Christian Horner Case: Red Bull F1 Employees Appeal Against Complaints Rejection

Christian Horner, accused of inappropriate behavior (photo: x @octagram_f1)

JAKARTA - An employee of Red Bull Formula One who accused team boss Christian Horner of inappropriate behavior has filed an appeal after his complaint was rejected. This was reported by British media on Friday, March 15. This move is likely to make the subject a key topic in Formula One and continues to shadow this season.

The unidentified woman's lawsuit was suspended last week after an investigation by an independent senior lawyer, also unnamed, cleared Horner's name. The 50-year-old team boss has denied allegations leveled against her.

British media reported that the plaintiff had since hired a new lawyer, giving him more time to appeal. There is no direct confirmation from Red Bull GmbH, the Austrian-based holding company Formula One.

Red Bull GmbH said in a brief statement on February 28, before the start of the season, that the plaintiff had the right to appeal after the complaint was rejected. The energy beverage company also said it believed the investigation had been "fair, strict, and impartial" but there had been demands for more transparency without published details.

Horner faced a question rain at the Saudi Arabian Grand Prix last week and could get more questions when the F1 circuit arrives in Australia next week. The British man, who married Spice Girls singer Geri Halliwell, repeatedly asked for the focus of questions to be returned to the race.

Red Bull has started the race this year well and dominated with two one-two wins led by three-time Max Verstappen, whose future with the team has become increasingly uncertain due to events off track. Verstappen's father, Jos, said after the Bahrain Grand Prix the team was at risk of being divided if Horner remained responsible.

The 26-year-old Dutch racer also pointed out that the team's continuous presence of 80-year-old Red Bull consultant Helmut Marko was key to staying after the Austrian was worried he would be sacked.

Media reports have also spoken of divisions in Red Bull, a company 51% controlled by Thai billionaire Chalerm Yoovidhya, who has been supporting Horner.