Formula One world champion Max Verstappen has said his Red Bull boss Christian Horner is “probably a little bit distracted” as he faces more questions over its investigation into alleged inappropriate behaviour.
Team principal Horner, who is married to former Spice Girl Geri Halliwell, said he “won’t comment on anonymous speculation” after material reported to have been part of Red Bull’s recent probe into him was leaked.
The 50-year-old was placed under investigation following allegations of inappropriate behaviour towards a female colleague but has since been cleared.
Asked about the leaked material after he took pole position in qualifying in the first race of the season in Bahrain on Saturday, Verstappen said: “It’s not our business.
“When I look at how Christian operates within the team, he has been an incredible team boss, so absolutely from the performance side of things, you can’t even question that.
“So that’s what I am also dealing with. I speak to Christian a lot, and also of course throughout the weekend here he is fully committed to the team.
“He’s also here for the performance, of course probably a little bit distracted, but like I said before, we just focus on the performance things and that’s how we all work together.”
The material was leaked to numerous media organisations and F1 team principals from an anonymous email account, but has not been confirmed as genuine.
Verstappen in Bahrain on Thursday. Pic: AP
Horner subsequently released a statement, saying: “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 co-operated 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.”
Ahead of this weekend’s race, President of the FIA, Mohammed Ben Sulayem said any complaint lodged with its compliance officer would be investigated but it had not received one relating to Horner’s situation and would not “jump the gun”, according to the Financial Times.
“It’s damaging the sport,” Ben Sulayem told the newspaper. “This is damaging on a human level.”
Horner had denied the allegations throughout the process and was present at the team’s 2024 car launch and pre-season testing in Bahrain last week.
He had been questioned for eight hours by a lawyer on 9 February.
Red Bull confirms grievance dismissed
In a statement, Red Bull said: “The independent investigation into the allegations made against Mr Horner is complete, and Red Bull can confirm that the grievance has been dismissed.
“The complainant has a right of appeal. Red Bull is confident that the investigation has been fair, rigorous and impartial.
“The investigation report is confidential and contains the private information of the parties and third parties who assisted in the investigation, and therefore we will not be commenting further out of respect for all concerned.
“Red Bull will continue striving to meet the highest workplace standards.”
Geri Horner and Christian Horner arrive at the 2023 British Academy of Film and Television Arts (BAFTA) Film Awards at the Royal Festival Hall in London, Britain, February 19, 2023. REUTERS/Peter Nicholls
Horner has said his wife has been “very supportive” during the process. He also revealed he had been “overwhelmed” by messages of goodwill from within the sport.
He has been Red Bull team principal since they entered Formula One 19 years ago and is the longest-serving boss on the grid.
During that period he has overseen the team win seven drivers’ world championships and six constructors’ titles.
