Red Bull suspends Christian Horner’s prosecutor after investigation

As the PA news agency has learned, Christian Horner’s accuser has been suspended amid Red Bull’s investigation into “inappropriate conduct” against the Formula 1 team boss.

Horner, 50, was allowed to remain in his position after Red Bull Racing’s parent company, GmbH, announced last Wednesday that the complaint against him had been dismissed.

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

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

Horner, who has consistently denied the allegations against him, was asked about the development at a press conference in Saudi Arabia on Thursday. He said: “I’m afraid I cannot comment on confidential information between an employee and the company.”

“Every company has a complaints procedure and this procedure is confidential between the individuals and the company itself.

“For these reasons of confidentiality and out of respect for the company and the other party, we are all subject to the same restrictions. So even if I would like to talk about it, I cannot because of these restrictions.”

Horner added: “I’m lucky to have a wonderful family and a very supportive wife. It’s been very exhausting and very challenging.

“My wife and family have been very supportive, but the disruption in my family is enough now and we need to look forward and focus on what we are here for.

“Now it’s time to focus on why we’re here, which is to race Formula 1.”

After last weekend’s season-opening race in Bahrain, Horner said he was “absolutely confident” that he would remain Red Bull boss for the rest of the season.

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.

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.”