Christian Horner accuser 'suspended by Red Bull' as F1 saga takes stunning new twist

Christian Horner accuser 'suspended by Red Bull' as F1 saga takes stunning new twist

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Jack Otway

By Jack Otway


Published: 07/03/2024

- 12:54

Updated: 07/03/2024

- 13:44

The 50-year-old has always denied allegations of misconduct

The woman who accused Christian Horner of inappropriate behaviour has reportedly been suspended.

Horner was last week cleared of misconduct by Red Bull, with the F1 side saying in a statement: "The independent investigation into the allegations made against Mr Horner is complete, and Red Bull can confirm that the grievance has been dismissed.


"The complainant has a right of appeal. Red Bull is confident that the investigation has been fair, rigorous and impartial.

"The investigation report is confidential and contains the private information of the parties and third parties who assisted in the investigation, and therefore we will not be commenting further out of respect for all concerned.

Christian Horner Red Bull

The woman who accused Christian Horner of misconduct has now been suspended by Red Bull

GETTY

"Red Bull will continue striving to meet the highest workplace standards."

And The Telegraph have now claimed the woman who accused Horner of misconduct has now been suspended.

It is currently unclear why she has been temporarily stood down - but it comes ahead of the Saudi Arabia Grand Prix this weekend. Red Bull are refusing to comment on the matter.

Horner is presently in the Middle East ahead of the race on Saturday.

The Briton wore black sunglasses and smiled as he walked round the track at Jeddah, with the Briton working as normal.

Horner has always denied allegations of inappropriate behaviour.

He was pleased after being cleared of misconduct last week before alleged text and WhatsApp messages sent by the 50-year-old were leaked.

Horner has refused to comment on the leaks but did say they were 'anonymous speculation from an unknown source'.

There have been suggestions the woman in question is close to the Verstappen family and Jos Verstappen in particular.

And Jos sent shockwaves around F1 last weekend by calling on Horner to leave his position as team principal.

"There is tension here while he remains in position," he told the Daily Mail.

"The team is in danger of being torn apart.

"It can't go on the way it is. It will explode.

"He is playing the victim, when he is the one causing the problems."

Horner is confident of staying at Red Bull, however, and will be hoping to help the team secure more glory in Saudi this weekend after winning the first race of the season in Bahrain on Saturday.

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Christian Horner

Christian Horner is currently in Saudi Arabia ahead of this weekend's Grand Prix

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His female accuser, according to The Sun, hasn't been seen at Red Bull's HQ in Milton Keynes since Monday.

She has apparently been told to stay at home.

A source told the newspaper earlier this week that the woman had wanted to fly out to Bahrain for the first race of the season. They said: “It’s frustrating for everyone and ridiculous to try to maintain business as usual in the circumstances.

“The woman’s role involves continuing contact with Christian and they are having to get on with day-to-day work as though nothing has happened. But something has to give.

“She wanted to fly to Bahrain in her work role but that would have created a circus which no one wants and would be good for no one."

Christian Horner Geri Halliwell

Christian Horner has been supported by wife Geri Halliwell throughout the saga so far

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They also said the woman had acquired 'very expensive lawyers' in order to provide advice.

“She has also acquired very expensive lawyers who have been advising her since the scandal blew up — but no one knows who’s paying for them," they added.

“It all plays into claims that there’s a conspiracy to unseat Christian.”

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