Christian Horner’s accuser believed to have appealed against Red Bull’s verdict as F1 saga continues

LONDON – The Red Bull Formula One employee who accused team boss Christian Horner of inappropriate behaviour has lodged an appeal after her complaint was dismissed, British media reported on March 15.

The move is likely to keep the subject as a major talking point in the sport and continue to cast a shadow over the season.

The unidentified woman was

suspended last week

after an investigation carried out by a senior independent lawyer, who has also not been named, cleared Horner.

A friend of the woman told The Daily Mail: “She is so disappointed with how it’s all gone, especially as she did everything by the book.

“She raised her concerns in private and did everything right, but she feels very let down by the company. They have suspended her when she followed the proper process diligently and correctly.”

The 50-year-old team boss had denied the unspecified accusations against him.

British media reported that the accuser had since hired a new lawyer, giving her more time to appeal.

There was no immediate confirmation from Red Bull GmbH, the Formula One champions’ Austria-based parent company.

Red Bull GmbH said in a brief statement on Feb 28, before the start of the season, that the complainant had a right of appeal after the grievance was dismissed.

The energy drink company also said it was confident the investigation had been “fair, rigorous and impartial’ but there have been calls for more transparency with no details published.

The BBC previously said the reason given by Red Bull to the female employee was that she had been dishonest.

Horner faced a barrage of questions at last week’s Saudi Arabian Grand Prix and can expect more when the circus arrives in Australia next week.

He said in Jeddah: “The reality is that there was a grievance raised, it was dealt with in the most professional manner by the group, that appointed an independent KC (King’s Counsel), one of the most reputable in the land.

“He took time to investigate all the facts. He looked at everything 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.”

The Briton, who is married to Spice Girls singer Geri Halliwell, has repeatedly called for the focus to be turned back on racing.

Red Bull have started the year in dominant fashion with two one-two wins led by three-time champion Max Verstappen, whose future with the team has become increasingly uncertain due to the off-track events.

Verstappen's father Jos said after the opening Bahrain Grand Prix that the team risked being torn apart if Horner stayed in charge.

The 26-year-old Dutch driver has also indicated the continued presence at the team of 80-year-old Red Bull consultant Helmut Marko was a key to him staying, after the Austrian

feared he would be dismissed.

Verstappen had said: “I have a lot of respect for Helmut, and what we have achieved together. It goes very far. My loyalty to him is very big, and I have always expressed this to everyone within the team, everyone high up, that he is an important part in my decision-making for the future.

“It is very important that he stays. I feel like if such an important pillar falls away, and I have told the team this, that it is not good for my situation as well.”

But Horner responded, saying: “There was no known decision-making process around Helmut, so I am not quite sure where the rumour permeated from. It’s not something I’ve been involved in...

“Everybody has a role to play, whatever that role is... Helmut is a consultant, an adviser, to Red Bull and of course the young driver programme is clearly under his control.”

Media reports have also highlighted divisions within Red Bull, a company 51 per cent controlled by Thai billionaire Chalerm Yoovidhya, who has been supportive of Horner. REUTERS