The Daily Telegraph - Saturday - Sport Saturday
Horner’s accuser appeals against Red Bull verdict
Christian Horner’s accuser has officially lodged an appeal against Red Bull’s verdict in her grievance case against the team principal for alleged controlling behaviour.
As reported by Telegraph Sport on Thursday, there was a short delay while the woman switched legal representation. But she has now appealed against the outcome of the internal investigation which was carried out by Red Bull GmbH, as was her right.
Red Bull’s parent company announced on Feb 28, on the eve of the 2024 season opener in Bahrain, that the case against Horner had been dismissed following an investigation by an unnamed specialist external barrister. Red Bull GmbH has been under huge pressure to show more transparency in terms of how it reached its verdict.
At the time the energy drinks company said it would not be sharing details of the report publicly.
Its statement read: “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.”
Horner’s accuser has since been suspended by the company, with concerns around the accuracy of her evidence cited as the reason.
If she fails with her appeal – which, according to Tania Goodman, a partner and the head of employment at law firm Collyer Bristow, should be overseen by someone of equivalent legal standing to the original barrister – the woman still has the option to go to an employment tribunal.
Goodman said this would not need to be done for several months, and could drag on for many more once under way, meaning the affair could potentially be hanging over Formula One into next season or beyond.
The sport heads to Australia next week, with Horner likely to face further questions about the divisions which have surfaced in the Red Bull team since the saga began.