Christian Horner: Red Bull team principal denies claims again after alleged messages leak

Red Bull team principal Christian Horner has again denied allegations of inappropriate behaviour after a series of alleged messages were leaked.

Horner was cleared on Wednesday after an internal investigation into his behaviour towards a female colleague.

An anonymous email with a link to messages purporting to involve Horner was sent to Formula 1 personnel and media on Thursday.

"I won't comment on anonymous speculation," said Horner.

"But, to reiterate, I have always denied the allegations."

A drive of messages was on a link in the email, which was sent to 149 people involved in the sport.

On Friday FIA president Mohammed Ben Sulayem and Formula 1 chief executive Stefano Domenicali were due to meet, as they do at every race, and were expected to discuss Horner.

Horner's statement added: "I respected the integrity of the independent investigation and fully co-operated with it every step of the way.

"It was a thorough and fair investigation conducted by an independent specialist barrister and it has concluded, dismissing the complaint made. I remain fully focused on the start of the season."

A spokesperson for Red Bull GmbH, the parent company of the F1 team, said on Thursday: "This is a private matter between Mr Horner and another and it would be inappropriate for Red Bull to comment on this."

Red Bull GmbH declined to reveal any information about the internal investigation.

Its statement on Wednesday said: "Red Bull is confident that the investigation has been fair, rigorous and impartial.

"The investigation report is confidential and contains the private information of the parties and third parties who assisted in the investigation, and therefore we will not be commenting further out of respect for all concerned. Red Bull will continue striving to meet the highest workplace standards."

On Thursday at the Bahrain Grand Prix, Mercedes and McLaren bosses Toto Wolff and Zak Brown called for more transparency from Red Bull on the investigation.

The messages have been brought to the attention of governing body the FIA and it is discussing the matter with F1 management.

5 February: Red Bull announces investigation into Horner after complaint of inappropriate and controlling behaviour is made against him. Horner tells Dutch newspaper De Telegraaf, external "I completely deny these claims."

11 February: Horner is interviewed by lawyer for several hours but hearing finishes without resolution.

15 February: Red Bull launch car for 2024 F1 season and Horner tells the BBC the investigation is "a distraction" for his team.

21 February: Mercedes team principal Toto Wolff calls for investigation to be transparent.

28 February: Horner is cleared following internal investigation and Red Bull says he will remain in his role as team principal and chief executive.

29 February: As first practice at the Bahrain Grand Prix begins, Horner tells Sky Sports unity within Red Bull team has never been stronger. Later that day, Horner reiterates his denial of allegations after a series of alleged messages were leaked to F1 personnel and media.