Yahoo Autos Horner accuser suspended following investigation
The complainant in the investigation into Red Bull team principal Christian Horner’s behavior has been suspended, RACER understands.
Horner was accused of inappropriate behavior by a female colleague and faced an internal investigation, which ended with the grievance being dismissed last week. RACER now understands that the complainant has been suspended on full pay due to Red Bull believing there were inaccuracies and concerns relating to the evidence given in that investigation.
A spokesperson for Red Bull refused to comment on the situation, stating it is an internal matter.
The development is the latest in a series of twists in the saga relating to Horner, who has called for an end to the focus on the situation.
“It’s obviously been a very trying period,” Horner said. “I’m married and have three children. And when that intrusion includes your children and the scrutiny is placed on my marriage… I’m very fortunate that I have a beautiful family and a very supportive wife. And I’m the only one that has been named in this. So, of course, it’s very trying.
“It’s very challenging, because when there’s children involved, when there’s families, parents, etc., involved, it’s not pretty. And the reality is that there was a grievance that was raised. It was dealt with in the most professional manner by the group, not by Red Bull Racing, but by the owners of Red Bull Racing – Red Bull GmbH – that appointed an independent KC (King’s Counsel) that is one of the most reputable KCs in the land. He took time to investigate fully, all of the facts.
“He interviewed all of the people involved, together with others of interest. He looked at everything. He had all of the facts. And he came to a conclusion where he dismissed the grievance. As far as I’m concerned, as far as Red Bull is concerned, we move on and we look to the future.
“My wife has been phenomenally supportive throughout this, as have my family. But the intrusion on my family is now enough and we need to move forward and to focus on what we’re here for. And I’m sorry for these three gentlemen that they’re not here talking about their cars and drivers today. But it is time now to focus on why we’re here which is to go Formula 1 racing.”
The scrutiny had continued following comments earlier this week from Jos Verstappen who stated Red Bull was at risk of being “torn apart” if Horner stayed in his role following an investigation into his behavior. However, Horner says the pair have now agreed to draw a line under the topic.
“I spoke to Jos following the grand prix [in Bahrain] and obviously congratulated him on his son’s performance. And I think it’s in everybody’s interests collectively that we’ve agreed to move on, to focus on the future.
“We both have a vested interest in his son to get the best and to provide the best cars for him and to get the best out of him. And he’s started the season in the best possible way. He’s an outstanding talent and hopefully we can continue to provide him a very competitive car.”
