Christian Horner Relieved After Dismissal of Appeal in Inappropriate Behavior Case

Christian Horner, the team principal of Red Bull Racing, expressed relief following the dismissal of an appeal made by a female colleague alleging inappropriate behavior. Initially cleared of wrongdoing in March, Horner faced renewed scrutiny after sexually suggestive texts, purportedly exchanged with the complainant, were leaked. The appeal was rejected on August 8 after an independent investigation, allowing Red Bull to conclude its internal process. Horner emphasized the importance of focusing on the upcoming races, stating, “It’s very much, as it has been all season, focus on track.” The allegations had cast a shadow over the team and the sport, leading to tensions, particularly with Max Verstappen’s father, Jos, who suggested that Horner’s position could jeopardize team unity. Despite the controversy, Horner received support from his wife, Geri Halliwell, and Red Bull’s majority shareholder, Chalerm Yoovidhya. In a statement released by Red Bull GmbH, the company confirmed that the appeal process had been completed and upheld the initial findings. The statement underscored the company’s commitment to maintaining high workplace standards while respecting employee privacy. Meanwhile, Verstappen has reaffirmed his commitment to Red Bull, dispelling rumors of a potential move to Mercedes, as he remains under contract until the end of the 2028 season.