F1 chief executive Stefano Domenicali and FIA president Mohammed Ben Sulayem will reportedly meet today to discuss the 'leak' of text messages and photographs allegedly sent by Christian Horner.
Horner was cleared by Red Bull on Wednesday following allegations of inappropriate behaviour but a file sent to hundreds of journalists has provided a fresh twist.
The 50-year-old spoke for the first time on Thursday since the investigation concluded, telling Sky Sports he was 'pleased that the process is over'.
But just hours later, a file containing photos and screenshots of text messages purporting to be alleged evidence in the investigation was leaked by an anonymous email address.
Christian Horner will be discussed at a meeting between F1 chiefs on Friday
Getty
The leak has seen the saga brought back into the public domain and Sky Sports claims Domenicali and Ben Sulayem have hastily arranged a meeting to discuss the matter today.
It is reported that both Domenicali and Ben Sulayem were sent the file, as were other F1 team principals and Liberty Media.
Horner released a statement on Thursday evening where he refused to comment on the leaks but continued to profess his innocence.
The statement read: "I won't comment on anonymous speculation, but to reiterate, I have always denied the allegations.
"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."
Horner was subject to allegations of inappropriate behaviour by a female colleague at the beginning of February.
He always denied the claims and continued to work in his role at Red Bull as usual ahead of the 2024 season.
Red Bull immediately launched an independent investigation, which concluded this week, and announced on Wednesday no action would be taken against Horner.
But the statement from the reigning world champions did not sit well with some of their rivals.
McLaren CEO Zak Brown called for more transparency to end the constant speculation.
He said: saying: "I read this statement. I think from what I've seen there continues to be a lot of rumours and speculation, questions.
LATEST SPORTS NEWS:
- Geri Halliwell left 'extremely humiliated' after Christian Horner 'text messages and photographs leaked'
- Geri Halliwell faces potential 'dilemma' as Christian Horner denies wrongdoing after bombshell 'leaks'
- Christian Horner pictured for first time since Red Bull boss' statement on 'leaked text messages and photos'
Stefano Domenicali and Mohammed Ben Sulayem will meet on Friday to discuss Christian Horner
Getty
"I think the sanctioning body has a responsibility and authority to our sport, to our officials.
"I think all of us in Formula 1 are ambassadors for the sport on and off the track, like you see in other sports, and so I think they need to make sure that things have been fully transparent with them.
"And I don't know what those conversations are and that needs to be thorough, fully transparent, and that they come to the same conclusion that has been given by Red Bull, and that they've agreed with the outcome.
Christian Horner was cleared of allegations of inappropriate behaviour on Wednesday
Getty
"But I think until then, there'll continue to be speculation because there are a lot of unanswered questions about the whole process.
"So I think that's what's needed by those that run the sport to really be able to draw a line under it.
"Until then, I think there'll continue to be some level of speculation by people and I don't think that's healthy for the sport."
