Horner seen for the first time since claims he 'sent sexual messages to employee'
CHRISTIAN Horner has been spotted for the first time since the bombshell claims he sent 'sexual messages' to a colleague.
The Red Bull boss, 50, is under investigation following a female employee's shock claims.
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He has vehemently denied all allegations and was initially only under investigation for alleged controlling behavior at work.
But in recent days, new claims allege Horner also sent her “sexually suggestive” text messages.
Horner was photographed yesterday watching the racehorse he owns with his wife Geri Halliwell, Lift Me Up, come second.
He was seen alone as he strolled through Badbury Rings Point to Point in Dorset.
The F1 chief wore striped boots and a bag as he walked across the grass with his hands in his pockets.
It is unclear whether Geri, with whom he usually attends horse races, was there.
The Sun exclusively revealed that Horner – who married Geri in 2015 – was supported by all the Spice Girls.
A source said: “They are quietly supporting her behind the scenes and checking in to make sure she is okay.
“Geri has been left devastated by the ordeal but is grateful for the kindness shown by her friends.”
The ex-Spice Girl, who “burst into tears” when the Red Bull boss was hit with the allegations, fears the drama will drag on for years, a source claims.
But Geri, 51, is believed to have her husband's back.
She has told friends: “Christian did nothing wrong.”
It comes after F1 released a statement on the allegations yesterday.
F1 said in a statement today: “We hope the matter will be clarified as soon as possible following a fair and thorough process.
“We have established that Red Bull has launched an independent investigation into internal allegations at Red Bull Racing.
“We will have no further comment at this time.”
According to reports, a final decision on the investigation into the allegations could come as soon as next week.
It comes when…
Ford is said to have put pressure on their future partners at Red Bull Racing to investigate the outcome “seriously but quickly”.
Reports say this could mean Horner could learn his fate much sooner than originally expected.
Horner has said he hopes the investigation will be resolved next week when the team flies to Bahrain for pre-season testing.
He was expected to bow out as team manager.
Dutch newspaper De Telegraafclaimed to have seen messages at the heart of the investigation and claimed they were “sexually oriented.”
The newspaper reported that Horner allegedly sent sex messages to the female employee “over an extended period of time.”
Messages were allegedly saved and presented as evidence to the outside lawyer who led the investigation after the woman filed a complaint last December.
Horner publicly addressed the allegations against him for the first time at the launch of the RB20 this week.
He said: “Inevitably there have been distractions but the team is very much together.
“Everyone is focused on the season ahead, so it was very normal and the support was fantastic.
“In situations like this you see where the strengths lie, and the support I have had from the team has been overwhelming.
“There have been some allegations made, which I completely deny, so the background investigation is ongoing as we prepare for the upcoming season, and will hopefully be completed in the near future.”
What has been claimed?
F1 was rocked earlier this month by the sudden news that the sport's longest-serving team boss had been put under investigation by Red Bull's Austrian-based parent company.
This was thought to be about a 'file containing incriminating material' about 'inappropriate and controlling behaviour' towards a woman, The Telegraph reported.
Red Bull's Austrian parent company sent an independent lawyer to Britain to question the multimillionaire and his accuser.
The former racing driver, who leads world champion Max Verstappen's all-conquering Red Bull team, endured an eight-hour grilling over the claims last week.
However, more allegations have recently emerged The Telegraph reported that Horner allegedly sent sex messages to his employee “over an extended period of time.”
Messages were allegedly saved and presented as evidence to the outside lawyer who led the investigation after the woman filed a complaint last December.
Mr Horner categorically denied the new allegations and would take legal action against De Telegraaf.
An F1 source told The Sun last week that “Christian has not been fired or asked to resign and he has no intention of resigning.”
The investigation raises the question of who could take over the helm of world champion Max Verstappen's all-conquering racing team.
His wife Geri Halliwell is also said to be “terrified that her life will unravel” amid Horner's investigation into “inappropriate behaviour”.
The ex-Spice Girl, who “burst into tears” when the Red Bull boss was hit with the allegations, fears the drama will drag on for years, a source claims.
But Geri, 51, is believed to have her husband's back.
She has told friends: “Christian did nothing wrong.”
Horner has had an enormous period of success for the racing team: he won several F1 championships with Sebastian Vettel and Verstappen.
Red Bull has won seven Formula 1 Drivers' World Championships and six Constructors' World Championships under Horner's leadership.
Last season the team won 21 of the 22 races on the global F1 tour, with 26-year-old Verstappen winning the drivers' crown.
Horner received a CBE for services to motorsport in the 2024 New Year's Honors List.
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