Geri Halliwell, the former Spice Girl, is said to be “relieved and elated” after her husband, Red Bull Racing team principal Christian Horner, was cleared of allegations of inappropriate behaviour made by a female colleague. Red Bull GmbH, the parent company, announced the conclusion of an independent investigation on Wednesday, stating the grievance had been dismissed.
The investigation was launched on 5 February following a claim against Horner, who has emphatically denied any wrongdoing throughout the process. Red Bull GmbH said it was confident the probe had been “fair, rigorous and impartial”, but noted that the report, believed to run to 150 pages, remains confidential.
A source told The Sun that the ordeal had been “weeks of hell” for Horner and his family, and that Halliwell had been “rock solid” in her support. The source added that while the family feels relief, there is little inclination to celebrate given the strain endured. Horner’s focus is now back on racing.
Horner, 50, has been Red Bull team principal since the team entered Formula 1 19 years ago, overseeing seven drivers’ world championships and six constructors’ titles. During the investigation, he continued to attend official Red Bull events, including a car launch in Milton Keynes, describing the situation as “business as usual”.
The complainant has a right of appeal, Red Bull confirmed. Lewis Hamilton, seven-time world champion, commented earlier on Wednesday that the sport must ensure a safe and inclusive environment, adding that the matter needed resolution as it was “hanging over the sport”.
