Christian Horner’s Accuser Reportedly Suspended by Red Bull Racing

The sexting scandal that has engulfed Christian Horner and Red Bull Racing has extra turns than your typical grand prix.

The Red Bull workforce principal has been in control of one of many largest manufacturers within the sport since 2005, however accusations of inappropriate habits threatened to derail his profession in February. That nonetheless may occur, regardless of him being cleared of wrongdoing.

And now, three-time world champion Max Verstappen’s dad, a former Formula 1 driver himself, has gotten concerned. While it stays to be seen how this may all shake out, it’s completely potential that Horner, 50, finally leaves Red Bull and Verstappen, 26, terminates his contract — or each.

As at all times on the earth of racing, there’s a ton to trace. Keep studying for every part to know concerning the scenario:

Who is Christian Horner?

Horner is the principal and CEO of Red Bull Racing. After a profitable driving profession, Horner retired from racing in 1999 and took his present job on the age of 25, making him the youngest workforce principal on the time. Since he took over, Red Bull has received 13 world titles, together with six World Constructors’ Championships and 7 World Drivers’ Championships.

In 2015, Horner married Spice Girl Geri Halliwell. The two share son Monty, and Horner additionally has a daughter, Olivia, from his earlier marriage to Beverley Allen. He can also be the stepfather of Halliwell’s daughter Bluebell, whom she shares with ex Sacha Gervasi.

Why Was Christian Horner Investigated?

Red Bull launched an investigation in February into allegations that Horner “engaged in inappropriate behavior” with a member of the workforce. Horner denied any wrongdoing on the time, saying on February 15, “I obviously deny fully the allegations that have been made against me. There’s an ongoing process and that obviously is being worked through at the moment.”

While Red Bull initially didn’t reveal any additional particulars, a doc loaded with screenshots of sexually suggestive textual content messages quickly leaked. The messages, allegedly from Horner, have been directed towards an unnamed feminine worker.

What Was the Outcome of the Investigation?

Red Bull concluded its investigation on the finish of February and cleared Horner of any wrongdoing. While clarifying that his accuser has the fitting to enchantment, Red Bull expressed confidence within the equity of its investigation.

“The independent investigation into the allegations made against Mr. Horner is complete, and Red Bull can confirm that the grievance has been dismissed,” learn a press release from the corporate. “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.”

The alleged textual content messages leaked sooner or later after Red Bull introduced it had cleared Horner.

What Does Max Verstappen’s Dad Have to Do With It?

Jos Verstappen finds himself able of serious affect within the Formula 1 world. The former F1 driver has been open about his distaste for Horner, and because the father of probably the most dominant driver on the earth at present, his calls for for Horner’s ouster is not going to fall on deaf ears.

“The team is in danger of being torn apart,” he instructed the Daily Mail. “It can’t go on the way it is. It will explode. He is playing the victim, when he is the one causing the problems.”

The Telegraph additionally reported that Jos has mentioned his son would go away Red Bull if Horner stays on the helm.

Red Bull Racing known as Jos’ feedback “untrue” in a press release to CNN on Monday, March 4, including, “We are united as a team and we are concentrating on racing.”

The Daily Mail then revealed a report on Tuesday, March 5, claiming that Jos had been romantically concerned with the girl on the coronary heart of the Horner scandal and have become indignant when the alleged express messages started.

Sky Sports Italy obtained footage of Jos and Horner in a heated alternate on the Bahrain Grand Prix on Saturday, March 2, and ESPN has reported that Jos doesn’t plan to attend the upcoming Saudi Arabian Grand Prix on Saturday, March 9.

Will Max Verstappen Stay With Red Bull?

Max is beneath contract with Red Bull by means of 2028, however he does have an exit clause in his deal that claims he might go away instantly if Red Bull director Helmut Marko decides to depart as nicely. F1-Insider requested Marko concerning the clause, and Marko replied, “As far as I’m concerned: I won’t stand in Max’s way [should he decide to leave].”

Adding gasoline to the hypothesis, Jos was seen speaking to Mercedes principal Toto Wolff on the Bahrain Grand Prix, and the duo reportedly had dinner as nicely. Mercedes could have an open seat subsequent yr and the necessity for some added star energy with Lewis Hamilton headed to Ferrari. While this situation doesn’t seem seemingly, it’s definitely on the desk.

Max vocalized help for his father in a Wednesday, March 6, press convention forward of the Saudi Arabian Grand Prix. “My dad, from how I know him in go-karting, is very outspoken and he is not a liar, that is for sure,” he instructed reporters, in line with Reuters. “My dad and I are very close. We call every day.”

Does Christian Horner’s Accuser Still Work for Red Bull Racing?

ESPN reported on Thursday, March 7, that the feminine worker who accused Horner of inappropriate habits had been suspended from Red Bull Racing as a result of findings of the investigation. The worker was suspended with full pay and nonetheless has the fitting to enchantment Horner’s harmless verdict.

Horner, for his half, mentioned he couldn’t touch upon “anything confidential between an employee and a company” throughout a Thursday press convention.