F1 boss Christian Horner’s accuser suspended over ‘dishonesty’ in inappropriate behaviour claims

The woman had accused Christian Horner of inappropriate behaviour, putting his job and marriage at risk, but was told she’s been suspended over dishonesty, with inconsistencies in her evidence.

Christian Horner kisses wife Geri Horner ahead of the F1 Grand Prix in Bahrain. Picture: Getty Images.

Christian Horner has said it is time “to draw a line” under the controversy surrounding Red Bull on the day the female employee who made allegations of controlling behaviour against the team principal was suspended.

The Times understands that her suspension, on full pay, relates to the findings of the independent investigation which cleared Horner last week. Sources suggest the reasons given to her were that she had been dishonest and that there were inconsistencies in the evidence she had provided.

Red Bull said they were unable to comment on the internal matter, as did Horner during his press conference in Jeddah yesterday afternoon.

The investigation has not been made available to the public or to senior figures in Formula 1, despite calls for transparency from rival team principals. Red Bull Austria GmbH said that the reason for this was because it “is confidential and contains the private information of the parties and third parties who assisted in the investigation”.

Horner has continued to deny the allegations and is preparing for this weekend’s Saudi Arabian Grand Prix. Until now, the female employee, who has been approached for comment, had continued to work as normal from Red Bull’s Milton Keynes base.

Christian Horner speaks to reporters. Picture: Getty Images.

Horner, 50, explained that even if he wished to speak more openly on the matter, he was unable to do so. “I’m not at liberty, unfortunately, due to confidentiality, and out of respect to the company and the other party,” he said. “We’re all bound by the same restrictions, so even if I would like to talk about it, I can’t, because of those confidentiality restrictions.

“The only reason this has gained so much attention is because of the leakage and attention drawn in the media, which has been very trying in many respects and particularly for my family, because it has all been focused very much in one direction.

“After that, others have looked to take advantage. Unfortunately, F1 is a competitive business and elements have looked to benefit from it and that’s perhaps the not-so-pretty side of our industry. Of course, there’s lessons but there’s a process governed within the company. It’s not an FIA issue, it’s not an F1 issue, it’s a company-employee issue, and that would be the same in any major organisation.”

The female complainant retains the right to appeal within five days of receiving the official written confirmation that the grievance was dismissed, and is understood to be likely to do so.

Barely 24 hours after Horner was cleared by the investigation panel, an explosive email containing private messages purporting to be between Horner and his accuser was sent to 149 people, including senior F1 executives and members of the media. While Horner has not claimed that the files, containing hundreds of messages and other content, are fake, sources have pointed to discrepancies with some of the correspondence. Certain WhatsApp messages begin with a lower-case letter, when WhatsApp mobile posts automatically start with a capital. The Times has seen past WhatsApp messages from Horner and they start with a capital letter.

Christian Horner and Geri Horner walk in the Paddock holding hands prior to the F1 Grand Prix in Bahrain. Picture: Getty Images.

He elaborated on the damage to his reputation that he believes he has suffered from those leaks. “It’s obviously been a very trying period,” he said. “I’m married [to the Spice Girl Geri Horner] and have three children. I’m very fortunate I have a beautiful family and a very supportive wife. I’m the only one that has been named in this.

“When there’s children involved, families, parents etc, it’s not pretty. The reality is that there was a grievance raised, it was dealt with in the most professional manner by Red Bull GmbH, that appointed an independent KC, one of the most reputable in the land. He took time to investigate fully, he interviewed all the people involved, with others of interest, he had all the facts, he came to a conclusion where he dismissed the grievance.

“As far as I and Red Bull are concerned, we move forward and look to the future. My wife has been phenomenally supportive, as have my family, but the intrusion on my family is now enough and we need to move forward.”

Max Verstappen ahead of the F1 Grand Prix in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia. Picture: Getty Images.

On Wednesday, Max Verstappen, Red Bull’s world champion driver, defended his father’s outspoken criticism of Horner, saying: “My dad is not a liar.” Jos Verstappen had claimed that if Horner remained in position, the team would “explode”.

“I’m obviously aware of the comments that were made,” Horner said. “There was a discussion [with Jos] subsequent to the race, the team’s focus is very much on defending both of these world titles [drivers’ and constructors’], that we’ve fought so hard to achieve.

“Max’s father has played a key role in his career and getting him to Formula 1. Obviously Jos is his own man.”

The Times