The inquiry into Red Bull F1 chief Christian Horner is anticipated to reach a resolution prior to the forthcoming Bahrain Grand Prix, as per reports.
Horner vehemently refutes claims of “inappropriate behaviour” from a female colleague, with his tenure as the most enduring team principal in the sport hanging in the balance while an external solicitor scrutinises all evidence.
Horner, aged 50, asserted during pre-season testing in Bahrain on Thursday that he desires a swift conclusion to the investigation, given the imminent commencement of the 2024 Formula 1 season.
Questioned about why he hasn’t stepped aside as team principal and chief executive of Red Bull Racing amidst the ongoing investigation, Horner responded: “As you are well aware there is a process going on which I form part of, and as I form part of that process, I am afraid I cannot comment on it.”
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Presently, the solicitor overseeing the probe is reportedly set to submit his findings to the board of Red Bull GmbH – the team’s parent entity – within the next few days.
Consequently, an outcome regarding Horner’s future is anticipated prior to the season’s inaugural race on Saturday 2 March at the Lusail circuit, as reported by the Daily Mail.
The 50-year-old Red Bull F1 chief, wedded to Spice Girl member Geri Horner, holds the distinction of being the lengthiest-serving team principal on the F1 grid, having steered the team since its inception in 2005.
While refraining from commenting on the investigation’s nature at Red Bull’s launch event last week, Horner maintained composure and unwavering resolve, repeatedly asserting that it was “business as usual” at the championship-winning team.
“The support from within the business, partners within the industry, has been overwhelming,” Horner disclosed to the British press on 15 February.
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“Obviously there’s a process that’s ongoing at the moment, some allegations have been made which I fully deny and I’m complying obviously with that process and will continue to do so until its conclusion.”
When questioned by The Independent, Horner affirmed that he also enjoys the backing of drivers Max Verstappen and Sergio Perez.
During the same press briefing on Thursday, McLaren chief executive Zak Brown echoed Toto Wolff’s sentiments, characterising the probe as a matter of concern for all within F1.