An internal investigation into alleged accusations of inappropriate behavior made against Christian Horner by a female Red Bull employee has been dismissed following an intense investigation by the team’s parent organization, Red Bull GmbH, Austria. Red Bull GmbH released a short statement confirming that the grievance complaint has been dismissed and that the complainant has the right to appeal.

Red Bull GmbH released no further specifics regarding how it reached the verdict due to confidentiality and privacy assurances. On a purely speculative basis, the complainant, who is not named, could opt for alternative action by pursuing a civil case if she feels aggrieved by the decision.

In the lead-up to today’s verdict, Horner was under a cloud of suspicion, casting a shadow over him and Formula One. Numerous media reports cited circumstantial evidence without offering any substantiation; much of what was being disseminated in the F1 media amounted to nothing more than gossip.

While we thoroughly enjoy lampooning Horner and Red Bull, I must confess that we had prepared the banner title “Christian Locker Room Talk Horner Guilty” in the event the allegations being proven. The gossip I allude to should be labelled as lies, as the media often spreads falsehoods.

Lying has long been the preferred business model in publishing, from the early days of printing presses to modern digital platforms. The current news cycle prioritizes clicks, as higher click rates generate increased ad revenue streams. Horner found himself ensnared in this modern publishing blitzkrieg.

Horner is free to resume his Red Bull career without impediments. However, it’s often the case that such allegations often leave the accused with a stigma that never fully dissipates. Does this verdict mark the conclusion of the matter?

If there is evidence out there or it has been suppressed, this case could continue to unfold, either with a civil action or perhaps possibly with the prospect of unofficial leaks piling pressure on Christian Horner. The F1 paddock and the F1 media circus often know more than what is being reported.

Update: 20/02/2024: screenshots of mobile phone text conversations leaked during the second practice for the Bahrain Grand Prix.