01 March,2024 07:26 AM IST | Bahrain | AFP
Red Bull Racing’s Max Verstappen during practice for the season-opening Bahrain GP at the Sakhir circuit yesterday
Red Bull team principal Christian Horner was under renewed pressure on Friday after private messages allegedly between him and a female staff member were leaked to Formula One officials and journalists. Horner, 50, was cleared by the team on Wednesday after an internal investigation into his behaviour towards a female colleague and has vehemently denied the accusations against him.
On Thursday, a file of messages and pictures was emailed to leading figures in Formula One and dozens of international news organisations, including AFP, from an anonymous source. It is not known if the contents of the file, which cannot be revealed for legal reasons, formed part of the accusations against him.
Red Bull's team principal Christian Horner during the third practice session of the Bahrain Grand Prix yesterday. Pics/AFP
Horner, who was on Friday supervising Red Bull's cars in qualifying for the season-opening Bahrain Grand Prix, which takes place on Saturday, said: "I won't comment on anonymous speculation, but to reiterate, I have always denied the allegations. I respected the integrity of the independent investigation and fully cooperated with it every step of the way.
ALSO READ
Rich nations offer USD 300 billion annually after 10 years to Global South
Trump taps Rollins as agriculture chief, completing proposed slate of Cabinet secretaries
Israeli strikes in central Beirut kill at least 20 as diplomats push for cease-fire
After bypoll win, SP leader says will visit temples, churches, gurdwaras for supporters
What to know about Pam Bondi, Trump's new pick for attorney general
Fair investigation
"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." Red Bull's parent company suggested the team believed the email of allegations sent on Thursday amounted to a private matter. "This is a private matter between Mr Horner and another and it would be inappropriate for Red Bull to comment on this," a spokesperson for Red Bull GmbH said.
Wife Geri extends support
Horner is believed to have been supported during the investigation by his wife, Geri, a member of the Spice Girls pop group.
This story has been sourced from a third party syndicated feed, agencies. Mid-day accepts no responsibility or liability for its dependability, trustworthiness, reliability and data of the text. Mid-day management/mid-day.com reserves the sole right to alter, delete or remove (without notice) the content in its absolute discretion for any reason whatsoever
