The woman who received sexual text messages from Red Bull team principal Christian Horner and accused him of “inappropriate behavior” says she feels “disappointed” by the F1 team’s decision to authorize it.
Red Bull announced last month that it was investigating Horner, 50, through an independent lawyer over allegations of wrongdoing by his personal assistant.
But their complaint was dismissed and a few hours later embarrassing text messages of a sexual nature involving the pair were leaked, leading to their suspension for what Red Bull called “dishonesty.”
A friend of the university graduate at the center of the matter told MailOnline: ‘She is very disappointed with how everything has gone, especially as she did everything by the rules.’
‘She expressed her concerns privately and did everything right, but feels very let down by the company.
Christian Horner’s accuser has said she feels “disappointed” by the F1 team’s decision to acquit him. Pictured: Horner at the Grand Pix in Saudi Arabia on March 7
Christian Horner and Geri Halliwell pictured after the Red Bull team won the Saudi Arabian Grand Prix.
‘She has been suspended when she followed due process diligently and correctly.
“But despite all that, she was suspended from the job she loves and from a sport in which she is highly regarded.
‘The lack of support is noticeable and she is very disappointed with her employer’s treatment.
‘Look what happened. He complained that a supposedly transparent and independent investigation had been carried out, Horner was acquitted and then suspended.
The friend added: “Questions need to be asked about the Red Bull investigation, transparency would bring confidence in what is happening to them.”
‘Who at Red Bull was given the task of establishing the facts? Who at Red Bull had access to all the confidential material that was used?
“Who at Red Bull makes all these decisions and who at Red Bull goes to great lengths to establish the origin 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.”
Geri Halliwell has supported her Red Bull boss husband throughout the scandal. The couple is photographed in Jeddah on March 9.
Halliwell also accompanied Horner to Bahrain in a defiant show of support for her embattled husband.
The friend revealed that the woman has been “inundated” with offers to tell her story, but has decided to remain silent for the moment.
Last week, MailOnline revealed that Jos Verstappen, father of Red Bull lead driver Max, also backed her and said he “sympathized” with the woman.
The friend added: “She has received many messages of support from friends, family and F1 people and she remains stoic and respects the process.”
“However, there are some questions that need to be asked of Red Bull.”
A source within F1 who knows the woman told MailOnline: ‘Look, everyone knows motorsport is a male-dominated sport.
“I think fans will be wondering what has gone wrong at Red Bull that a woman with concerns being suspended for raising concerns is simply not in the cards.
“All it will do is deter other women, who may have had similar problems in F1, from moving forward.”
The woman is appealing Red Bull’s decision and has appointed lawyers to defend her defense, but no deadline has been given for the process.
Last week, MailOnline revealed that Jos Verstappen, father of Red Bull lead driver Max, also backed her and said he “sympathized” with the woman. In the photo: Max and José Verstappen.
Horner, married to former Spice Girl Geri, has called for an end to the controversy and for the focus to be on the team.
The woman had bravely kept her job at Red Bull’s Milton Keynes headquarters for several weeks before being suspended.
The F1 source said: “She didn’t seek any of this and now she’s been suspended and the message is pretty clear, it means women keep quiet and don’t speak up or they’ll lose their jobs.”
The woman’s transparency statement echoes that of Red Bull Racing’s current engine partner, Honda, which has asked for clarity over the investigation that ultimately cleared Horner.
In a statement ahead of last week’s Saudi Arabia GP, Honda said: “We do not have all the details on the matter at this time, so Honda is not in a position to make any detailed comment.”
“We hope to have complete clarity as soon as possible.”
Honda is not the only team partner to have shared a public statement regarding the investigation into Horner and its fallout, as future engine supplier Ford said in February, while the investigation was ongoing, that they expected “high standards of behavior.” .
Mark Rushbrook, global director of Ford Performance Motorsport, said: “As a family-owned business held to very high standards of behavior and integrity, we expect the same from our partners.
“It seems to us, and what we have been told, 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’s true, it’s too early for us to comment on anything.”
Horner, married to former Spice Girl Geri, has called for an end to 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 he supported Horner.
Red Bull remained mum on the woman’s suspension, simply saying: “The company cannot comment on this internal matter.”
They said they had dismissed her complaint after an independent KC, who was not named, compiled a report on the allegations over several weeks.