Christian Horner accuser to appeal Red Bulll dismissal

The woman who levied accusations against Christian Horner’s conduct is set to challenge Red Bull’s decision to dismiss her complaint.

Red Bull suspended the woman from her position last week after she alleged inappropriate and controlling behavior by the team principal.

She intends to appeal Red Bull’s ruling and will urge them to reconsider their decision, which followed an investigation led by a lawyer. Horner, aged 50, has consistently refuted the allegations leveled against him.

The accusations against Horner emerged in early February, although the investigation into his conduct had commenced nearly a month prior. Red Bull enlisted an external lawyer to probe the claims. Following the lawyer’s report submission to the company’s board, they opted to reject the complaint.

Shortly afterward, a collection of messages purportedly involving Horner was leaked to nearly 150 senior F1 insiders and media figures. Horner has expressed his desire to put an end to the controversy, amid ongoing speculation regarding the independence of the inquiry and Red Bull’s rationale for their decision.

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Should Red Bull uphold their dismissal of the woman’s case, she retains the option to pursue legal recourse against both Red Bull and Horner. Red Bull has declined to divulge further particulars of the case, citing confidentiality, and has refrained from elaborating on the grounds for the woman’s dismissal.

Horner stated at the recent Saudi Arabian Grand Prix: “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 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.”

The controversy has triggered a power struggle within Red Bull, involving Horner, motorsport advisor Helmut Marko, three-time world champion Max Verstappen, his father Jos and manager Raymond Vermeulen, and the company’s two owners.