Those close to Christian Horner are reportedly 'asking questions' over who was behind the investigation into the Red Bull star and why it was required.
The 50-year-old was cleared of misconduct on Wednesday, with the F1 side releasing a statement that 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.
Christian Horner was cleared by Red Devils after an investigation into the F1 chief
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"Red Bull will continue striving to meet the highest workplace standards."
Those close to Horner are, however, believed to be unhappy that the investigation was required in the first place.
The Sun quotes a source as saying that Horner allies are 'asking questions', with there now 'no shadow' over the 50-year-old's name and reputation.
“Christian’s career, his marriage and his reputation were attacked but there are now no question marks over his character," they're quoted as saying.
“There is no shadow. But questions are being asked about how this happened, why it happened and who was responsible.”
The Red Bull employee is not known and that's likely to remain the case.
She, along with Horner, has continued to work with the F1 side while the process has played out.
Red Bull's wording in their statement suggests that they're content with the way the investigation has been conducted, having been undertaken by an external barrister.
The Red Bull employee could, however, lodge an appeal against their decision to clear Horner.
Horner is now turning his focus to the start of the new F1 season, with the first race set to commence in Bahrain on Saturday.
Red Bull will be hoping to continue their success, having gazumped all of their rivals in recent years.
Max Verstappen, who is believed to have been neutral amid the claims against Horner, will be looking to achieve more glory - having won the last three F1 crowns.
F1 pundits have reacted to Horner being cleared.
And Sky Sports' Noami Schiff has expressed a belief that Red Bull 'have done everything they can' to reach the right conclusion.
"Red Bull is huge company,” she said.
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Christian Horner is working in Bahrain as Red Bull prepare for the start of the new F1 season
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“It's a corporate matter. An investigation has been handled, whether it be independent or not, you would think and assume they take this with the upmost seriousness and handle it completely fairly.
"It comes at the risk of going completely wrong if it's found out that it's not the case.
"So, I believe they have done everything they can.
"What they say in the statement is super important.
"There is a level of discretion that needs to be kept because it involves the private life of people, that doesn't need to be exposed to the world.
Christian Horner always had the support of wife Geri Halliwell while Red Bull conducted their investigation
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"So, we just hope that this is clear and it won't go any further unless it has to, but you don't want this looming over the sport and the credibility of these people."
