Female Red Bull employee’s appeal against Christian Horner verdict dismissed

Christian Horner underwent an investigation into his behaviour ahead of the beginning of the Formula 1 season after being accused of controlling behaviour by a member of Red Bull staff

Christian Horner has seen the appeal against the verdict dismissed (Image: Getty Images)

The Red Bull employee who accused Christian Horner of controlling behaviour has seen her appeal against the findings of the investigation dismissed.

The Red Bull team principal was cleared of wrongdoing earlier this year, and has denied any misconduct since the claim was made in February. The female employee was provided the opportunity to appeal the decision in March but an independent KC has now dismissed the grievance.

In the aftermath of Horner being cleared by the initial investigation panel, messages and pictures were leaked to members of the F1 paddock including FIA president Mohamed ben Sulayem, F1 CEO Stefano Domenicali, the nine other team principals and the media, with the messages allegedly detailing private conversations between Horner and an unnamed person.

The situation destablised the days ahead of the opening race of the Formula 1 season in Bahrain. Horner reiterated that he denied the allegations and highlighted the investigation that had been conducted by an independent specialist barrister.

It’s said a new KC reviewed the evidence from the first investigation and contacted Horner the employee and others during the appeal process. The 50-year-old Horner has continued in his role as CEO and team principal.

A statement from Red Bull read: “Earlier this year a complaint raised against Christian Horner was investigated. That complaint was dealt with through the company’s grievance procedure by the appointment of an independent KC who dismissed the grievance.

“The complainant exercised the right to appeal, and the appeal was carried out by another independent KC. All stages of the appeal process have now been concluded, with the final outcome that the appeal is not upheld. The KC’s conclusions have been accepted and adopted by Red Bull. The internal process has concluded.

Max Verstappen in conversation with Red Bull team principal Christian Horner at Silverstone ( Image: David Davies/PA Wire)
“The company respects the privacy of all its employees and will not be making further public comment on this matter at this time. Red Bull is committed to continuing to meet the highest workplace standards.”

The complainant was suspended by Red Bull earlier this year and told by the F1 team that it was because she had been dishonest. She has remained silent in public, having signed a legal document which prohibits her from discussing the matter with anyone other than her immediate family.