The Christian Horner sexual misconduct and controlling behaviour appeal by an ex-employee is dismissed by Red Bull, meaning the Formula 1 team principal can try to put the drama behind him but what exactly does it mean moving forwards?
Claims against the 50-year-old sprung up on the eve of the 2024 season at the Bahrain Grand Prix and were officially confirmed by Red Bull GmbH, the parent company of the F1 team, who opened an investigation into the matter via an independent lawyer.
An ex-employee alleged that the team principal had been controlling and coercive to her as well as other claims that amounted to sexual misconduct on the man married to Geri Halliwell’s part.
On February 28 the Austrian group announced the grievance had been dismissed only for a Google Drive containing alleged WhatsApp chats to be sent to 150 journalists and paddock figures, whilst the employee exercised her right to appeal.
On August 8, Red Bull announced the appeal had been rejected by a second independent lawyer meaning Horner is out of the woods for now, but what could the long term impact be for the team?
What does it mean for Horner and Red Bull?
The Red Bull boss will still have to face the music of the media on Thursday, April 22 when F1 heads to Zandvoort for the 2024 Dutch GP to signal the end of its annual summer break, which began on July 29.
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Additionally, despite Horner feeling the relief of the second dismissal, the situation might not be completely over for him as the ex-employee and accuser could still head to an employment tribunal following her suspension on full pay.
“With regard to his accuser, there could be a pathway via an employment tribunal,” Craig Slater told Sky Sports F1. “Which again could be a lengthy process if she decides to take the matter further.
“She could instigate legal proceedings, civil proceedings via an employment tribunal against Horner and Red Bull Racing, her employer. It’s very new this outcome to her own appeal so we will have to wait to see if we will get a response and any notion of the future intention that she wishes to take.”
However, the news could also have a stabilizing effect on the most important figure in the team at the moment: Max Verstappen.
The world champion had complained about the instability of the team and combined with Red Bull’s loss of form, has reportedly been shopping around Mercedes and Aston Martin, so the news could ensure his loyalty to the team in the immediate future.
It’s not just Verstappen though. Adrian Newey and Jonathan Wheatley have also quit the world champions after the public revelations against Horner although it’s unclear how related to the scandal it is.
That’s two big personalities to lose. As chief technical officer, Newey was responsible for creating Red Bull’s 2010-2013 and 2021, 2022 and 2023 cars that all claimed world championships but he quit in May.
Wheatley as sporting director was responsible for the smooth-running of the team and served as their F1 regulations guru, whilst monitoring communications. He also trained their pit-stop crew that held the record for fastest stop between 2019-2023.
Another relief to the owners and investors of the team is that they can now stop explaining the allegations to any potential sponsors and can focus on the racing again after McLaren’s CEO, Zak Brown, and Mercedes’ boss, Toto Wolff, called for transparency on the matter.
