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.
Source: Autosport