The woman at the center of Christian Horner's sexual misconduct allegations that threaten to destroy the Formula One Red Bull racing team worked for RedBull for four years, Web can reveal.
The attractive blue-eyed blonde's claims against 50-year-old Horner have thrown not only the hugely successful motorsport team into turmoil, but also Horner's marriage to former Spice Girl Geri Halliwell.
The woman, who Web is not naming, was identified in an article published today by BusinessF1 Magazine.
Sources claim that Horner began developing a “superiority complex at Red Bull” last year.
The BusinessF1 article states: “There have been incidents where Horner has been texting her on Grand Prix weekends asking her to come to his room.”
Christian Horner (pictured) is at the center of sexual misconduct allegations that threaten to destroy the Formula One Red Bull racing team
Horner kissed his Spice Girl wife Geri Halliwell before the Bahrain Grand Prix last week
Sources claim that Horner began developing a “superiority complex at Red Bull” last year.
Horner was cleared of wrongdoing last month following an internal investigation at Red Bull for “coercive behavior” towards his colleague. However, alleged messages between the two were later leaked.
The leaked messages appear to show that Horner sent her lewd texts and intimate photos, which are believed to be the key evidence in her complaint to Red Bull GmbH. There were reportedly over 100 text messages and photos.
According to the article, the woman, who studied at Edinburgh University and comes from a wealthy background, began working in motorsport in the mid-2000s after being hired during her summer holidays, and then as an intern after graduating.
She initially enjoyed the job at Red Bull, especially the traveling and the excitement of the Formula 1 starting grid.
However, sources close to her claim that Horner's attitude changed after a few years and she didn't know how to deal with the change in their relationship.
“At first she was flattered, but then was horrified by the personal implications,” it said.
The new allegations came to light when footage emerged showing the scandal-hit Horner having a heated argument with his nemesis Jos Verstappen, the father of Red Bull's star driver Max.
Red Bull has rejected explosive claims made by an F1 trade magazine about Horner in a 19-page investigation that names the female employee he allegedly texted
The new allegations came to light when footage emerged showing the scandal-hit Horner having a heated argument with his nemesis Jos Verstappen, the father of Red Bull's star driver Max
Horner and his wife Geri Halliwell showed a united front at the Bahrain Grand Prix on Saturday
However, Horner's attempts to get out of the scandal were hampered by the publication of BusinessF1's long investigation into the case.
The article makes a number of new allegations against Horner and documents the apparent power struggle at the top of Red Bull.
Sources close to Horner have dismissed the piece as “rife with inaccuracies,” but it could be picked up by his critics.
Chief among them is Verstappen's father Jos, who warned that the ongoing scandal was “driving the team apart.”
Footage has emerged showing the pair having animated exchanges at the Bahrain Grand Prix on Friday.
The article claims that when the woman first came forward with her claims, Horner initially sought advice from former F1 boss Bernie Ecclestone, 93.
Despite the controversy off the track, Horner's Red Bull team had a perfect start to the season on the racetrack: Max Verstappen won the season opener ahead of Red Bull teammate Sergio Perez.
However, Max's father Jos has emerged as one of Horner's most vocal critics, with the pair being filmed having a heated conversation after qualifying on Friday evening.
Horner and Geri Halliwell after Red Bull Racing's Max Verstappen won the Bahrain Grand Prix at the Bahrain International Circuit in Sakhi
Jos (right) told Mail Sport that Red Bull would “explode” if Horner kept his main role in the team
Some of Horner's partners are said to have speculated whether V. Snr may have been involved in attempts to depose him in recent weeks, suggesting the Dutchman was even involved in the email leak.
Verstappen has denied the claims, saying: “That wouldn't make any sense. 'Why would I do that when Max is doing so well here?'
“There is tension here as he (Horner) retains his position,” Jos told MailSport exclusively.
“The team is in danger of being torn apart.” Things cannot continue as they are. It will explode. “He plays the victim even though he’s the one causing the problems.”
The Telegraph reported that Verstappen's father had told friends that his son would move from Red Bull if necessary.
Verstappen Snr was seen talking to Mercedes boss Toto Wolff over the weekend of the Bahrain Grand Prix.
Mercedes has a vacant spot for the 2025 season, although Verstappen is under contract with Red Bull until 2028 and currently drives for the dominant team in Formula 1.