Red Bull team principal Christian Horner has spoken out about the investigation launched against him over allegations of ‘inappropriate conduct.’
Horner was investigated by an independent barrister after a female employee accused him of sexual misconduct, but was cleared of any wrongdoings prior to the Bahrain Grand Prix last week.
A Google Drive folder containing unverified evidence, including chat screenshots and images of the team principal, was leaked last weekend, but no action has been taken against Horner.
Then, the female employee who made the complaint was suspended by Red Bull on Thursday.
Speaking with the media, Horner said that the investigation drama “has been a very trying period.”
“I am married and have three children, and when that intrusion includes your children and the scrutiny it has placed on my marriage…
“And I am very fortunate that I have a beautiful family and a very supportive wife,” Horner added.
“I’m the only one who has been named in this, so, of course, it is very trying, very challenging.
“When there are children involved, when there are families, parents, etcetera involved, it is not pretty and the reality is that there was a grievance that was raised, it was dealt with in the most professional manner by the group – not by Red Bull Racing but by Red Bull GmbH.
“They appointed an independent KC, who is one of the most reputable KCs in the land, he took time to investigate all of the facts fully, he interviewed all of the people involved together with others of interest.
“He looked at everything, he looked at all of the facts and he came to a conclusion where he dismissed the grievance.”
Horner said he wishes to move on from the controversy, and praised his wife, Geri, for being “phenomenally supportive throughout” the investigation.
“The intrusion on my family is now enough,” he said. “We need to move forward and focus on what we are here for.”
Horner also criticized coverage on the media, saying “an awful lot has been made out of this.”
“It has been of great interest in different elements of the media for different reasons. I think the time now is to look forward and draw a line under it,” he concluded.