Christian Horner holds meeting with F1 and FIA chiefs amid ‘leaked messages’

Christian Horner met with racing bosses ahead the Bahrain Grand Prix following the emergence of leaked WhatsApp messages allegedly sent by the Red Bull chief.

Horner was cleared of misconduct earlier this week following an external investigation into allegations made against him by a female Red Bull employee.

That appeared to draw a line under the matter, but there was a fresh twist on practice day when 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 maintained his innocence in statement

Horner maintained that he had done nothing wrong, saying: “I won’t comment on anonymous speculation but, to reiterate, I have always denied the allegations.”

Horner is reported to have met with F1 CEO Stefano Domenicali and FIA president Mohammed Ben Sulayem during the final practice session on Thursday.

The alleged leaked material had been shared just hours before the meeting between Horner, Domenicali and Ben Sulayem.

Horner’s rival bosses, Mercedes’ Toto Wolff and McLaren’s Zak Brown, called for greater transparency on the matter from Red Bull.

Horner’s statement in response to the ‘leak’ said: “I respected the integrity of the independent investigation and fully cooperated 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.”