Horner accuser suspension details emerge

The Red Bull employee who accused team principal Christian Horner of 'inappropriate behaviour' was suspended for allegedly being dishonest, RacingNews365 understands.

The scandal that has engulfed Horner and his team has continued unabated over the past four weeks since Red Bull GmbH, the parent company of Red Bull Racing, announced an investigation had been launched.

The grievance against the 50-year-old was eventually dismissed, after which a tumult followed, sparked by an email from an anonymous sender that contained more than 70 files of alleged WhatsApp conversations between Horner and his accuser.

Following the Bahrain Grand Prix, comprehensively won by Max Verstappen, the three-time F1 champion's father, Jos, launched a scathing tirade, stating there was "tension" inside the team that was on the brink of exploding if Horner was not removed from his post.

Ahead of the opening practice session for the Saudi Arabian Grand Prix, it emerged the woman involved, who had continued working with the team through to the start of this week, had been suspended.

It is understood the basis for the suspension relates to apparent 'inaccuracies in her evidence'.

Appeal window closing

Horner, in attendance at an FIA team principals' press conference at the Jeddah Corniche Circuit, was grilled throughout on the ongoing saga, but declined to shed any light on the woman's suspension.

"I'm afraid that I can't comment on anything that's confidential between an employee in the company," said Horner. "So I can't offer you anything on that."

At the time Red Bull GmbH announced its findings into the investigation on February 28, it stated the complainant had the right of an appeal. The window to do so is drawing to a close.

There is a timeframe of five days extending from when official legal letters have been served to both parties. It is believed that was done at the start of this week.

Horner is now determined to bring the matter to a close. During the press conference, he launched a passionate defence of himself and his family, calling for an end to the turmoil.