He spoke to talkSPORT in his first public appearance since the ‘inappropriate behaviour’ probe began.
After a Red Bull representative acknowledged that the team had begun an independent investigation, the long-time Formula One team principal stated that he ‘absolutely denies’ such charges.
Horner built the unstoppable duo of Max Verstappen and Sergio Perez, who won 21 of the 22 races last season together.
The two Red Bull drivers cruised to the 2023 Constructors’ title, with a 451-point lead over Mercedes in second, which was bigger than the distance between the Silver Arrows and Haas in last place.
Horner’s sixth constructors’ championship, along with Verstappen’s third consecutive drivers’ title, brings his total to seven.
Red Bull’s supremacy has resulted in one of the most significant transactions in F1 history, with Lewis Hamilton departing Mercedes.
Hamilton is in his 12th and final season with the Silver Arrows before joining Ferrari, who are expected to be Red Bull’s major competitors, in 2025.
Horner told talkSPORT that he thought the change was beneficial for the sport. Lewis’ move, in my opinion, is brave.
“He’s been a member of the Mercedes family since before his Formula One career, so it’s a brave decision.
“But Ferrari’s one of the most iconic teams in Formula 1, it’s an incredible brand and Lewis has obviously seen something that has turned his head that has attracted him to make that move.”
On if Hamilton’s departure will have a significant impact on Mercedes, Horner added: “It’s impossible to know what’s driving these decisions and what their options are for the future.”
“That’s why I try to focus on what we’re doing rather than worrying about others.”
Despite calling Hamilton’s decision ‘brave,’ the Drive to Survive favourite can not see himself making a similar decision to stay in the sport if the time comes for him to leave Red Bull.
At the debut of the RB20 challenger, Horner stated, “I’ve been here since the beginning.”
“I developed the team, and I am really committed to the folks that work here. I can’t imagine being anywhere else.”
Horner is the longest-serving team principal on the grid, having overseen Red Bull’s operations during their 19-year run in Formula One.
With Verstappen behind the wheel, the RB20 is almost certain to offer additional success ahead of their dual-title defence in Bahrain.
The Dutchman won a record 19 races in 2023, finishing 290 points ahead of teammate Perez and 51 ahead of his nearest non-Red Bull competitor, Hamilton, in third place.
However, Red Bull’s season is being overshadowed by inquiries into ‘inappropriate actions’ against Horner.
Speaking separately, Horner stated, “There is certainly a process.
“Obviously, I fully deny any accusations that have been made against me but of course I’ll work with that process, which I hope is concluded in the near future.”
When asked why he attended the car launch with the focus fully on him, Horner responded: “I’ve disputed the claims. For me, it’s business as usual.
“I am confident about that. I would not be here else.”
