Red Bull Suspends Employee Amid Allegations Against Team Boss
In a recent development, Red Bull has taken the decision to suspend a female employee who leveled accusations of inappropriate behavior against team principal Christian Horner. A source close to the internal investigation confirmed this decision on Thursday.
The allegations had prompted an internal inquiry, which subsequently exonerated Horner from any wrongdoing just last week.
These accusations had cast a shadow over the future of the 50-year-old, who heads one of the most successful Formula One teams in history.
Despite Horner’s steadfast denial of the allegations and subsequent clearance, doubts persisted. However, he appeared alongside his wife, Geri Halliwell, of the Spice Girls fame, at the Bahrain Grand Prix last weekend.
The situation took another turn when anonymous emails containing private exchanges purportedly between Horner and the accuser were leaked to Formula One officials and journalists.
Amidst this off-track drama, the Bahrain circuit witnessed Red Bull securing a 1-2 finish, with Max Verstappen clinching victory ahead of Sergio Perez.
The suspension of the female employee is directly linked to the concluded investigation, marking another twist in the ongoing saga.
Despite last week’s verdict granting the complainant a right to appeal, Red Bull declined to comment further on this latest development.
Horner, too, refrained from providing additional details regarding the suspension during the opening practice session at the Saudi Arabian Grand Prix in Jeddah.
This saga, which dominated headlines leading up to the season-opener in Bahrain, continues to reverberate within the Formula One community.
Jos Verstappen, father of reigning world champion Max Verstappen, voiced concerns over the situation, suggesting that tensions within the Red Bull team could escalate if Horner retains his position.
Verstappen himself came to his father’s defense, emphasizing his integrity and dismissing accusations of dishonesty.
As the Saudi Arabian Grand Prix approaches, the fallout from these developments promises to remain a focal point of discussion within the paddock.