The woman who made allegations of sexual harassment against Christian Horner is back working in Formula One 18 months after being suspended, according to reports. In February 2024, allegations of sexual harassment and coercive, controlling behaviour were made public against Horner, claims which he denied and were later dismissed by an internal team investigation.
The unnamed employee was suspended by Red Bull following closure of the investigation and its appeal, which had the same outcome. The BBC now claim that she has returned to the sport, though it is unclear whether or not that job is back at Red Bull.
A day after Horner was cleared, a file allegedly containing texts and images was leaked to almost 200 people working inside the sport, including owners Liberty Media team principals and media.
Horner described the messages as “anonymous, speculative messages from an unknown source”.
He had already opened up on the toll the matter had taken on his family, including wife Geri Halliwell, saying: “It’s obviously been a very trying period. I’m married and have three children. And when that intrusion includes your children and the scrutiny that is placed upon your marriage.
“I’m very fortunate that I have a beautiful family and very supportive wife. Of course, It’s very trying, it’s very challenging. When there’s children involved, parents, families, it’s not pretty.”
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Horner added that the situation had been “dealt with in the most professional manner” by Red Bull’s parent company GmbH, and claimed that one of the top King’s Counsel had been appointed to oversee the investigation.
“He interviewed all of the people involved, as well as others of interest,” Horner explained. “He looked at everything and he came to the conclusion where he dismissed the grievance. As far as I am concerned, and as far as Red Bull are concerned, we moved on and we look to the future. The time now is to draw a line under it.”
Almost a month after Horner’s accuser was suspended, she was described as “very upset, angry, scared, intimidated and lonely” by a close friend.
The friend told the BBC: “It’s impossible for people to understand what it’s like for her. She can’t talk and she won’t talk.
“But I can tell you what it is doing to her. Every time I have asked her something, she breaks down in tears and says she’s got no one to talk to because she’s not allowed to talk.
“She is very upset, very angry, very scared, very intimidated, very lonely. And I think it’s impossible for people to understand without being in her shoes what it’s like for her.”
In July of this year, Horner was sacked by Red Bull with the team fourth in the Constructors’ Championship.
