Christian Horner hits out after Red Bull accuser suspended

Red Bull boss Christian Horner has had enough, telling the F1 world to ‘move on’ just hours after it emerged his accuser had been suspended.

Oracle Red Bull Racing Team Principal Christian Horner attends the Team Principals Press Conference during practice ahead of the F1 Grand Prix of Saudi Arabia. (Photo by Bryn Lennon/Getty Images)

A defiant Christian Horner has hit back at claims surrounding his bombshell sexting scandal - insisting it’s now time to “draw a line under it.”

Speaking at a press conference in Saudi Arabia, the F1 chief said it’s time to “focus on what is going on on track,” The Sun reports.

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He said: “Obviously there has been a lot of coverage surrounding this, but one has to go back to the basis of a grievance was raised, it was fully investigated, and it was dismissed.

“From there we move onwards.

“I think the time now is to look forward and draw a line under it.

“We are here to go racing, we are here as a Formula 1 team, and the time now is to focus on what is going on on track and the performance of the cars and the drivers, where the spotlight should be during the course of a Grand Prix weekend.”

Christian Horner has told the F1 world to get over it. (Photo by Bryn Lennon/Getty Images)

Horner’s statement comes right after it emerged his accuser has been suspended from Red Bull Racing HQ.

It comes following the bombshell leak of hundreds of “sexually suggestive” messages by the 50-year-old team boss.

Allegations of inappropriate behaviour against Horner were dismissed by a barrister-led probe.

A source told The Sun today: “It became obvious that the situation could not continue and it was decided to suspend her on full pay while internal inquiries continue.”

When asked about the suspension of the staffer, Horner replied: “I’m afraid I can’t comment on anything confidential between an employee and a company so I can’t comment on that.”

Horner went on saying the row had been “very hard” on his family.

“It’s obviously been a very trying period,” he said.

“I’m married and have three children. And when that intrusion includes your children and the scrutiny that is placed upon your marriage.

“I’m very fortunate that I have a beautiful family and very supportive wife. Of course, It’s very trying, it’s very challenging. When there’s children involved, parents, families, it’s not pretty.”

Ginger Spice Geri Halliwell, 51, has been left heartbroken by the scandal, which erupted when a raft of embarrassing messages were released online on the eve of the F1 season opener.

Oracle Red Bull Racing Team Principal Christian Horner and Geri Horner walk in the Paddock holding hands. (Photo by Mark Thompson/Getty Images)

The pop icon put on a toe-curling show of unity at last week’s Bahrain Grand Prix in which Red Bull pulled off a perfect 1-2 triumph led by world champ Max Verstappen.

Geri wanted her husband to cut all contact with his unidentified accuser - but he found it impossible to comply as they remained in regular contact at work.

While Geri will be pleased with the outcome, there’s no suggestion her demand that she be taken “out of the picture” is what led to the suspension.

She is now reportedly expected to join Christian in Jeddah this weekend ahead of the Saudi Arabia Grand Prix on Saturday.

It comes after the staffer, who is understood to have shown up for work at the team’s HQ in Milton Keynes, Bucks, was suspended on full pay.

Insiders said she had demanded to continue working at Red Bull - while Geri wanted her husband to cut all contact with the employee.

And she has instructed lawyers “at every turn” as Horner attempted to detach himself from her professionally and personally, The Sun was told today.

Geri Horner talks with Jos Verstappen in the garage after the F1 Grand Prix of Bahrain. (Photo by Mark Thompson/Getty Images)

The source added: “Whenever she thought she was being sidelined her lawyers stepped in immediately.

“Something had to give and now she’s been suspended.”

The ongoing saga dogging Red Bull has been complicated by behind-the-scenes clashes between star driver Verstappen’s father Jos, 51, and Horner.

Insiders said Jos had become close to the woman - but he has strenuously denied being the text leaker while warning Horner’s team will “explode” if he is not ousted.

Red Bull Racing said today: “The company cannot comment on this internal matter.”

Horner, 50, was seen in the Saudi Arabia paddock today for practice ahead of the next race without Geri by his side.

Geri was mid-air on her way to Bahrain after her husband was cleared when the texts were published widely online via an anonymous email drop.

She was apparently “relieved and elated” after the complaint was initially thrown out, but later left “stunned” by the leaked messages.

Christian Horner kisses wife Geri Horner ahead of the F1 Grand Prix of Bahrain. (Photo by Kym Illman/Getty Images)

Halliwell and Horner have been married since 2015 and share a son.

Tensions inside the Red Bull team are mounting after Jos warned the camp could “explode” if Horner stays in his $15 million-a-year role.

The two men were seen locked in what looked like a fiery argument during the F1 season opener — in which Red Bull stormed to first and second places thanks to Max and teammate Sergio Perez.

Sky Sports footage showed Horner and Jos apparently arguing, following reports they have previously clashed in a rift that has lasted for months.

- This article first appeared in The Sun and was republished with permission.