages and images supposedly between Horner and the complainant were leaked to the media and F1 personnel
– Horner summoned for showdown talks with F1 CEO Stefano Domenicali and FIA President Mohammed Ben Sulayem
‘My focus is on this team, my family, my wife and going racing. I have the support of an incredible family, of an incredible wife, of an incredible team and everybody within that team and my focus is on going racing and winning races and doing the best that I can.
‘Obviously it’s not been pleasant. The unwanted attention, but the focus is now very much on the cars.
‘My focus has very much been on what’s going on on track and the result today I think demonstrates where the whole team’s focus is and we move onwards.’
Christian Horner investigation – what we know
- Red Bull team principal Christian Horner was under investigation over allegations of ‘controlling behaviour’.
- Allegations made by female employee of Red Bull concern Horner’s ‘strict and controlling work regime’.
- Horner said he ‘fully denies any accusations’, and was reportedly ‘shocked and disturbed’ by the allegations.
- 50-year-old is married to former Spice Girl Geri Halliwell.
- Halliwell said to be in ‘floods of tears’ over investigation but will stand by her husband despite warnings of a potential ‘toxic tinge’.
- Horner attended Red Bull’s 2024 car launch at the team’s HQ in Milton Keynes and publicly addressed allegations for first time.
- Hearing has been held into the matter, with independent lawyer handing in a 150 page dossier to Red Bull.
- Horner was cleared of allegations on eve of new F1 season with Red Bull saying: ‘The investigation is complete and the grievance has been dismissed. The complainant has a right of appeal.’
- WhatsApp messages and images supposedly between Horner and the complainant were leaked to the media and F1 personnel – Metro have seen the material but cannot comment on what they detail.
- Horner has met with F1’s CEO and the President of the FIA following the leaked messages, which have left Halliwell ‘stunned and humiliated’.
- Lewis Hamilton described investigation as ‘a really important moment for the sport – to make sure that we stand true to our values.’
Horner yet again would not comment on the leaks, maintaining that he has been ‘100%’ vindicated by the outcome of the investigation.
The 50-year-old added: ‘There was a full, lengthy internal process that was completed by an independent KC. And the grievance that was raised was dismissed.
‘End of. Move on. I’m not going to comment on anonymous, speculative messages from an unknown source.
‘My focus is on racing. What people choose to write is up to them. But my focus coming out of this weekend is on the next race in seven days time in Saudi Arabia.’
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