Christian Horner speaks out on Red Bull ‘sexting’ probe as F1 season nears

Red Bull boss Christian Horner has spoken out about the ongoing investigation into allegations of sexual messages he sent to a colleague.

Red Bull Racing's team principal Christian Horner speaks about ongoing ‘sexting’ probe. (Photo by Andrej ISAKOVIC / AFP)

Christian Horner said he hopes the conclusion to a probe into claims he sent sexual messages to a colleague will come “as soon as possible”.

The embattled Red Bull Racing chief refused to comment directly on the allegations made against him during a press conference in Bahrain, The Sun reports.

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The team arrived on the island Tuesday evening for pre-season testing, with Horner still at the helm as an investigation into claims against him continues.

Horner’s future as leader of the all-conquering team of world champion Max Verstappen hangs in the balance after shock allegations by a female colleague.

The F1 chief, 50, was initially only under investigation over alleged controlling behaviour at work towards a female worker.

But in recent days, fresh claims allege Horner also sent her “sexually suggestive” texts.

He has vehemently denied all claims threatening his position.

In Bahrain on day two of testing, he was asked twice about accusations levelled against him by a female staffer.

“There is a process going on which I am part of that process and I am afraid I cannot comment on it,” he said.

“Look, I am really sorry but I cannot comment on the process or the time scale.

“I think everybody would like a conclusion as soon as possible but I am really not at liberty to talk about the process.”

Horner was asked about the ongoing probe into the allegations. (Photo by Andrej ISAKOVIC / AFP)

McLaren boss Zak Brown was also asked about the way the investigation was being handled by Red Bull and said the sport needs a quick resolution given the negative headlines the story has generated.

“Well, the allegations are extremely serious,” Brown said.

“McLaren holds themselves and all the men and women at McLaren to the highest standards.

“Obviously, diversity and equality and inclusion are extremely important to us, our partners, to everyone in Formula One.

“Red Bull corporation it appears has launched an investigation and all we hope and assume is that will be handled in a very transparent way.

“As FIA and F1 has said, they need to handle it swiftly because I don’t believe these are the type of headlines that F1 wants or needs at this time.

“I just think it’s important that it’s handled in a transparent way in which there is no doubt and no doubt whatsoever that it has been handled appropriately and whatever the conclusion is that that conclusion is handled in an appropriate, transparent manner.”

Horner was pictured covering his mouth as he spoke with Sergio Perez.

Perez and Horner talk during day two of testing. (Photo by Mark Thompson/Getty Images)

Wearing a white shirt, Horner could be seen leaning in to listen and reply to the Mexican driver.

On Wednesday, he was pictured looking carefree as he chatted with Sergio Perez over lunch.

Horner, who has already been present at secret Red Bull test runs, is due to watch star driver Max Verstappen test the RB20 for the first time on an F1 track.

He is also expected to attend a press conference at the testing event alongside other F1 bosses.

Last week, he spoke publicly about the allegations for the first time as he made an appearance at the recent RB20 launch event.

He said: “Inevitably there has been a distraction, but the team are very together.

“Everybody’s focused on the season ahead, so it’s been very much business as ­normal and the support has been fantastic.

“In situations like these, you see where the strengths are, and it’s been overwhelming the support that I’ve had from within the team.

“There have been some allegations made, which I fully deny, so that the investigation is very much going on in the background whilst preparing for the season ahead, and hopefully it will be concluded in the near future.”

Horner and Geri. (Photo by Mark Thompson/Getty Images)

And in one interview, he praised wife Geri Halliwell and said: “I have a very supportive family and a very supportive wife.

Geri was reportedly reduced to tears as news broke of the scandal just days ago – but privately insisted he did nothing wrong.

On Sunday she was seen standing by her husband at a horse racing event in Badbury Rings, Dorset.

The final decision on the Red Bull probe could come out this week – and it remains unclear whether Horner will be able to return to Bahrain for the F1 season opener on March 2.

Horner has overseen a huge period of success for the racing team he has helmed since 2005 – winning multiple F1 championships with Sebastian Vettel and Verstappen.

And Ford have apparently ramped up pressure on their future partners at Red Bull Racing to investigate the outcome “seriously but quickly”.

This article originally appeared on The Sun and was reproduced with permission.