The Christian Horner case has taken a new turn, continuing the saga that began over two months ago. BBC has reportedly learned that the female complainant suspended by Red Bull has lodged an official complaint with the FIA. Meanwhile, Horner continues to deny the allegations against him, adding to the drama around the entire episode.
The latest act comes after there were reportedly two previous whistleblower complaints registered with the FIA. Per the report from BBC, a whistleblower contacted the FIA on their hotline on 2nd February and directly referenced Horner‘s inappropriate behavior. They asked the authorities to look into Horner’s behavior with female employees. Furthermore, they expressed fears over Red Bull trying to cover it all up.
⚠️ | A first complaint was made to the FIA on 2 February, and made direct reference to Horner’s behaviour and asked the FIA to look into it.
On 1 March, Mohammed Ben Sulayem said that the FIA currently had no plans to conduct its own investigation because it had not received a…
— Fastest Pitstop (@FastestPitStop) March 16, 2024
On March 6, the whistleblower contacted the FIA again. They made references to the first call and claimed to go to the media next. The FIA has since issued a statement addressing the reports claiming the female employee reaching out to them. The first few lines of the statement read:
“Enquiries and complaints are received and managed by the compliance officer and the ethics committee where appropriate. Both bodies operate autonomously, guaranteeing strict confidentiality throughout the process.”
The statement continues by claiming that the FIA will not be able to confirm the receipt of any complaint. Furthermore, it read that it is unlikely that they will comment on any complaints they receive from any party. The statement enraged followers of F1 on social media, who did not hold back.
F1 community unhappy with the latest statement in the Red Bull employee saga
Soon after the FIA issued the official statement, fans stormed to X to have their say on the matter. They believe the nature of the matter deserves a more public approach. Per the fans, private investigations and hearings are only a means to “cover-up” and stack the odds against the ex-Red Bull employee.
— Jennie Gow (@JennieGow) March 16, 2024
No surprise, cover up after cover up.
— Gianfranco. (@wackiesimp) March 16, 2024
Following the statement, one fan called for the FIA to be dissolved.
The solution here is simple but impactful.
Dissolve the FIA completely and build a new governing body with better process to help the questioning and arbitration of disputes.
Independent from the governing body
Make everyone accountable by same rules#F1— V F1 (@swiftsambi) March 16, 2024
Some fans pointed out how things were different from the latest statement when the Wolffs were being investigated.
#F1 | FIA makes a statement regarding the complaints lodged against Christian Horner claiming they are “unable to confirm the receipt of any complaint” because the Compliance Officer and Ethics Committee “operate autonomously.” pic.twitter.com/iBd1F64g5u
— deni (@fiagirly) March 16, 2024
Oh but when it was Susie Wolff they were ready to hang her out to dry
— Mae-El (@M02873) March 16, 2024
Meanwhile, some more fans were upset with the statement.
Wish I was shocked, but not really.
The victim was desperate for help for a long time.
She wanted to protect her job and her wellbeing while making the complaint.
Even when taking it to the top, she was still mistreated.
Rotten bunch of people running the sport. https://t.co/JWICSwzN55
— Jordan (@F1_Jordan) March 16, 2024
As ever, can’t trust @Ben_Sulayem and the @fia.
Well, Red Bull can. But everyone else, needs Sulayem out and for the whole organisation to be reformed. https://t.co/usbMRy9jEt
— Jay (@WhingerSpice) March 16, 2024
The off-track incidents continue to take center stage at the Red Bull camp. While they continue to dominate the on-track proceedings, the off-track exploits continue to disrupt their achievements and tarnish their image. Given the same, more and more people are starting to wonder how long some of the team’s biggest names would want to continue their association with the team. Rumors often pop up of top personnel wanting to move away from the team. While the credibility of such reports remains doubtful, a move might not be the biggest surprise.
