Christian Horner was last month cleared of inappropriate behaviour towards a female employee at Red Bull.
The female employee at Red Bull who is appealing the decision to exonerate team principal Christian Horner of inappropriate behavior is reportedly feeling emotional and isolated, as she has been temporarily suspended by the team.
Despite facing allegations of misconduct, Horner was cleared after an internal investigation conducted last month.
But just hours after that decision was confirmed, messages reportedly sent by Horner were leaked to the media. The appeal process is currently ongoing, with the complainant also said to be prepared to go to an employment tribunal.
The employee has remained anonymous and is unable to talk about her claims, having signed a legal agreement not to discuss the matter publicly. However, in a candid interview with BBC Sport, a friend of the female, who has remained anonymous, has voiced concerns on the impact that the ordeal is having on her.
“It’s impossible for people to understand what it’s like for her,” said the friend. “She can’t talk and she won’t talk. But I can tell you what it is doing to her. Every time I have asked her something, she breaks down in tears and says she’s got no-one to talk to because she’s not allowed to talk.
“She is very upset, very angry, very scared, very intimidated, very lonely. And I think it’s impossible for people to understand without being in her shoes what it’s like for her. She is determined for the truth to come out.”
Red Bull have duly confirmed that neither part involved can comment on the details of the investigation or the subsequent appeal, with a spokesman previously saying: “Both signed a confidentiality agreement on it so they both can’t discuss it.”
If the situation goes to an employment tribunal, there is a possibility that private information will be made public.
The person filing the complaint is determined to go back to work in Formula 1, as she has been involved in motorsport for her whole life.
While he was not permitted to provide any statements regarding the case, Horner carried on with his duties within the team as usual.
The accuser’s friend criticized this, claiming that Horner, who is 50 years old, had unfairly utilized his status to sway opinions during the investigation.
They mentioned that it was evident that she was unable to speak or even introduce herself. However, Christian, who holds a position of power and influence, could provide enough commentary to present his side of the story effectively while she remained silenced.