Accuser of Red Bull’s Christian Horner Files Official Complaint with FIA’
According to a report by the BBC, the woman who accused Christian Horner, Red Bull’s chief executive and team principal, of misconduct has officially lodged a complaint against him with the FIA (Fédération Internationale de l’Automobile), Formula 1’s governing body. The complaint was made to the ethics committee of the FIA after the woman, who has been suspended by Red Bull, expressed her grievances regarding Horner’s behavior.
Horner had previously undergone an investigation by an independent lawyer in response to the woman’s allegations but was ultimately cleared of any wrongdoing. The FIA, in response to inquiries about the complaint, stated that they handle such matters autonomously with strict confidentiality and typically refrain from confirming the receipt of specific complaints or providing further commentary.
The FIA responded with a statement: “At the FIA, enquiries and complaints are received and managed by the Compliance Officer, and the Ethics Committee where appropriate. Both bodies operate autonomously, guaranteeing strict confidentiality throughout the process. “
“As a consequence, and in general, we are unable to confirm the receipt of any specific complaint and it is unlikely that we will be able to provide further comment on the complaints that we may receive from any parties.”
This off-track controversy has cast a shadow over Red Bull’s remarkable on-track performance in the 2024 season, with Max Verstappen clinching victories in both Grand Prix races so far, while Sergio Perez secured second place in both events. Despite the team’s success, the focus has shifted to the controversy surrounding Horner.
Following the dismissal of the grievance against Horner, purported evidence from the case was leaked within the F1 paddock, prompting Horner to call for an end to the scrutiny, particularly regarding his personal life and marriage. Horner received public support from his wife, Geri Horner, and Red Bull’s majority shareholder, Chalerm Yoovidhya.
He then said in Saudi Arabia: “The scrutiny on my marriage – I’ve got a beautiful family – it’s been very trying.
“When there [are] children involved, and family involved, it’s not pretty.
“My wife has been hugely supportive, as has my family, but the intrusion on my family is now enough.
“We need to move forward and focus on what we are here for.
“It is time now to focus on why we are here, which is to go Formula One racing.”
Addressing the situation during the F1 Bahrain Grand Prix and later in Saudi Arabia, Horner emphasized the toll the scrutiny has taken on his family and urged a shift in focus towards racing. However, tensions escalated further as Horner faced criticism from Max Verstappen’s father, Jos, who accused him of playing the victim and called for his departure from the team.
Amidst speculation about Max Verstappen potentially leaving Red Bull for Mercedes next year, the loyalty of star driver Max Verstappen towards Helmut Marko, a key figure at Red Bull, became evident. Marko’s future within the team also came into question amidst the escalating chaos surrounding Red Bull.