CHRISTIAN Horner’s accuser has until the end of today to file an appeal over Red Bull’s decision to clear him of any wrongdoing.
The anonymous female staffer has armed herself with a team of lawyers as the F1 chief clings on to his £8 million-a-year job.
GettyChristian Horner’s accuser could launch an appeal over the decision to clear him of wrongdoing[/caption]
GettyHorner and wife Geri put on a united front on Saturday[/caption]
Allegations of inappropriate and controlling behaviour against Horner were dismissed last Wednesday following an internal probe.
But just 24 hours later his private conversations with an alleged female colleague were leaked online.
Some appeared to show him asking the woman for pictures.
Horner, who remains at the helm of the Red Bull Racing team, has always vehemently denied all accusations.
Despite dozens of messages being shared last week – many of which were sexually suggestive in nature – Red Bull’s board has continued to stand by him.
As with the three-week investigation, it has been “business as usual” at the Red Bull camp, with Horner shrugging off the sexting scandal at the Bahrain Grand Prix over the weekend.
The female staffer is understood to be still going to work at Red Bull’s Milton Keynes HQ, reports The Times.
She remains in contact with Horner due to the nature of her role.
Following the decision last Wednesday, the woman was told she had five working days to appeal against the decision to clear Horner, insiders said.
It means she must file an appeal before today’s deadline if she wishes to.
One insider told The Times: “She’s taken on her lawyers. People don’t just roll over in these cases.”
After being left in “floods of tears” by the probe, Horner’s wife Geri Halliwell has now demanded he cut contact with the female employee he’s accused of sexting.
The Spice Girl, who staged a public show of support for F1 boss Horner in Bahrain, wants the employee “out of the picture”.
Devastated Geri, 51, is also understood to have laid down ground rules over her hubby’s future behaviour — including on messages he sends on his phone.
The pair shared an awkward hug and kiss for the cameras in the Middle East on Saturday.
It comes as as tensions mount in the Red Bull camp after top driver Max Verstappen’s dad warned the team will “explode” if Horner stays.
Horner and Jos, 52, were seen locked in a fiery exchange in Bahrain just days ago.
The Red Bull chief met with Max Verstappen’s rep on Monday in a bid to calm soaring tensions.
But the pair appear to be at odds as rumours continue that Jos wants Horner fired or he will push for his racing star son Max to move to rival teams Ferrari or Mercedes.
Jos’s close friendship with Mercedes boss Toto Wolff could help steer Max into jumping ship and taking the seat left vacant by Ferrari-bound Lewis Hamilton.
On Sunday, Jos was even forced to deny he was behind the leaking of Horner’s alleged sexts.
When asked if he was involved, Jos shot back: “That wouldn’t make sense. Why would I do that when Max is doing so well here?”
Rumours suggest Verstappen Snr and Horner have been clashing for months – a row that is threatening to rip Red Bull apart if Max is forced to choose between his father or his boss.
After the race in Bahrain, Jos bluntly told the media that Red Bull Racing will “explode” if Horner remains team principal.
“There is tension here while he remains in position,” he said.
“The team is in danger of being torn apart. It can’t go on the way it is. It will explode.
“He is playing the victim, when he is causing the problems.”
Jos has overseen his son’s career like a hawk after taking part in 106 races as an F1 driver himself.
GettyHorner and Jos Verstappen appeared locked in a fiery exchange just days ago[/caption]