Geri’s husband Horner cleared after ‘coercive behaviour’ claim
RACING boss Christian Horner will continue to lead Red Bull’s Formula One team after being cleared of inappropriate behaviour last night.
The husband of Spice Girl Geri Halliwell had been under investigation after being accused of ‘coercive behaviour’ by a female colleague.
But last night the F1 team’s parent company dismissed the allegations and said he could continue in his role.
Following the announcement, it is understood Horner was due to arrive in Bahrain last night, ahead of the Grand Prix season opener on Saturday. Horner, 50, had publicly denied the allegations at Red Bull’s 2024 F1 car launch in Milton Keynes, England, earlier this month.
As part of the inquiry, he was questioned by a barrister for eight hours on February 9.
In a statement released yesterday, Red Bull GmbH in Austria 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.
‘Red Bull will continue striving to meet the highest workplace standards.’
The exact nature of the complaints remains unknown.
The company said its 150-page report, produced after the barrister heard 60 hours of evidence, contains confidential and private information and that it would not be commenting further. There is a possibility the complainant could appeal against Red Bull’s decision.
Horner has been Red Bull team principal since it entered F1 19 years ago – leading the team as a 31-year-old in 2005.
He was then the youngest team principal on the grid and is now its longest-serving.
He has overseen seven drivers’ world championships and six constructors’ titles. Horner married Ms Halliwell, in 2015, and they have one child together. He was awarded a CBE for his services to motorsport in the UK’s New Year Honours list.
‘The grievance has been dismissed’