Christian Horner says 'intrusion' into family is 'enough' following Red Bull investigation
Speaking at a news conference, the Formula One team principal said allegations made against him had been fully investigated and dismissed
Christian Horner has said "intrusion" into his family life is "now enough" in the wake of Red Bull's investigation into “inappropriate behaviour” against the Formula One team principal.
Horner, 50, was allowed to remain in his role after Red Bull Racing’s parent company GmbH said last Wednesday the grievance against him had been dismissed.
Speaking at a press conference on Thursday, Horner said: “I am fortunate I have a beautiful family and a very supportive wife. It has been very trying, and very challenging.
“My wife has been hugely supportive, as has my family, but the intrusion on my family is now enough, and we need to move forward and focus on what we are here for.
“It is time now to focus on why we are here which is to go Formula One racing.”
It comes as the PA news agency understands the accuser, an employee of the Milton Keynes team, has now been suspended on full pay.
When asked about the development, Horner said: “I am afraid I can’t comment on anything that is confidential between an employee and the company.
“There is a grievance process that takes place in any company and that process is confidential between the individuals and the company itself.
“Due to those confidentiality (reasons) and out of respect to the company, and the other party, we are all bound by those same restrictions. So even if I would like to talk about it, I can’t because of those restrictions.”
Horner’s job has faced intense scrutiny in recent weeks following allegations against him made by a female colleague.
He has denied the claims and was cleared of any wrongdoing, but hundreds of WhatsApp messages, appearing to be exchanged between Horner and the complainant, were then leaked to the F1 world.
A Red Bull Racing spokesperson said: “We are unable to comment as it is an internal matter.”
On Wednesday, reigning F1 world champion Max Verstappen has said it would take something "crazy" for him to leave Red Bull, but stood by his father saying he is "not a liar" in light of the team's ongoing scandal.
His crisis-hit Red Bull team insists it remains “united” after Verstappen’s father, Jos, claimed it is “in danger of being torn apart” if boss Horner remains in his role.
Verstappen's future has been in doubt following the inner-team tension, with many suggesting the 26-year-old could be tempted away from Red Bull for the 2025 season.
But on Wednesday, he told reporters he is just "focusing on the driving bit".
"For my side I'm just focusing on the driving bit and I think that's the most important part for the team right now," the Dutchman said.
"Things must go really crazy (for him to leave Red Bull) but that's not the target for everyone."
Verstappen has dominated the sport for three consecutive years, winning back-to-back championships and setting the record for the most Grand Prix wins in a row (10).
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