Woman at the center of Christian Horner ‘sexting’ scandal feels ‘let down’ and ‘disappointed’ at the way the investigation into the Red Bull chief was handled after accusing HER of lying

The woman who received sex texts from Red Bull team boss Christian Horner accusing him of ‘inappropriate behaviour’ says she feels ‘let down’ by the F1 team’s decision to acquit him.

Red Bull announced last month that it is investigating 50-year-old Horner through an independent lawyer into claims of misconduct by his personal assistant.

But her complaint was rejected and just hours later, embarrassing text messages of a sexual nature involving the pair were leaked, leading to her suspension for what Red Bull said was ‘dishonesty’.

A friend of the university graduate at the center of the affair told MailOnline: ‘She is so disappointed with how it all went down, especially as she did everything by the book.

‘She has raised her concerns privately and has done everything right, but she feels very let down by the company.

“They suspended her because she followed the proper procedure carefully and correctly.

‘But despite everything, she was suspended from the job she loves and from a sport in which she is highly regarded.

‘The lack of support is noticed and she is so disappointed with the treatment by her employer.

‘Look what happened. She complained that a supposedly transparent, independent investigation had taken place, Horner was acquitted and subsequently suspended.’

The friend added: ‘Questions need to be asked about the Red Bull investigation, transparency would give confidence in what is happening to her.

‘Who at Red Bull was charged with establishing the facts? Who at Red Bull had access to all the confidential material used?

‘Who at Red Bull makes all these decisions and who at Red Bull does their best to determine the source of these leaks?

‘She just can’t get over the fact that she filed a complaint and was suspended. All she wants is transparency in the process.”

The friend revealed that the woman has been ‘inundated’ with offers to tell her story, but has decided to remain tight-lipped for the time being.

Last week, MailOnline revealed that Jos Verstappen, father of Red Bull’s lead driver Max, also backed her and said he ‘sympathised’ with the woman.

The friend added: ‘She has had many messages of support from friends, family and people in F1 and she remains stoic and respectful of the process.

‘Even though there are questions that need to be asked of Red Bull.’

An F1 source who knows the woman told MailOnline: ‘Look, everyone knows motor racing is a male-dominated sport.

‘I think fans will wonder what went wrong at Red Bull if a woman with concerns is suspended because raising concerns is simply not an option.

“All it will do is discourage other women who may have had similar problems in F1 from coming forward.”

The woman is appealing Red Bull’s decision and has appointed lawyers to fight her, but no timetable has been given for the trial.”

The woman had bravely held on to her job at Red Bull’s Milton Keynes headquarters for several weeks before being suspended.

The F1 source said: ‘She didn’t ask for this and now she has been suspended and the message is very clear: it means women should stay quiet and not speak out or you will lose your job.’

The woman’s plea for transparency echoes that of Red Bull Racing’s current engine partner Honda, which has called for clarity on the investigation that ultimately cleared Horner.

In a statement ahead of last week’s Saudi Arabian GP, ​​Honda said: ‘We do not have full details on the matter at this time, therefore Honda is not in a position to comment in detail.

‘We look forward to complete clarity as soon as possible.’

Honda is not the only team partner to have shared a public statement about the Horner investigation and its aftermath. Future engine supplier Ford said in February – while the investigation was still ongoing – that it expects ‘high standards of conduct’.

Mark Rushbrook, global head of Ford Performance Motorsport, said: “As a family-owned business and a company that adheres to very high standards of conduct and integrity, we expect the same from our partners.

‘It seems to us, and what we were told, was that Red Bull is taking the situation very seriously. And of course they are also concerned about their brand.

“And that’s why they have an independent investigation and until we see what truth comes out of that, it’s too early for us to comment on that.”

Horner – married to former Spice Girl Geri – has called for a line to be drawn under the controversy and for the focus to be on the team.

In the first two races of the season in Bahrain and Saudi Arabia, Geri made a determined effort to show that she was behind Horner.

Red Bull remained tight-lipped about the woman’s suspension, saying simply: “The company cannot comment on this internal matter.”

They said they dismissed her complaint after an independent QC – who was not named – prepared a report into the allegations over several weeks.