Horner accuser suspended by Red Bull
Christian Horner’s accuser has been suspended following Red Bull’s investigation into “inappropriate behaviour” against the Formula One team principal.
Horner, 50, was allowed to remain in his role after Red Bull Racing’s parent company GmbH said last Wednesday that the grievance against him had been dismissed.
It is understood the complainant, an employee of the Milton Keynes team, has now been suspended on full pay.
Horner, who has always denied the claims made against him, was asked about the development in a press conference in Saudi Arabia yesterday ahead of tomorrow’s grand prix. He said: “I am afraid I can’t comment on anything that is confidential between an employee and the company.
“There is a grievance process that takes place in any company and that process is confidential between the individuals and the company itself.
“Due to those confidentiality (reasons) and out of respect to the company, and the other party, we are all bound by those same restrictions. So even if I would like to talk about it, I can’t because of those restrictions.”
Horner added: “I am fortunate I have a beautiful family and a very supportive wife. It has been very trying, and very challenging.
“My wife has been hugely supportive, as has my family, but the intrusion on my family is now enough, and we need to move forward and focus on what we are here for.
“It is time now to focus on why we are here which is to go Formula One racing.”
Following last weekend’s season-opening race in Bahrain, Horner said he was “absolutely confident” he would stay on as Red Bull boss for the remainder of the season. It is understood the female member of staff, who is believed to have reported for work on Monday, has been suspended as a direct result of Red Bull’s inquiry. The complainant is believed to have received a legal letter at the beginning of this week, and now has five working days to appeal the outcome.