Christian Horner has responded after WhatsApp exchanges allegedly between him and a close female employee were leaked.

The leak of 79 screenshots of messages and pictures were emailed to key figures in the sport ahead of the Bahrain Grand Prix. The sender was anonymous. 

Horner, the 50-year-old husband of former Spice Girl Geri Halliwell, was cleared of ‘coercive behaviour’ in an internal inquiry conducted by Red Bull’s parent company in Salzburg.

The Red Bull team principal has issued a quick response to the leak, which comes ahead of the Formula One season beginning in Bahrain this weekend.

‘I will not comment on anonymous speculation, but to reiterate I have always denied the allegations,' Horner said in a statement.

Christian Horner has responded after WhatsApp exchanges allegedly between him and a close female employee were leaked

‘I respected the integrity of the independent investigation and fully cooperated with it every step of the way.

‘t 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.’

The Englishman was free to stay on as team principal of the world-championship winning team on a salary of £8million a year.

The leak, containing hundreds of WhasApp messages, was sent to leading F1 figures, including FIA president Mohammad Ben Sulayem and F1 chief executive Stefano Domenicali. All the team principals were also copied in, along with star driver Max Verstappen’s father Jos.

The world champion team's parent company Red Bull GmbH in Salzburg, who launched the probe on February 5, said on Wednesday: '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.'

Horner, who remained silent throughout the probe, has won 13 world championships since heading the team as a 31-year-old in 2005. He was then the youngest team principal on the grid, yet is now its longest-serving. 

Former Spice Girl sensation Geri, mother of their seven-year-old son Monty, stood resolutely by Horner throughout the ordeal. She is said to be 'devastated' by the jolt the investigation has had on their lives. 

It is understood she could join him in Bahrain to watch the start of the 2024 Formula One campaign.