Journalists sent Google Drive link containing ‘Horner evidence’
A folder supposedly containing evidence against Red Bull’s investigation into Christian Horner has been leaked to Formula 1 journalists after the team principal was cleared of ‘inappropriate behavior’ ahead of the 2024 Bahrain Grand Prix.
There’s no added context to the evidence so far or confirmation of validity but we can confirm the folder has been sent, around 24 hours after parent company Red Bull GmbH released a statement saying they consider the Horner case closed unless there’s an appeal.
Associated Press journalist Jenna Fryer broke the news of the leak on Twitter, while veteran F1 reporter Joe Saward also took to social media to announce: “Well, we have full meltdown…. The F1 world has just been sent half the story. If the WHOLE story comes out it is going to be really ugly…”
The Google Drive contains multiple images of WhatsApp messages allegedly between Horner and a female Red Bull employee, as well as photos supposedly taken by Horner himself, and now has the attention of the FIA and F1 Management who are discussing the matter, say the BBC.
Some people are saying the images were AI generated and may not be real. We don’t know.
Horner later responded with 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 cooperated 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.”
“I won’t comment on anonymous speculation, but to reiterate, I have always denied the allegations,” he said.
“I respected the integrity of the independent investigation and fully cooperated 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.”
Red Bull released a statement on Wednesday evening concluding the investigation ahead of free practice beginning, but the evidence leak – if confirmed to be genuine – will at least keep the topic in the headlines for longer.
“The independent investigation into the allegations made against Mr Horner is complete, and Red Bull can confirm that the grievance has been dismissed,” Red Bull‘s statement closing the investigation read.
“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.”