RED Bull chief Christian Horner has broken his silence after being cleared for a second time over the sexting scandal.
Horner, 50, told reporters today that he is “relieved” by the decision and now wants to fully “focus on track” after the allegations rocked his marriage to Geri Halliwell.
The Red Bull F1 boss was accused by an employee of making suggestive remarks earlier this year as alleged sexts were also leaked.
An investigation was opened up at Red Bull which saw Horner grilled by an external barrister, his colleagues and even star driver Max Verstappen’s father Jos.
Horner has consistently denied all the allegations against him and was later cleared in March of any wrongdoing.
His accuser, who was suspended by Red Bull, then launched an appeal.
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After four months, Red Bull announced on August 8 “the appeal is not upheld”.
“The internal process has concluded,” they added in a statement.
Horner spoke to Sky Sports News for the first time since the decision ahead of the Dutch Grand Prix this weekend.
He said: “Obviously, it’s been a hugely thorough process and, of course, I was relieved with the appeal concluding and dismissing the claim.
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“So, now It’s very much, as it has been all season, focus on track, here at Max’s home race and looking forward to these last 10 races.”
It comes as a source revealed to The Sun that the drama had meant “weeks of hell” for the family, who added: “Geri is very relieved.
“It has been a horrible process but she has loyally and staunchly stood by Christian throughout the entire ordeal.
“This is vindication for them.”
The couple’s marriage had been put under pressure by the accusations of “inappropriate behaviour”.
Despite the public scrutiny, Christian and Geri, 52, put on a united front as the initial complaint was dismissed less than 24 hours before the first practice session of the season.
Soon after, a leaked document of alleged sexts were revealed, along with an email which was said to be between the woman and Horner.
The scandal rocked the F1 world with interviews with team principals and prominent figures heavily focusing on the investigation.
Verstappen’s father, Jos, was outspoken with his support for the accuser.
He called for Horner to quit Red Bull in March to avoid the team being “torn apart”.
Before saying: “It can’t go on the way it is. It will explode. He is playing the victim, when he is the one causing the problems.”
Red Bull director Helmut Marko also voiced his concerns over the allegations.
His accuser is still suspended on full pay.
Horner’s star driver and current world champion Max Verstappen leads the drivers championship by 78 points over Brit Lando Norris.
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Red Bull are also ahead in the hotly contested constructors title with McLaren and Ferrari sitting less than 65 points behind.
Ten races are left in the F1 calendar which resumes following a four-week break in the Netherlands.
SCANDAL… LAP BY LAP
FEBRUARY 5: A Dutch newspaper reports a female Red Bull employee has made serious allegations of “inappropriate, controlling behaviour” about Horner to parent company Red Bull GmbH.
FEB 9: Horner is quizzed for nine hours by the lawyer hired by Red Bull to investigate.
FEB 15: He denies the allegations and says they are a distraction for the team.
FEB 15: F1 says it hopes the matter will be clarified at the earliest opportunity after a fair and thorough process.
FEB 26: Red Bull’s engine partner Ford says it is increasingly frustrated by the team’s handling of the complaint.
FEB 28: Horner is cleared of all wrongdoing. The employee is said to have the right of appeal.
FEB 29: Horner says he is pleased the investigation is over.
FEB 29: WhatsApp texts and pictures claimed to be between Horner and the employee are sent to journalists and F1.
MARCH 1: Horner refuses to comment on what he calls “anonymous speculation from unknown sources”.
MAR 2: Horner and wife Geri are pictured hand-in-hand, as Red Bull’s Max Verstappen wins the Bahrain Grand Prix. Horner says before the race: “It’s been very testing for my family but we are very strong and our focus is on this race.”
MAR 3: Verstappen’s dad Jos, claims Red Bull is in “danger of being torn apart” if Horner stays in the job.
But he denies being the source of the WhatsApp leak, saying: “It can’t go on the way it is. It will explode. He is playing the victim, when he is the one causing the problems.”
MAR 6: Max Verstappen sides with his dad in the row.
MAR 7: Horner says he wants to draw a line under the scandal and hails Geri’s support — as Red Bull suspends female employee.
MAR 15: Horner’s accuser allegedly launches an appeal against the investigation that saw the Red Bull chief cleared.
MAR 17: Horner, Helmut Marko and Jos Verstappen agree to a ‘public ceasefire’.
APR 23: Female accuser gets quizzed by investigators over claims
AUG 8: Horner is cleared for a second time over the sexting scandal
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Source: Motorsport - thesun.co.uk
