The woman who received sex texts from Red Bull team principal Christian Horner and accused him of ‘inappropriate behaviour’ says she feels ‘let down’ by the F1 team’s decision to clear him.
Red Bull announced last month that it was investigating Horner, 50, via an independent barrister over claims of wrongdoing from his personal assistant.
But her grievance was dismissed 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 centre of the affair, told : ‘She is so disappointed with how it’s all gone, especially as she did everything by the book.
‘She raised her concerns in private and did everything right, but she feels very let down by the company.
Christian Horner’s accuser has said she feels ‘let down’ by the F1 team’s decision to clear him. Pictured: Horner at the Saudi Arabia Grand Pix on March 7
Christian Horner and Geri Halliwell are pictured after Team Red Bull won the Saudi Grand Prix
‘They have suspended her when she followed the proper process diligently and correctly.
‘But for all that she was suspended from the job she loves and from a sport that she is highly regarded in.
‘The lack of support is noted and she’s just so disappointed with the treatment from her employer.
‘Look at what happened. She complained there was a supposedly transparent, independent investigation, Horner was cleared, and she was then suspended.’
The friend added: ‘Questions need to be asked of the Red Bull investigation, transparency would bring confidence in what is happening to her.
‘Who at Red Bull was tasked with establishing the facts ? Who at Red Bull had access to all the confidential material that was used ?
‘Who at Red Bull is making all these decisions and who at Red Bull is making efforts to establish the source of these leaks ?
‘She just can’t get over the fact that she made a complaint and was suspended – all she wants is transparency in the process.’
Geri Halliwell has stood by her Red Bull boss husband throughout the scandal. The couple are pictured in Jeddah on March 9
Halliwell also accompanied Horner in Bahrain in a defiant show of support for her embattled husband
The friend revealed the woman has been ‘inundated’ with offers to tell her story but has decided to remain tight lipped for the time being.
Last week revealed Jos Verstappen, father of Red Bull’s main driver Max, was also backing her and said he ‘sympathised’ with the woman.
The friend added: ‘She’s had lots of messages of support from friends and family and people in F1 and she is remaining stoical and respecting the process.
‘Not withstanding there are those questions that need to be asked of Red Bull.’
A source within F1 who knows the woman told : ‘Look, everyone knows motor racing is a male dominated sport.
‘I think fans will be asking themselves what’s gone wrong at Red Bull for a woman with concerns to be suspended for raising concerns is just not on.
‘All it will do is discourage other women, who may have had similar issues in F1 from coning forward.’
The woman is appealing Red Bull’s decision and has appointed lawyers to fight her corner but no timeframe has been given as to the process.’
Last week revealed Jos Verstappen, father of Red Bull’s main driver Max, was also backing her and said he ‘sympathised’ with the woman. Pictured: Max and Jos Verstappen
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
The woman had bravely stuck to her job at the Milton Keynes HQ of Red Bull for several weeks before being suspended.
The F1 source said: ‘She didn’t seek any of this and now she has been suspend and the message is quite clear, it implies to women stay quiet and don’t speak out or you will lose your job.’
The woman’s plea transparency echoes that of Red Bull Racing’s current engine partner Honda which has called 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 full details on the matter at this point, therefore Honda are not in a position to make any detailed comment.
‘We look forward to full clarity as soon as possible.’
Honda is not the only team partner to have shared a public statement on the investigation into Horner and its aftermath, with future engine supplier Ford saying in February – while the investigation was ongoing – that they expect ‘high standards of behaviour’.
Mark Rushbrook, the global head of Ford Performance Motorsport, said: ‘As a family company, and a company that holds itself to very high standards of behaviour and integrity, we do expect the same from our partners.
‘It appears to us, and what we’ve been told, was that Red Bull is taking the situation very seriously. And, of course, they’re worried about their brand as well.
‘And that’s why they’ve got an independent investigation and until we see what truth comes out of that, it’s too early for us to comment on it all.’
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 she was standing by Horner.
Red Bull have remained tight lipped on the woman’s suspension and simply said: ‘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 into the allegations over several weeks.