F1 News: Red Bull Employee Takes Horner Case to UK Employment Tribunal

In a significant development in the ongoing saga surrounding Red Bull Racing team principal Christian Horner, a former employee has escalated her allegations of inappropriate behavior to a UK employment tribunal.

–by Mark Cipolloni–

The case, which has cast a shadow over the Formula 1 team’s otherwise dominant 2024 season, is set to be heard in January 2026, potentially bringing long-held private details into the public domain.

This move follows multiple internal investigations by Red Bull that cleared Horner of any wrongdoing, as well as a dismissed appeal, leaving the employee determined to seek justice through legal channels.

Background of the Dispute

The controversy began in late 2023 when a female Red Bull Racing employee lodged a formal complaint against Horner, alleging inappropriate and controlling behavior, including claims of sexual harassment and coercive actions.

Red Bull GmbH, the parent company of the racing team, launched an independent investigation in early February 2024, appointing a King’s Counsel (KC) to oversee the process. By February 28, just before the season-opening Bahrain Grand Prix, the investigation concluded, exonerating Horner, who has consistently denied all allegations.

Despite the clearance, the situation escalated. The day after the initial findings were announced, a leak of purported WhatsApp messages between Horner and the complainant—some of a sexually suggestive nature—circulated among F1 personnel and media, reigniting speculation.

Red Bull has neither confirmed nor denied the authenticity of these messages or their relevance to the investigation, citing confidentiality. The employee, unsatisfied with the outcome, exercised her right to appeal, only for a second independent KC to dismiss her grievance in August 2024. Following this, she was suspended with full pay, reportedly on grounds of dishonesty in her submissions, a claim that has fueled further contention.

The Path to Tribunal

With internal avenues exhausted, the employee has now turned to the UK employment tribunal system, a legal framework designed to resolve disputes between employers and employees. This step, confirmed by sources such as De Telegraaf, marks a significant escalation.

Unlike Red Bull’s internal processes, which were shrouded in confidentiality, an employment tribunal hearing is typically public, meaning previously withheld details—such as the nature of the allegations, witness testimonies, and the tribunal’s conclusions—could become accessible. Legal experts note that this shift removes the veil of secrecy that Red Bull has maintained, potentially exposing sensitive information about Horner and the team’s internal dynamics.

The employee’s resolve has been evident throughout. Industry sources, cited by The Independent, describe her as “in it for the long haul,” with intentions to return to her role at Red Bull Racing despite her suspension.

Friends of the complainant have told The Guardian that she remains steadfast despite what they call “orchestrated attacks” on her character, emphasizing her determination to follow proper procedures in a field where she is well-regarded.

Horner’s Stance and Red Bull’s Response

Christian Horner, a pivotal figure in Red Bull’s rise to F1 dominance since 2005, has maintained his innocence from the outset. Speaking at various points during the 2024 season, he has called for the matter to be laid to rest, describing the initial investigation as thorough and professional.

“A grievance was raised, it was investigated, and it was dismissed,” he said in Bahrain, urging a focus on the future. His wife, Geri Halliwell, has been a visible supporter, appearing alongside him at races amid the turmoil.

Red Bull GmbH has stood by Horner, accepting the findings of both independent investigations. In a statement following the appeal’s dismissal in August 2024, the company declared the internal process concluded and reiterated its commitment to high workplace standards, while declining further public comment to respect employee privacy.

However, the tribunal filing introduces new uncertainty, as the company may face renewed scrutiny over its handling of the case.

Broader Implications

The case has already rippled through Red Bull Racing, exposing internal tensions and prompting questions about the team’s stability. The controversy coincided with high-profile departures, including design chief Adrian Newey in early 2025 and sporting director Jonathan Wheatley later that year, though direct links to the Horner situation remain speculative.

Three-time world champion Max Verstappen, while publicly focused on racing, has faced questions about his long-term future with the team amid reported friction between Horner and Verstappen’s father, Jos.

For the employee, the tribunal represents a final stand after a year of legal and emotional battles. Her suspension and the subsequent reporting restriction order (RRO)—imposed at Horner’s request, barring British media from covering case developments—have limited public discourse, but the 2026 hearing could shift that dynamic dramatically.

What Lies Ahead

As the January 2026 tribunal date approaches, the Formula 1 world braces for potential revelations that could reshape perceptions of Red Bull Racing and Christian Horner’s leadership.

The public nature of the proceedings contrasts sharply with the confidentiality that has defined the saga thus far, promising a rare glimpse into a high-stakes workplace dispute. Whether this will vindicate the employee’s claims or reinforce Horner’s position remains uncertain, but one thing is clear: the story that began in a Milton Keynes office is far from over, and its resolution could echo far beyond the racetrack.