Christian Horner’s accuser in the ‘sex texts’ scandal is reportedly set to appeal the decision that cleared the Red Bull boss of any wrongdoing, Dailymail reports.
An independent internal investigation cleared the 50-year-old of ‘coercive behaviour’ towards a female employee, though screenshots of a text conversations allegedly between the pair were leaked a day after via an anonymous email.
His wife, former Spice Girl Geri Halliwell, joined him at the opening two Grand Prix of the season in a public show of support for her embattled husband, who has faced calls from within the team to resign.
Christian Horner’s accuser was last week suspended from her role at Red Bull as a direct result of the investigation, with Mail Sport revealing that she had been told her evidence was ‘dishonest’.
But in a further development, according to The Sun, Christian Horner’s accuser has changed legal representation and is preparing to appeal the verdict that exonerated the Red Bull principal in the first place.
A source quote by the outlet claims: ‘Christian and Geri are braced for more fireworks but a thorough investigation has already found in his favour.
‘The woman’s honesty has been called into question and her evidence was shown to be flawed.’
On Sunday, Horner received hundreds of comments from baffled fans after he posted a Mother’s Day message to Halliwell.
Fans claimed the timing of his message was ‘strategic’ amid his ‘sex texts’ scandal and branded him ‘stupid’ for not disabling comments on his Instagram.
He shared photos of Geri to mark Mother’s Day, along with a heartfelt tribute to her in the caption.
He wrote: ‘Happy Mother’s Day – So appreciative of the mums in our family for everything they do. We’re always grateful, today and every day.’
It followed another extraordinary weekend at the Milton Keynes-based outfit, on and off the track. On Saturday, Dr Helmut Marko insisted he would not be leaving Red Bull as a result of the scandal.
The 80-year-old motorsport adviser said suspension was now ruled out after talks with the energy drinks company’s head of sport, Oliver Mintzlaff, in the Jeddah paddock.
Only a day before Marko had hinted he was through the door, possibly never to return after being accused by the team of leaking evidence over Horner’s behaviour towards a female colleague, a claim he denies.
Marko’s departure may well have triggered Max Verstappen going with him, as the world champion vowed to do after qualifying in a statement of loyalty to his mentor.
Now everything is fluid again, with Marko saying ahead of the Saudi Arabian Grand Prix: ‘The conversation with Mintzalff was a very good one. I think everything is cleared.’