According to industry sources, Christian Horner’s suspended female colleague, who accused the Red Bull F1 head of inappropriate behaviour, wants to return to the team as she awaits the decision of her appeal.
The Independent also hears that Horner’s accuser is “in it for the long haul,” and the lady intends to take her case to an employment tribunal if her appeal fails. She has also not got an update from the FIA, despite filing a complaint about Horner’s behavior with F1’s governing body.
Red Bull Racing suspended the female complaint on full pay just days after a three-week investigation, undertaken by an external KC at the request of the team’s parent company Red Bull GmbH, cleared Horner of any wrongdoings. However, The Independent has discovered that she is planning a return to work with the F1 world championship-winning team.
Horner, 50, has consistently disputed the allegations made against him and was allowed to remain as Red Bull Racing team principal while the investigation was underway.
According to an industry source, she is steadfast and committed to the long term. She is holding her council for the time being and prefers that the subject be handled privately.”
If her appeal fails, formerly confidential material may become public. It is also believed that the woman worked with Horner after the accusation against him was filed at the end of last year.
Red Bull has been sought for comment.
A day after Horner was cleared by Red Bull GmbH, WhatsApp communications, some of which were sexually provocative, were leaked to F1 officials and members of the media.
Horner refused to comment on what he described as “anonymous speculation,” and the texts’ truthfulness has not been proven.
Speaking most recently on the saga that has engulfed Formula One in the last two months, Horner urged a stop to the “intrusion on his family.”
Horner is married to Spice Girl music diva Geri Halliwell, who appeared in solidarity with her husband at the season’s first two races in Bahrain and Saudi Arabia.
“Obviously it’s been a very trying period,” Horner stated on March 7. “I’m married with three children, and when that intrusion affects your children and your marriage, I’m grateful to have a wonderful family and a very supportive wife.
“I am the only one who has been mentioned in this. So, of course, it’s difficult. When children, family members, and parents are involved, the situation can be unpleasant.
“The reality is that a grievance was filed, and it was handled in the most professional manner by the group, not Red Bull Racing, but the parent company, who recruited one of the best barristers in the land. He glanced at everything. He considered all of the facts and circumstances before dismissing the grievance.
“As far as I’m concerned, my wife has been really supportive throughout. However, the encroachment into my family has reached a limit. We need to go forward. Obviously, there has been a lot of press surrounding this. But one must return to the fact that a grievance was filed, examined, and dismissed.
“It has piqued the interest of many media outlets for a variety of reasons. I think it’s time to draw a line under it.”
The scenario has also revealed elements of a power struggle within Red Bull, raising worries about Max Verstappen’s future with the team.
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