Christian Horner accuser ‘likely’ to appeal Red Bull verdict as details emerge following suspension

Christian Horner accuser ‘likely’ to appeal Red Bull verdict as details emerge following suspension

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Jack Otway

By Jack Otway


Published: 08/03/2024

- 11:21

The F1 chief is working in Saudi Arabia ahead of this weekend's Grand Prix

Christian Horner's accuser is 'likely' to appeal after Red Bull recently cleared the Briton of misconduct, reports claim.

On Thursday it emerged the female member of staff who accused Horner of inappropriate behaviour had been suspended by the F1 side.


Red Bull are refusing to comment on the matter, with inquiries continuing behind the scenes.

The female complainant has the right to appeal the team's decision to clear Horner within five days of receiving the official written confirmation that her grievance was dismissed.

Christian Horner

Christian Horner's accuser is reportedly 'likely' to appeal Red Bull's decision to clear the team principal

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And The Times say the complainant is 'likely' to lodge an appeal regarding their verdict.

Horner is, however, keen to move on from the whole saga.

The 50-year-old is focused on helping Red Bull achieve more success, with the F1 team very much the side to beat despite the ongoing issues behind the scenes.

Speaking on Thursday, Horner said the case was 'closed' while contuing to deny allegations of misconduct.

“The reality is that there was a grievance raised, it was dealt with in the most professional manner by the group, that appointed an independent KC, one of the most reputable in the land," he said.

“He took time to investigate all the facts.

"He looked at everything and he came to a conclusion where he dismissed the grievance.

"As far as I’m concerned, as far as Red Bull is concerned, we move on.”

Horner was then asked about the suspended Red Bull employee.

However, the Briton made it clear he was unable to answer any questions on that subject due to 'restrictions' in place.

“There is a grievance process in any company and that process is confidential between the individuals and the company itself," he said.

"We are all bound by the same restrictions. Even if I would like to talk about it, I can’t.”

Alleged text and WhatsApp messages sent by Horner were sent to 149 figures associated with Formula One last week, shortly after he was cleared by Red Bull.

Yet allies are said to be backing Horner, with scrutiny existing over the legitimacy of the messages in question.

In some messages, the sentences start without the first word being capitalised.

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Christian Horner

Christian Horner is currently in Saudi Arabia for the Grand Prix

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WhatsApp on mobile automatically caps up the first word but, on desktop, the platform doesn't.

Yet Horner reportedly doesn't have WhatsApp installed on his computer, with allies suggesting doubt over the alleged messages as a result.

The Red Bull chief has arrived for qualifying today.

And he's also shrugged off uncertainty surrounding the future of Verstappen, who has been linked with a sensational move to Mercedes.

The 26-year-old's father, Jos, recently said Red Bull could 'explode' if Horner continues to stay on as team principal.

Christian Horner Red Bull

Christian Horner has shrugged off questions over Red Bull driver Max Verstappen amid his feud with Jos Verstappen

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But Horner was coy when quizzed on Jos' comments.

"I’m obviously aware of the comments that were made,” he said.

“There was a discussion subsequent to the race, everyone’s focus is very much on the future, the team’s focus is very much on defending both of these world titles, Max’s three successive world titles, the 55 victories of Max, the 114 victories we’ve achieved, and now sit tied with Williams on GP victories, our focus is very much on the future, discussions took place following the race in Bahrain and we’re all looking forward.”

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