Horner accuser has appeal dismissed

An appeal against an investigation that cleared Red Bull Racing team principal Christian Horner of wrongdoing has been dismissed.

The investigation followed accusations by a female employee that Horner had engaged in coercive behavior and sexual harassment. That prompted RBR’s parent company Red Bull GmbH to launch an internal investigation led by an independent lawyer, which ultimately cleared the 50-year-old. The employee appealed that finding, but according to Red Bull, another independent lawyer has dismissed that appeal.

“Earlier this year a complaint raised against Christian Horner was investigated,” read a statement issued by the team.

“That complaint was dealt with through the company’s grievance procedure by the appointment of an independent KC who dismissed the grievance.

“The complainant exercised the right to appeal, and the appeal was carried out by another independent KC. All stages of the appeal process have now been concluded, with the final outcome that the appeal was not upheld. The KC’s conclusions have been accepted and adopted by Red Bull. The internal process has been completed.

“The company respects the privacy of all its employees and will not be making further public comment on this matter at this time.

“Red Bull is committed to continuing to meet the highest workplace standards.”

Shortly after the accusations became public in February, a large collection of screenshots purporting to show text messages between Horner and his accuser were anonymously released to senior F1 personnel and members of the media. The authenticity of the files was never verified, and Horner said at the time that he would not comment on “anonymous speculation.” Red Bull itself has also avoided public comment on the issue, citing the need to preserve the confidentiality of those involved in the investigation.