As a result of its recent inquiry, Red Bull has suspended the female employee at the center of claims against Formula One team principal Christian Horner.
After a female employee accused Horner of inappropriate behavior, an independent lawyer engaged by Red Bull conducted an eight-week investigation.
On the eve of the season-opening Bahrain Grand Prix, Horner was absolved of any wrongdoing after a study of the evidence at the center of the case, as well as interviews with key team officials.
Red Bull issued a statement at the time stating, “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 the right to appeal.”
While no further information was provided about the investigation’s conclusions, Motorsport.com has heard that one of the implications was to take action against the employee at the center of the situation.
It is understood that she was still employed by the Milton Keynes-based firm as recently as this week, but has since been suspended.
The team has not issued an official statement on the incident, and when contacted by Motorsport.com, a representative refused to divulge any specifics.
He responded by saying: “We are unable to comment as it is an internal matter.”
The decision by Red Bull to suspend the employee adds another twist to a plot that has captivated F1 in recent weeks.
Horner has been in distress since the matter first surfaced earlier this week, and he had to suffer a difficult weekend in Bahrain with the world’s attention fixed on his every action.
His problem was exacerbated when, just 24 hours after being exonerated of guilt by Red Bull, an unknown source communicated supposed evidence from the case to key F1 officials, including team directors and the media.
Horner also faced harsh criticism from Jos Verstappen, Max’s father, during the Bahrain Grand Prix, when the Dutchman spoke out in the media against him.
So far, Horner has not spoken openly about the situation, but the public attacks on him have raised suspicions of a conspiracy to bring him down for unknown reasons.
In Bahrain, Chalerm Yoovidhya, the Thai majority owner of Red Bull, expressed his strong support for Horner. The two were photographed on the grid before the race, and they both celebrated Verstappen’s victory in parc ferme.
Red Bull’s managing director Oliver Mintzlaff is expected to attend this weekend’s Saudi Arabian Grand Prix, and it would be fascinating to see whether he chooses to remark on the topic, as there has been talk that the Austrian side of the firm is concerned about it.
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