Red Bull suspend woman who accused Christian Horner of inappropriate behaviour

Christian Horner has led Red Bull since they first started on the F1 grid in 2005

The woman who accused team principal Christian Horner of inappropriate and controlling behaviour has been suspended by Red Bull.

Horner denies the allegations, and Red Bull's board dismissed the complaint after an internal investigation.

"The company cannot comment on this internal matter," a Red Bull spokesperson said on Thursday.

BBC Sport has learned the reason given by Red Bull to the employee was that she had been dishonest.

The allegations first came into the public domain early last month.

Red Bull's board made its decision to dismiss the matter last week after reading a report compiled by what the company have called an independent KC over several weeks.

The company have given no explanation for the decision nor have they revealed what the report contained or the lawyer's name.

A day after Red Bull dismissed the complaint, an anonymous email including messages purporting to involve Horner were leaked.

Speaking at last week's Bahrain Grand Prix, the 50-year-old refused to say whether the messages leaked were genuine.

An attempt to ask him whether the messages were genuine was shut down by a Red Bull PR handler.

Red Bull's main shareholder Chalerm Yoovidhya refused to answer BBC Sport's questions on the matter in Bahrain.

Sources close to Red Bull say there is a split between the Thai side of Red Bull and the Austrian headquarters, which owns 49% of the company.

The Austrians are said to have wanted Horner to be removed from his position but Yoovidhya backed the team principal.

Jos Verstappen - the father of Red Bull's triple world champion Max - has said the Horner controversy is "driving people apart" and it is "not good for the team".

Asked about his father's comments, Max Verstappen said Jos was "not a liar".

He added: "I guess he clearly felt like that. But from my side it doesn't matter being on one side or the other side.

"Of course as a son of my dad, it would be weird to be on a different side but I just want to focus on the performance side of things."

Timeline of Horner allegations

5 February: Red Bull announces investigation into Horner after complaint of inappropriate and controlling behaviour is made against him. Horner tells Dutch newspaper De Telegraaf: "I completely deny these claims."

11 February: Horner is interviewed by lawyer for several hours but hearing finishes without resolution.

15 February: Red Bull launch car for 2024 F1 season and Horner tells the BBC the investigation is "a distraction" for his team.

21 February: Mercedes team principal Toto Wolff calls for investigation to be transparent.

28 February: Horner is cleared following internal investigation and Red Bull says he will remain in his role as team principal and chief executive.

29 February: As first practice at the Bahrain Grand Prix begins, Horner tells Sky Sports unity within Red Bull team has never been stronger. Later that day, Horner reiterates his denial of allegations after a series of messages were leaked to F1 personnel and media.

7 March: Woman who accused Horner of inappropriate behaviour is suspended by Red Bull.