Red Bull staff 'were prepared to leave in solidarity with Christian Horner' before boss was cleared

Allegations of inappropriate behaviour were made in January, though details only came to light at the start of the month.

Horner always denied the claims and was adamant and confident he'd be able to clear his name, previously branding them as 'nuts'.

Red Bull confirmed Horner had been cleared of misconduct on Wednesday, saying in a statement: "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."

According to The Telegraph, there were suggestions some Red Bull staff workers were prepared to walk out in a show of solidarity if Horner had departed his role.

That didn't happen, however, and the team can now focus on sporting matters - rather than internal ones.

Horner's family are said to be relieved by the outcome, not least wife Geri Halliwell - who has backed her husband throughout.

Geri has reportedly suffered considerable strain as a result of the probe into her other half, with the pair previously marrying in 2015.

Yet while the Horner clan are relieved, there are also claims they 'don't feel like celebrating' because of the toll the probe has taken.

Horner did his best to put on a brave face when he appeared at testing in Bahrain last week.

He wasn't his usual charismatic self, however, and appeared jaded while he spoke to reporters in the Middle East.

There are still suggestions the 50-year-old's future at Red Bull is up in the air amid talk of a power struggle within the side.

Some believe control of racing operations should return to Salzburg, the true home of the soft drinks company.

For now, however, Horner is set to continue working in the same role he's occupied ever since being appointed back in 2005.

Red Bull are the favourites to reign supreme again this year, having dominated F1 over the past three years.

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And whether Horner can guide the team to more success in 2024 remains to be seen, with Max Verstappen looking to win a fourth F1 title on the trot.

Damon Hill, reacting to the end of the investigation into Horner for Sky Sports, believes Red Bull will now just 'carry on'.

"There will be people who say that it’s the organisation judging itself and not being exposed to any other external influences,” he said.

"They had to investigate an allegation and they’ve satisfied themselves that their man is intact and that they’re going to carry on."

And Martin Brundle echoed those thoughts by saying: “That statement from Red Bull is drawing a solid line underneath the whole thing.

“I’ve just read it, but that appears to be their position.”

He added: “Red Bull the parent company have drawn a very thick and firm line... they’re clear, they’ve done a deep investigation, they’ve talked for hours and many pages of documents have been generated. Case complete, over.

“I find this a very curious business. We knew no facts whatsoever about this story, lots of echoes, rumours which swirl around and become facts... so you can’t comment.

"We can only go by that statement. A line drawn underneath it.

"Let’s see if anything else comes out of it now from third parties.”