Christian Horner’s sexting accuser has reportedly been suspended by Red Bull amid the ongoing scandal surrounding the Formula One team principle.
It comes after Spice Girls star Geri Halliwell put on a public show of support for her husband Horner at Saturday’s Bahrain Grand Prix, where Max Verstappen stormed to victory.
The former popstar will not, though, travel to this weekend’s Saudi Arabian Grand Prix to stand by Horner’s side, with the stories surrounding the Red Bull boss continuing to overshadow the sport.
It first came to light that accusations of inappropriate behaviour had been made against Horner by a female Red Bull colleague last month, but the 50-year-old was subsequently cleared of any wrongdoing via an internal investigation.
However, an anonymous email with a dossier of links to WhatsApp messages supposedly relating to the investigation was later sent to journalists, team bosses and key F1 figures, throwing Horner’s position into further doubt at the start of Red Bull’s season.
‘I will not comment on anonymous speculation, but to reiterate I have always denied the allegations,’ Horner said in response to the messages and images that were leaked.
‘I respected the integrity of the independent investigation and fully cooperated with it every step of the way.’
In another fresh twist in this extraordinary story which has dominated the start of the 2024 Formula One World Championship, The Sun report that Horner’s unidentified accuser has been suspended on full pay by Red Bull.
‘It’s frustrating for everyone and ridiculous to try to maintain business as usual in the circumstances,’ a source is claimed to have told The Sun.
‘The woman’s role involves continuing contact with Christian and they are having to get on with day-to-day work as though nothing has happened. But something has to give.
‘She wanted to fly to Bahrain in her work role but that would have created a circus which no one wants and would be good for no one.
‘Everyone at Red Bull and the wider world of F1 knows the identity of the woman at the centre of this.
‘She has also acquired very expensive lawyers who have been advising her since the scandal blew up — but no one knows who’s paying for them.
‘It all plays into claims that there’s a conspiracy to unseat Christian.’
Christian Horner investigation timeline
How the scandal has unfolded…
Monday 5 February – Red Bull confirm investigation into Horner over ‘controlling behaviour’ allegations
Friday 9 February – Horner grilled by independent lawyer during eight-hour hearing
Thursday 15 February – Horner attends Red Bull’s 2024 car launch and publicly addresses allegations for first time – says he ‘fully denies’ any wrongdoing
Friday 16 February – Fresh allegations emerge in Dutch Newspaper De Telegraaf suggesting Horner sent messages of a ‘suggestive nature’ to a female employee
Wednesday 21 February to Friday 23 February – Horner attends Formula 1 pre-season testing in Bahrain – says: ‘We hope there is a resolution as soon as possible’
Friday 23 February – Sixth series of F1: Drive to Survive releases on Netflix – Horner and wife Geri Halliwell feature in docuseries
Wednesday 28 February – Horner cleared of allegations – Red Bull say: ‘The investigation is complete and the grievance has been dismissed. The complainant has a right of appeal’
Thursday 29 February – WhatsApp messages and images supposedly between Horner and the complainant were leaked to the media and F1 personnel
Friday 1 March – Horner summoned for showdown talks with F1 CEO Stefano Domenicali and FIA President Mohammed Ben Sulayem – later, Horner has a ‘blazing row’ with Jos Verstappen
Saturday 2 March – Red Bull’s Max Verstappen wins season opening Bahrain Grand Prix – hours later, Jos, Max’s father, warns Red Bull ‘is in danger of being torn apart’ unless Horner leaves
Wednesday 6 March – Deadline for complainant to appeal outcome of investigation
Thursday 7 March to Saturday 9 March – Saudi Arabian Grand Prix – Max says in build-up that his father is ‘not a liar’
Thursday 7 March – Horner’s accuser is suspended on full pay by Red Bull
Jos Verstappen, the reigning F1 world champion’s outspoken father, has made no secret of his position amid the scandal, calling for Horner to be relieved of his duties.
‘There is tension here while he [Horner] remains in position,’ he told Mail Sport.
‘The team is in danger of being torn apart. It can’t go on the way it is.
‘It will explode. He is playing the victim, when he is the one causing the problems.’
Christian Horner investigation – what we know
Red Bull superstar Verstappen has moved to distance himself from the investigation, with the 26-year-old insisting he remained fully focused on sporting matters ahead of his triumph in Bahrain.
‘I don’t know. I mean, I hope not. It shouldn’t be. It’s a strong company, strong team, a lot of strong team members, so normally not,’ Verstappen said when pressed on his father’s claim that Red Bull were at risk of imploding.
‘From my side I’m just focusing on the driving bit and I think that is the most important thing for the team right now. And also why we came here.
‘That’s our main target and what we want to focus on, to not have this stuff going on race after race because that is not good for the team.’
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