Christian Horner: Red Bull suspend complainant after investigation into Formula 1 team principal
Sky Sports News has contacted Red Bull Racing and Red Bull GmbH for the official reason for the suspension; Sky Sports News is also trying to reach representatives of the complainant to offer the right of reply.
Thursday 7 March 2024 18:42, UK
Christian Horner's complainant has been suspended following Red Bull's investigation into allegations of inappropriate behaviour against the Formula 1 team principal, the PA news agency has reported.
Red Bull GmbH, the parent company of the F1 team, last week dismissed the allegations made against Horner by a female colleague after conducting an investigation led by a specialist barrister.
Horner has denied the allegations throughout the process.
The complainant retains the right to appeal the decision of the investigation.
Sky Sports News understands the complainant, an employee of the Milton Keynes team, has been suspended on full pay.
Sky Sports News has contacted Red Bull Racing and Red Bull GmbH for the official reason for the suspension.
Sky Sports News is trying to reach representatives of the complainant to offer the right of reply.
Horner speaks to press in Saudi Arabia
Asked about the complaint at the team principles' press conference ahead of the Saudi Arabian Grand Prix, Horner said: "I can't comment on anything that's confidential between the employee and the company."
Horner was then asked about the personal damage which has been done in the last four weeks and if he had any sympathy for the accuser.
He said: "It's obviously been a very trying period. I'm married and have three children. When that intrusion includes your children and the scrutiny that 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 involved it's not pretty.
"The reality is, 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 GmbH that appointed an independent KC, 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 interests. 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.
"We need to move forward and to focus on what we're here for. I'm sorry for these three gentlemen [the team bosses alongside him] that they are not here talking about their cars and driving. It's time now to focus on why we're here, which is to go Formula 1 racing."
