Formula One presenter Laura Winter says ‘it has not been easy to be a woman working in motorsport’ amid Christian Horner ‘sex texts’ scandal, as she opens up on her troubled past

Formula One presenter Laura Winter has sent a message of defiance to “women working in F1” amid the ongoing saga of Christian Horner’s alleged “sexual texts” scandal at Red Bull.

Horner, 50, has been at the center of a scandal after being acquitted, but a batch of leaked text messages and images he had allegedly sent to a Red Bull employee were subsequently published anonymously.

Horner, present at the Jeddah Corniche circuit for Friday’s qualifying session in which his driver Max Verstappen took pole for the Saudi Arabian Grand Prix, has denied the allegations and stated that he will not comment on “anonymous speculation from sources.” unknown.”

The Red Bull boss, who has been in his role for 19 years since the team moved into F1, was previously cleared of “coercive behaviour” following an internal investigation by his team’s parent organisation, Red Bull. GmbH.

Winter, who is a woman working for the F1 television channel, has opened up about how it feels to be a woman employed in the sport today by posting an emotional message on her social media channels.

Winter’s message comes at a time when Red Bull team principal Christian Horner is under pressure over an alleged ‘sexual texts’ scandal.

Horner has stated that he will not comment on the ‘anonymous speculation’ arising from the alleged leaked texts

Posting a 1 minute 21 second video on her X profile on Friday, International Women’s Day, she revealed for the first time how she had to escape an abusive relationship before proceeding to comment on working in F1.

“International Women’s Day is difficult for me; five years ago on this day, I was attacked and escaped an abusive relationship,” she said.

“I feel an enormous duty and pressure to do something and that’s why I felt incredibly grateful and moved to be able to say these words on air.”

Continuing the video, Winter added: “After the recent news and headlines, it hasn’t been easy being a woman working in Formula One.

“Personally, I’m very proud to be here as a woman who works in motorsport, a woman who works in Formula One, giving you these shows and sharing this paddock with absolutely brilliant women as well.

“From the team staff to the media colleagues and also the drivers, all of them should be celebrated yesterday, but every other day, as well as the wonderful male allies who are helping us make this sport a better and more space.” inclusive,” Winter said.

Horner has faced calls to resign from his role as team principal at Red Bull after facing an investigation but was cleared of any wrongdoing.

Meanwhile, the employee who accused Horner of “coercive behavior” has been suspended from her position at Red Bull.

Winter later expanded on this weekend’s Grand Prix being held in Saudi Arabia, where he has been covering and attacking the Middle Eastern country.

‘The importance of this inaugural round being held in Saudi Arabia, a kingdom where it was illegal for women to drive before 2018, is not lost on us.

She added: “For the women and girls in motorsport, for the huge and growing number of fans of this sport, here is a very good reminder for all of us that we are here to stay and that we are right where we belong.”