Christian Horner cleared of inappropriate behaviour after investigation as Red Bull release statement

Red Bull Racing team principal Christian Horner has been cleared after an investigation into allegations of inappropriate behaviour.

Red Bull - the parent company of the racing team - launched an internal investigation, which was overseen by an 'external, specialised lawyer', following the allegations.

Horner, who consistently denied all the allegations against him, was interviewed for several hours on February 9 as part of the investigation.

And speaking publicly at the team's car launch five days later, he said: "Firstly, I obviously deny the allegations that have been made.

"But I'm going through a process and fully respect it."

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The Times reported earlier on Wednesday that Horner was set to be cleared of misconduct by the independent investigation, with the 50-year-old due to be exonerated by the 'independent barrister employed to review the evidence'.

Red Bull have now confirmed that the 'grievance' made against Horner has been dismissed following the conclusion of the team's investigation.

A statement issued reads: "The independent investigation into the allegations made against Mr Horner is complete, and Red Bull can confirm that the grievance has been dismissed. The complaint has a right of appeal.

"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."

A spokesperson for the company told BBC Sport: "Red Bull is confident that the investigation has been fair, rigorous and impartial."

Autosport have reported that Horner, who has led the Milton Keynes-based team since Red Bull co-founder, Dietrich Mateschitz, bought the Jaguar team in 2005, is travelling to Bahrain ahead of this weekend's Bahrain Grand Prix.

The first race of the 2024 F1 season, held at the Sakhir International Circuit, takes place on Saturday.