Christian Horner has given his first interview since being cleared of misconduct by Red Bull.

The long-time team principal and CEO was exonerated by an independent barrister after a bombshell story emerged on February 6 that a female employee had accused him of ‘inappropriate behaviour’.

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Red Bull, the company behind Horner’s Red Bull Racing team, launched an independent investigation and came under pressure from Formula 1 and sponsors Ford to come to a swift resolution.

Just over three weeks since the story emerged, Horner was cleared on the eve of the 2024 Formula 1 season less than 24 hours before cars hit the track for Thursday practice in Bahrain.

The 50-year-old had already attended the team’s RB20 car launch, where he told talkSPORT it was ‘business as usual’.

And emerging from Red Bull hospitality for the first time in Sakhir, Horner was asked if the outcome was what he expected.

“Look, I’m just pleased that the process is over,” he said. “I obviously can’t comment about it but here the focus is very much on the Grand Prix and the season ahead and trying to defend both of our titles.”

Pressed on whether the story is over, he added: “I can’t give any comment but the process has been conducted and concluded. I’m afraid I’m not going to be able to give you any any further comment on it but I’m pleased to be here in Bahrain with the team focused on the season ahead.”

Asked if the team is unified, he finished: “Within the team it’s never been stronger.”

His statements were the first out of Red Bull since the team itself announced the outcome of the investigation.

Speaking on February 28, they said: “The independent investigation into the allegations made against Mr Horner is complete, and Red Bull can confirm that the grievance has been dismissed.

“The complainant has a right of appeal. Red Bull is confident that the investigation has been fair, rigorous and impartial.

“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.”

Source: TalkSport.com Motorsport