SAKHIR, Bahrain — Red Bull Formula One boss Christian Horner refused to comment Thursday on “anonymous speculation” after numerous media outlets were anonymously sent text messages that the leaker framed to be related to an investigation that cleared Horner of wrongdoing in interactions with an employee.

Red Bull Racing’s parent company, Red Bull GmbH, organized an outside investigation into a grievance made against Horner by a female employee, who accused him of inappropriate behavior. Horner denied the allegations.

Red Bull GmbH announced on Wednesday that Horner had been cleared and the grievance had been dismissed, with the complainant retaining a right to appeal. Additionally, Red Bull GmbH said that the findings were “confidential” and that it would “not be commenting further out of respect for all concerned.”

But Horner now faces fresh scrutiny after a number of messages alleged to be between him and a woman were emailed to media outlets, F1 team principals and broadcasters midway through the second practice for Saturday’s Bahrain Grand Prix. The Athletic was among the news organizations to receive an email with the subject line “Christian Horner investigation evidence.”

The message included a link to a batch of 79 files. The Athletic has not been able to authenticate the contents.

In a statement, Horner did not comment on the leak and reiterated his denial of the allegations made against him.

“I won’t comment on anonymous speculation, but to reiterate, I have always denied the allegations,” Horner said.

“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 is set to be at the Bahrain International Circuit on Friday for final practice and qualifying for the opening race of the 2024 season, which takes place on Saturday.

Horner is the longest-serving team principal in F1, having overseen the Red Bull team since it debuted in 2005.

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(Photo: Andrej Isakovic / AFP via Getty Images)