Red Bull have released a statement after the female employee who accused team principal Christian Horner of 'inappropriate behaviour' saw her appeal dismissed.

Horner was the subject of an internal investigation after allegations were lodged against the long-serving boss accusing him of sexual harassment and coercive, controlling behaviour.

A female team employee - who has not been named for legal reasons - submitted a claim against the 50-year-old.

However, the independent investigation - carried out by lawyers outside of the team - cleared Horner of wrongdoing in March. He has consistently denied the allegations against him.

The woman appealed against that verdict, but a Red Bull statement released on Wednesday confirmed her appeal had been dismissed as it was "not upheld".

A new independent KC reviewed all of the evidence from the initial investigation, which had cleared Horner on the eve of the Formula 1 season.

Horner and the employee in question were contacted throughout the appeal process, according to The Times, and were informed of the decision on Thursday.

A statement released by the team's parent company Red Bull GmbH read: “Earlier this year a complaint raised against Christian Horner was investigated.

“That complaint was dealt with through the company’s grievance procedure by the appointment of an independent KC who dismissed the grievance.

“The complainant exercised the right to appeal, and the appeal was carried out by another independent KC. All stages of the appeal process have now been concluded, with the final outcome that the appeal is not upheld.

"The KC’s conclusions have been accepted and adopted by Red Bull. The internal process has concluded.” Red Bull added they will not comment any further on the matter.

Horner is therefore free to continue his work with the team, having been at the helm since their entry into F1 back in 2005.

However, the Red Bull supremo faces an uncertain future as reports suggest the Austrian team could be set for a restructuring.

The Englishman has been involved in a feud with Max Verstappen's father Jos, with the latter launching several public barbs in Horner's direction. At one stage during the investigation, he called on Horner to resign from his position.

Horner stayed in charge and put on a defiant showing with his wife Geri joining him in the paddock at the Bahrain Grand Prix.

Meanwhile, the female employee has been suspended on full pay since March and it is not yet known if she will be reinstated or leave the team following the dismissal of her appeal.