Christian Horner has won the fight of his life after being cleared of ‘coercive behaviour’ following an investigation into the Red Bull team principal.
The Case of Misconduct
The 50-year-old husband of ex-Spice Girl Geri Halliwell had faced allegations over his conduct towards a female employee. It remains to be seen whether he will stay in his £8million-a-year job.
Case is Dismissed
In a statement, the team’s parent company, Red Bull GmbH in Salzburg, 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.
Details of The Investigation
‘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.’
The allegations were made by a close colleague, with Red Bull GmbH in Salzburg, confirming an internal investigation on February 5.
How The Internal Investigation Unfolded
They appointed a London KC to lead the inquiry. He heard 60 hours of evidence, including at least eight hours from Horner in a single day, before producing the crucial 150-page report that went before the wider company’s board on Wednesday.
Horner was awaiting their adjudication as he took his private jet on the 3,000-mile trip from the UK to Bahrain for the opening race of the season this Saturday.
He was said to be in good spirits as the day developed, hoping his name would be cleared on landing in the Gulf kingdom this afternoon. He did not turn up at the paddock.
Wife Stands by Him
Former popstar Geri, mother of their seven-year-old son Monty, has stood resolutely by him throughout the ordeal. She is said to be ‘devastated’ by the jolt to their lives, which they split between their farmhouse (and stables) in Oxfordshire and a home in North London.
