Christian Horner due to return to F1 grid amid alleged messages leak

Christian Horner will be back in the paddock for qualifying in Bahrain on Friday amid a leaked messages claim involving the Red Bull chief.

Horner was the subject of an investigation in February after an allegation of misconduct was levelled at him by a female member of Red Bull’s staff.

Earlier this week, Horner was cleared of the allegations by Red Bull’s board, appearing to pave the way for F1’s focus to return to the race track.

However, on practice day on Thursday there was an unexpected development as an anonymous email purporting to show WhatsApp messages sent by Horner to the female staff member was sent to Formula 1 personnel and media.

Horner’s response to messages ‘leak’

Responding to the alleged leak, Horner said: “I won’t comment on anonymous speculation but, to reiterate, I have always denied the allegations.”

Horner’s statement added: “I respected the integrity of the independent investigation and fully co-operated with it every step of the way.

“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.”

Qualifying in Bahrain gets underway at 3pm GMT (10am ET/7am PT).