LONDON, March 16— The Red Bull Formula One employee who accused team leader Christian Horner of inappropriate behavior has filed an appeal after her complaint was denied, British media reported Thursday.
The move is certain to put the matter at the forefront of Formula One discussions and cast a shadow over the season.
The unidentified lady was suspended last week after a probe by a senior independent counsel, who has not been revealed, cleared Horner.
The 50-year-old team manager has refuted the unspecified allegations against him.
According to British media, the accuser has recruited a new lawyer, giving her extra time to file an appeal.
There was no instant confirmation from Red Bull GmbH, the Formula One champions’ Austrian parent company.
Red Bull GmbH noted in a brief statement on February 28, before the season began, that the complainant had the ability to appeal after the grievance was dismissed.
The energy drink manufacturer also stated that it was convinced the inquiry was “fair, rigorous, and impartial,” but there have been requests for greater transparency, with no information disclosed.
Horner endured a flurry of questions during last week’s Saudi Arabian Grand Prix, and he can expect even more when the circus arrives in Australia next week.
The Briton, who is married to Spice Girls singer Geri Halliwell, has frequently urged that the attention be returned to racing.
Red Bull has started the year in overwhelming fashion, with two one-two victories headed by triple champion Max Verstappen, whose future with the team is becoming increasingly dubious owing to off-track incidents.
After the inaugural Bahrain Grand Prix, Verstappen’s father, Jos, stated that if Horner remained in control, the team would be split apart.
The Dutch 26-year-old driver has also stated that the ongoing presence of 80-year-old Red Bull adviser Helmut Marko on the squad was a crucial factor in his decision to stay after the Austrian was worried about being fired.
According to media sources, there are tensions inside Red Bull, a corporation owned 51% by Thai billionaire Chalerm Yoovidhya, who has supported Horner. — Reuters
