Red Bull F1 team boss Christian Horner denies allegations of inappropriate behaviour

Red Bull has launched an independent investigation into its Formula 1 team principal Christian Horner, who is accused of behaving inappropriately towards an unidentified member of Red Bull Racing – the race director denies these allegations.

“After being made aware of certain recent allegations, the company has launched an independent investigation (into Christian Horner),” Red Bull said in a statement seen by CNN’s Phil Duncan, an F1 correspondent for the Press Association in London.

“This process, which is already underway, is being conducted by outside counsel. The company takes these matters extremely seriously and the investigation will be completed as quickly as practically possible. It would not be appropriate to comment further at this time,” the statement said.

A report by Dutch news channel De Telegraaf on Monday said Horner had been accused of inappropriate behaviour towards a member of Red Bull Racing, according to several anonymous sources.

The report does not name the team member or describe the circumstances.

In an interview with CNN on Thursday, Horner denied allegations that he behaved inappropriately toward a member of the racing team.

“I, of course, completely deny the allegations made against me. There is an ongoing case that is obviously currently being investigated,” Horner told CNN on Thursday.

Asked if he had been told approximately when a decision would be announced, Horner said that was a company matter and he did not want to elaborate. “I can’t talk further about it, but I’m obviously working with that process.”

Horner became Red Bull’s team principal in 2005, making him the youngest person in Formula One. Since his appointment, he has led the team to great success – winning seven drivers’ championships – and last season the team defended its constructors’ title – the sixth under Horner – with six races to go.

This story has been updated with additional developments

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