FIA evaluating Horner complaint as matter set for appeal

While an eight-week long investigation into the matter regarding Horner’s behaviour with a female employee having concluded that there were no grounds to take action, the matter looks far from over.

Multiple media reports have indicated that the female employee, who was suspended as a result of the findings of the investigation, has decided to go ahead and appeal the findings of the probe that was launched by Red Bull’s Austrian energy drinks company.

Furthermore, it is also understood that she has also notified the FIA of a potential breach of motor racing’s code of conducts, which could prompt the governing body to get more involved in the matter.

While the FIA had previously been reluctant to step into what it viewed as an internal employee matter, if there are suggestions that there has been behaviour that breaches regulations, then it may be forced to act.

The FIA has an Anti-Harassment and Non-Discrimination Policy in place that is aimed at ensuring that all FIA persons – including employees – are treated equally, with respect and dignity.

A hotline has been set up where abuse can be reported, with harassment said to include any improper and unwelcome conduct that might reasonably be expected or be perceived to cause offence or humiliation to another person.

There has been no official confirmation from the FIA of any complaints made, but a short statement issued on Saturday made clear that it was policy for it not to make any statement on matters while they were being looked at.

“At the FIA, enquiries and complaints are received and managed by the Compliance Officer, and the Ethics Committee where appropriate,” an FIA statement declared.

“Both bodies operate autonomously, guaranteeing strict confidentiality throughout the process.

“As a consequence, and in general, we are unable to confirm the receipt of any specific complaint and it is unlikely that we will be able to provide further comment on the complaints that we may receive from any parties.”

Red Bull’s parent energy drinks company has also said nothing about any potential appeals process, with it having said very little since it initially revealed that Horner was under investigation last month.

While the original probe declared that the complaints had been dismissed, that did not prove to be the end of the matter.

Just 24 hours after the decision was made, anonymous email…