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Red Bull Racing has been plunged into fresh turmoil a day before the start of the Formula One season after a cache of messages allegedly involving team boss Christian Horner and a female employee was emailed to influential figures in the sport and members of the press.
The email, which was sent anonymously on Thursday, came after Red Bull on Wednesday said that a complaint against Horner had been dismissed following a barrister-led investigation into allegations of inappropriate behaviour against a female member of staff.
The allegations against Horner, who is F1’s longest-serving team boss, have overshadowed preparations for the season’s first race in Bahrain on Saturday. Horner has repeatedly denied any wrongdoing.
Formula One, which is owned by US group Liberty Media, and Federation Internationale de l’Automobile, which governs motorsport, are discussing the situation, according to people with knowledge of the matter. F1 and its governing body FIA declined to comment.
In a statement in response to questions about the email, Horner said he would not comment on “anonymous speculation” and reiterated that he had “always denied the allegations”.
“I respected the integrity of the independent investigation and fully co-operated with it every step of the way,” Horner said. “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.”
“This is a private matter between Mr Horner and another and it would be inappropriate for Red Bull to comment on this,” the Austrian company said in response to questions about the emailed cache. Red Bull Racing declined to comment.
The investigation has drawn scrutiny from rival teams and US automaker Ford, which is planning to re-enter F1 in 2026 through a partnership with Red Bull. The US car company, which had previously called for a transparent and rapid investigation, declined to comment on the latest allegations.
The Austrian energy drinks company, which owns the F1 team, has not published the investigation report. Horner, who is one of the most recognisable figures in the sport, was accused of inappropriate behaviour towards a female colleague.
The complainant can still appeal against the decision, Red Bull said.
Horner, 50, has led Red Bull Racing since early 2005, shortly after the late Dietrich Mateschitz, founder of the energy drinks company, bought the F1 team.
The F1 team chief, who is married to former Spice Girl Geri Halliwell, has been one of the stars of the hit Netflix series Drive to Survive, which has been credited with boosting the popularity of the sport.
He has led Red Bull to six constructors’ championships — which measure the performance of the entire team — and seven drivers’ titles.
The team is set to begin its defence of both titles on Saturday.