Christian Horner has spoken out for the first time since a folder allegedly containing messages and photos was leaked to journalists. The Red Bull team principal has strenuously denied allegations of inappropriate behaviour brought against him from the start, and he was cleared of wrongdoing on Wednesday.

Red Bull GmbH recruited an independent barrister to assist with a multi-week investigation into Horner after a female employee made a complaint against the 50-year-old.

Horner continued carrying out his normal F1 duties over the course of the probe, attending the RB20 launch in Milton Keynes and three days of pre-season testing in Bahrain. He was reportedly on his way back to the Middle East when he found out, on Wednesday, that the multi-billion-pound drinks company had cleared him and dismissed the complaint.

Just a day later, however, journalists were sent a Google Drive folder from an anonymous source, who claimed the contents were made up of WhatsApp messages and photos from Horner sent to an unnamed employee.

Express Sport has seen the material and Red Bull have been contacted for comment. Now, Horner has spoken out and reaffirmed his stance on the complaint.

“I won’t comment on anonymous speculation, but to reiterate, I have always denied the allegations,” said the Red Bull boss. “I respected the integrity of the independent investigation and fully cooperated with it every step of the way.

Red Bull’s statement on Wednesday read: “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.”