Christian Horner’s accuser suspended by Red Bull

The female employee who accused Red Bull Team Principal Christian Horner of “inappropriate behaviour” has reportedly been suspended with pay by Red Bull. 

Despite the independent investigation exonerating Horner of any wrongdoings, the drama has continued into the second race weekend of the season.

The news of Horner’s accuser being suspended by the team broke during Free Practice 1 in Saudi Arabia, with the decision said to be made based on findings of an internal probe.

From Monday, the complainant was given five days to file a formal appeal on the outcome of the investigation.

The issue became of increased public knowledge when alleged evidence was leaked to F1 officials, journalists and teams at the Bahrain Grand Prix depicting text messages, photos and video shared between Horner and the complainant. 

The images have been circulating the internet, causing quite a controversy for Red Bull GmbH.

Horner and his Wife put on a brave face last weekend, walking into the Paddock hand-in-hand and they were ambushed by photographers and journalists.

When asked about the news in the Team Principal’s press conference today, Horner said:

“Look, I’m afraid that I can’t comment on anything that’s confidential between an employee in the company, so I can’t offer you anything on that, I’m afraid.”

He did, however, address the broader issue, acknowledging the wide media attention it has received.  

“There’s been an awful lot of coverage surrounding this, but one has to go back to the basis of this,” Horner said.

“A grievance was raised, it was fully investigated, and it was dismissed. And from there, we move onwards. 

Horner addressed the media alongside Bruno Famin, Mike Krack and James Vowles in the team principals Press Conference. Image: LAT Images.

“I think an awful lot has been made out of this. 

“Obviously, it has been obviously of great interest in different elements of the media for different reasons. 

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

“We’re here to go racing. We’re 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 and where the spotlight should be during the course of a Grand Prix weekend.”

The Team Principal was also asked about his relationship with Jos Verstappen, Max’s father, after he had made certain comments about Horner to the media over the last few days.

“I’m obviously aware of the comments that were made. 

“There was a discussion subsequent to the race, and I think everybody’s focus is very much on the future. 

“The team’s focus is very much on defending both of these world titles that we’ve fought so hard to achieve. 

“Max has three successive world titles to build on that. the 55 victories that he’s achieved, the 114 victories that as a team we’ve achieved and now sit tied with Williams on the amount of Grand Prix victories. 

“So our focus is very much on the future. 

“And as I say, discussions took place following the race in Bahrain and we’re all looking forward.” 

Christian Horner was seen having an animated conversation with Jos Verstappen at the Bahrain GP last weekend. Image: Mark Sutton / Sutton Images.

Rumours of Max Verstappen making the switch to the vacant Mercedes seat have only been fuelled by the rift between his boss and father, however, Horner denies there is any truth to the potential move.

“[Max Verstappen has] got a great team around him. He’s got great faith in that team. And, you know, we’ve achieved an awful lot together. 

“So, you know, he’s committed to an agreement until 2028. 

“And, yeah, you know, from a team side, from Max’s side, we’re determined to build on the success that we’ve achieved already and those 55 victories have all come in Red Bull cars. 

“All of the podiums have come in Red Bull Racing cars and we’re determined to build on that and add hopefully many more in the future.”

Verstappen and Red Bull are hoping to add another trophy to their growing tally come the chequered flag on Saturday, with lights out at 4:00 AM, AEST, Sunday morning.

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Hooray, F1 is back. Boo, Max Verstappen wins. The Bahrain Grand Prix was a little underwhelming, but at least there was racing… and scandal. There was plenty of scandel, but we don’t do that stuff apparently, so we don’t talk about Red Bull Racing, Christian Horner and Jos Verstappen.