“No smoke without fire”: F1 world reacts to Christian Horner’s investigation statement released by Red Bull

Red Bull GmbH has released a statement concerning the appeal against its F1 team principal Christian Horner surrounding the allegations of controlling behavior. The appeal made by the complainant was not upheld following an investigation carried out by an independent King's Counsel.

Before the 2024 F1 season kicked off, Red Bull confirmed that Horner was under investigation after a complaint was raised by a female employee. The investigation was carried out by an independent KC (separate from the KC involved in the appeal process), who dismissed the allegations against the 50-year-old Briton, who had always denied the allegations.

Following the decision, the complainant was suspended by the team, who later appealed the decision in March. The outcome of the appeal has now emerged as Red Bull GmbH confirmed in a statement that all stages of the appeal process were complete and that the complainant's appeal had been denied.

The latest update on the Christian Horner saga inspired mixed reactions from F1 fans. A majority demanded more transparency on the investigation, with one X user suggesting that there has to be much more to the matter. They wrote:

"No smoke without fire."

Another X user wondered if the female employee could appeal to a court.

"This is still just their internal grievance process though, correct? A court case or tribunal can still be raised?"

"A fake case, he is a family man," a comment read questioning the validity of the allegations.

Here are a few other reactions to the latest update on the allegations surrounding Christian Horner:

"Time for her to tell her story to the papers," a comment read.

"External process time," another X user commented.

"So Red Bull conduct their own investigation into their own team principal and dismiss all charges? 🤔" another X user pondered.

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Red Bull GmbH's statement on the allegations surrounding Christian Horner

Red Bull GmbH released a press statement on August 8 following the conclusion of the appeal process conducted by an independent KC. The statement confirmed that the appeal was not upheld and the internal process was complete.

The statement released by the organization read (via Sky Sports F1):

"Earlier this year a complaint raised against Christian Horner was investigated. That complaint was dealt with through the company's grievance procedure by the appointment of an independent KC who dismissed the grievance."

"The complainant exercised the right to appeal, and the appeal was carried out by another independent KC. All stages of the appeal process have now been concluded, with the final outcome that the appeal is not being upheld. The KC's conclusions have been accepted and adopted by Red Bull. The internal process has concluded."

Red Bull GmbH had previously suspended the employee on full pay. Christian Horner continues to serve his role as the CEO and team principal of Red Bull Racing.

Midway through the 2024 F1 season, Red Bull continues to lead both the drivers and the constructors' standings, with McLaren closing down on its lead at a rapid rate.