Christian Horner accuser 'reaches deadline to appeal' Red Bull investigation

06 March 2024 , 10:05

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Red Bull cleared Christian Horner last week following an internal investigation (Image: AFP via Getty Images)

The woman who accused Christian Horner of inappropriate behaviour has until the end of Wednesday to appeal Red Bull 's verdict.

The Austrian outfit conducted an investigation on their team principal following the allegations and opted to stand by him, making an announcement this time last week. The employee then had five working days to appeal, reports The Times, meaning the deadline is on Wednesday March 6. It is understood that the woman, who has not been named, has hired lawyers and is weighing up her options.

Since Red Bull's decision was made there have been texts and photos, allegedly sent between Horner and the employee, leaked to the press. As a result the noise and the questions surrounding the issue have continued with the FIA president Mohammed Ben Sulayem claiming it is "damaging Formula 1".

Red Bull Austria, the team's parent company, claimed that their investigation was "fair" and "impartial". They put out a statement on Wednesday which read: "The independent investigation into the allegations made against Mr Horner is complete, and Red Bull can confirm that the grievance has been dismissed. The complainant has a right of appeal. Red Bull is confident that the investigation has been fair, rigorous and impartial.

"The investigation report is confidential and contains the private information of the parties and third parties who assisted in the investigation, and therefore we will not be commenting further out of respect for all concerned. Red Bull will continue striving to meet the highest workplace standards."

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Red Bull first confirmed they would be investigating Horner back on February 5. The 50-year-old has been the team principal of Red Bull ever since they entered the F1 grid back in 2005 and has guided them to seven drivers' titles and six constructors' titles.

The team are heavy favourites to remain top of the sport having dominated it in recent years with Max Verstappen. The Dutch driver is yet to publicly back his boss amid his father, Jos, has claimed that the team are divided as a result of the scandal with Horner playing the victim.

Christian and Geri Horner put on a united front at the season opener (PA Wire/PA Images)

Horner maintains he will be in charge for the season and that, despite the outside noise, Red Bull are a united outfit: "Yes absolutely. We are a very strong team. We have got tremendous support, tremendous partners and great shareholders behind us as well. You don't achieve this kind of result by not being united."

The team principal also added: "Obviously it's not been pleasant, the unwanted attention. But the focus is now very much on the cars. My focus has very much been on what's going on on-track and the result today I think demonstrates where the whole team's focus is and we move onwards."

Samuel Meade