Christian Horner: “It is time to put an end to the allegations” after Red Bull prosecutor was suspended

Christian Horner said it was “time to put an end to allegations of inappropriate conduct” after it was announced on Thursday that his accuser had been suspended by Red Bull following the investigation.

The 50-year-old Formula 1 team boss was allowed to remain in his position after the parent company of Red Bull Racing, GmbH, announced last Wednesday that the complaint against him had been dismissed.

The Red Bull boss was acquitted of charges of inappropriate behavior toward his unnamed colleague, but on the eve of the new F1 season, confidential WhatsApp messages that he allegedly sent to her were leaked.

The PA news agency has learned that the complainant, a member of staff at the Milton Keynes team, has since been suspended on full pay.

It is believed that the employee, who is believed to have reported to work on Monday, was suspended by Red Bull as a direct result of the investigation.

The complainant is said to have received a letter earlier this week and now has five working days to appeal the outcome of the investigation, which has cast a huge shadow over Red Bull and the sport.

A Red Bull Racing spokesman said: “We cannot comment as this is an internal matter.”

Horner told reporters at an official FIA press conference in Saudi Arabia on Thursday afternoon: “Of course there was a lot of coverage of it. But you have to assume that a complaint was made, it was investigated and it was dismissed.”

“Obviously it has attracted a lot of interest from different parts of the media for different reasons. I think it is now time to draw a line under it.”

He continued: “It’s been a very stressful time. I’m married and have three children, and when this interference affects your children and your marriage. I have a wonderful family and a very supportive wife. I’m the only one who’s been mentioned by name in this matter. So, of course, it’s very stressful. When children, family, parents are involved… it’s not nice.”

When asked about the employee’s suspension, Horner said, “I’m afraid I cannot comment on confidential information between an employee and the company.”

His wife, former Spice Girl Geri Halliwell-Horner, was at his side at the season opener in Bahrain at the weekend.

The couple were photographed smiling, holding hands and kissing at the Bahrain International Circuit in Sakhir. They married in 2015 and have a son together, Montague George Hector Horner.

WhatsApp messages that Horner and his colleague had apparently exchanged were passed on to 149 F1 personalities. Horner had always denied the allegations.

Horner, who continues in his role as team principal and CEO, said he was “absolutely confident” that he would remain as Red Bull boss for the remainder of the season.

However, it is understandable that there is considerable unease among the team’s numerous sponsors and partners.

Max Verstappen stood by his father Jos and said: “He is not a liar” after the latter claimed that Red Bull could explode if Horner remained team boss.

Verstappen’s manager Raymond Vermeulen met with Horner earlier this week to clarify the situation in the crisis-ridden team. Neither Max nor Jos were present.

In a statement from Red Bull GmbH last Wednesday, it said: “The independent investigation into the allegations made against Mr Horner has been completed and Red Bull can confirm that the complaint has been dismissed.

“The complainant has the right of appeal.

“Red Bull is confident that the investigation was fair, thorough and impartial.

“The investigation report is confidential and contains the private information of the parties and third parties who assisted in the investigation. Out of respect for all involved, we will therefore not comment further. Red Bull will continue to strive to maintain the highest standards in the workplace.”