The Christian Horner controversy at Red Bull continues to draw attention as the 2024 season kicks into high gear. Following the conclusion of an internal investigation during the Bahrain GP weekend, Red Bull has suspended the female employee who complained to the center of the controversy.
This development has sparked widespread criticism from fans and experts alike. F1 journalist Claire Cottingham has strongly criticized the Austrian team, suggesting that their actions imply that women “don’t have a voice.”
Cottingham, known for her work as a journalist, presenter, and pit lane reporter across various networks, including BBC Sport, Eurosport, and ITV Sport, expressed her concerns on Twitter following the news of the suspension. She wrote:
“The problem here lies with Red Bull not explaining what is going on here, which implements women all over the world. On the outside, it says women A. Don’t have a voice and B. If they do, they will be suspended. It is in Red Bull and women’s best interest to explain this.”
The identity of the female employee who filed the complaint had been kept confidential since the allegations of “inappropriate behavior” surfaced. Red Bull GmbH and Red Bull Racing treated the matter as an “internal issue.”
However, after an external barrister dismissed the grievance against Horner following weeks of investigation and examination of evidence, the situation took a turn for the worse.
An anonymous source sent alleged evidence via email to key figures in the F1 paddock, including rival team bosses, the F1 CEO, the FIA president, and major media personnel.
While the authenticity of the files in the email could not be verified, it further tarnished Horner’s reputation. Despite this, the female employee involved remained employed by Red Bull until the recent announcement of her suspension.
Many fans, along with Cottingham, are expressing outrage and may demand an explanation from Red Bull regarding the situation, particularly from the perspective of women’s employment rights. However, Red Bull has declined to comment, citing it as an “internal matter,” according to Autosport.
