Red Bull has rejected the appeal of an employee who accused Christian Horner, the head of the company’s Formula 1 team, of misconduct. An initial investigation earlier this year found the complaint to be baseless, but the employee exercised their right to appeal. The company stated that the grievance was handled through an internal procedure by an independent investigator who dismissed the claim. The employee then had the opportunity to appeal, which was overseen by a second independent counsel. Red Bull confirmed that all appeal stages have now been completed, with the final decision upholding the dismissal of the appeal. The employee was placed on suspension with pay back in March, and the recent announcement did not clarify their current status.
Shortly after the initial complaint against Horner was disregarded in March, a file purportedly containing evidence against him was circulated via email to around 200 individuals in the F1 paddock during the Bahrain Grand Prix practice. The source of the file was a generic email account, and its authenticity has never been confirmed. Despite the controversy, Horner continued to lead the F1 team and faced no consequences. Meanwhile, Max Verstappen, the team’s driver and three-time world champion, has had a successful season, claiming seven victories and leading the F1 standings as the sport enters its summer break.
Tensions persist between Horner and Verstappen’s father, who have engaged in a public dispute with allegations and counterclaims being exchanged in media interviews regarding Jos Verstappen’s alleged involvement in the employee’s accusations. The specific details of the claims have not been disclosed publicly, but the investigation had a significant impact on the F1 sphere early in the season. The complaint against Horner was dismissed just before the start of the season, and the issue gradually faded from the spotlight except for the ongoing discord between Horner and Verstappen’s father.
The Formula 1 season is set to recommence on August 25 with the Dutch Grand Prix, held in Max Verstappen’s home country.
