Christian Horner’s accuser has reportedly been suspended by Red Bull Racing

The sexting scandal that has engulfed Christian Hoorner and Red Bull Racing has more corners than a typical Grand Prix.

The Red Bull team boss has been in charge of one of the sport’s biggest brands since 2005, but allegations of inappropriate behavior threatened to derail his career in February. That could still happen, despite being cleared of wrongdoing.

And now a three-time world champion Max VerstappenHis father, himself a former Formula 1 driver, became involved. While it remains to be seen how this will all play out, it’s entirely possible that Horner, 50, will eventually leave Red Bull and Verstappen, 26, will have his contract terminated – or both.

As always in the racing world, there is a lot to follow. Keep reading to know everything about the situation:

Who is Christian Horner?

Horner is the director and CEO of Red Bull Racing. After a successful racing career, Horner retired from racing in 1999 and took up his current job at the age of 25, making him the youngest team principal at the time. Since taking over, Red Bull has won thirteen world titles, including six Constructors’ World Championships and seven Drivers’ World Championships.

In 2015, Horner married Spice Girl Geri Halliwell. The two share son Monty, and Horner also has a daughter, Olivia, from his previous marriage Beverly Allen. He is also the stepfather of Halliwell’s daughter Bluebell, whom she shares with ex Sacha Gervasi.

Why was Christian Horner investigated?

Red Bull launched an investigation in February into allegations that Horner had ‘engaged in inappropriate conduct’ towards a member of the team. Horner denied any wrongdoing at the time, saying on February 15: “I obviously completely deny the allegations that have been made against me. There is a process underway and that is of course being worked on at the moment.”

Although Red Bull initially did not release any further details, a document full of screenshots of sexually suggestive text messages was soon leaked. The messages, reportedly from Horner, were addressed to an unnamed female employee.

What was the outcome of the investigation?

Red Bull completed its investigation at the end of February and cleared Horner of any wrongdoing. While clarifying that his accuser has the right to appeal, Red Bull expressed confidence in the fairness of the investigation.

“The independent investigation into the allegations against Mr Horner has been completed and Red Bull can confirm that the complaint has been dismissed,” a company statement said. “The complainant has the right to appeal. Red Bull is confident that the investigation was fair, rigorous and impartial. The investigation report is confidential and contains the private information of the parties and third parties who participated in the investigation. Out of respect for all involved, we will therefore not comment further. Red Bull will continue to strive to meet the highest standards in the workplace.”

The alleged text messages were leaked a day after Red Bull announced it had acquitted Horner.

What does Max Verstappen’s father have to do with it?

Jos Verstappen is in a position of great influence in the Formula 1 world. The former F1 driver has been open about his dislike for Horner, and as the father of the most dominant driver in the world today, his demands for Horner’s dismissal will not fall on deaf ears.

“The team is in danger of being torn apart,” he says told the Daily email. “It cannot continue as it is. It will explode. He plays the victim, while he is the one causing the problems.”

The Telegraph also reported that Jos has said his son would leave Red Bull if Horner remains at the helm.

Red Bull Racing called Jos’ comments “untrue” in a statement. CNN on Monday, March 4, adding, “We are united as a team and we are focused on the racing.”

The Daily Mail subsequently published a report on Tuesday, March 5, which claimed Jos had been in a relationship with the woman at the center of the Horner scandal and became angry when the alleged explicit messages began.

Sky Sports Italy has obtained footage of Jos and Horner in a heated argument during the Bahrain Grand Prix on Saturday, March 2, and ESPN has reported that Jos does not plan to attend the upcoming Saudi Arabian Grand Prix on Saturday, March 9 .

Will Max Verstappen stay at Red Bull?

Max is under contract with Red Bull until 2028, but he does have an exit clause in his deal stating that he can leave as Red Bull director immediately Helmut Marko also decides to leave. F1 Insider asked Marko about the clause and Marko replied: “As for me, I will not stand in Max’s way [should he decide to leave].”

To fuel the speculation even further, Jos was seen talking to the director of Mercedes Toto Wolff at the Bahrain Grand Prix, and the duo also reportedly had dinner. Mercedes has an open seat next year and is in need of some extra star power Lewis Hamilton on the way to Ferrari. While this scenario doesn’t seem likely, it is certainly on the table.

Max expressed his support for his father during a press conference on Wednesday, March 6, ahead of the Saudi Arabian Grand Prix. “My father, as I know him in karting, is very outspoken and he is not a liar, that’s for sure,” he told reporters. Reuters. “My father and I are very close. We call every day.”

Does Christian Horner’s accuser still work for Red Bull Racing?

ESPN reported on Thursday, March 7, that the female employee who accused Horner of inappropriate behavior had been suspended from Red Bull Racing due to findings from the investigation. The employee was suspended with full pay and still has the right to appeal Horner’s not guilty verdict.

For his part, Horner said he could not comment on “anything confidential between an employee and a company” during a news conference Thursday.