Martin Brundle has cautioned about potential “challenges” at Red Bull if Christian Horner faces dismissal amid the ongoing investigation.
The Red Bull team principal’s position is in jeopardy following a complaint of alleged inappropriate conduct made by an employee to parent company Red Bull GmbH.
Although Horner vehemently denies the accusation, a verdict on the investigation is anticipated to be disclosed this week, possibly leading to the departure of the grid’s longest-serving team boss.
Thus far, business operations have proceeded as usual, with Horner making appearances at both the RB20 car launch in Milton Keynes and pre-season testing.
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Nevertheless, a shadow looms over the reigning World Champions.
Brundle, who is also present in Bahrain for the opening race of the new season, believes the uncertainty within the team predates the Horner investigation and was catalysed by the passing of co-owner Dietrich Mateschitz.
“I think the problem Red Bull have is that Dietrich Mateschitz was the final arbiter of any key decision,” Brundle told Sky Sports.
“And they followed him. He said jump, they said how high.
So I think you’re already seeing some of this, chaos is too strong a word, but disruption, let’s call it, from that point on in 2022.”
Horner’s potential departure would mark another loss of a significant figure of continuity, with the 50-year-old having been with the team since its inception in 2005.
Brundle remarked that while the immediate future appears secure, there could be “challenges” ahead.
“Obviously, if you take Christian out of that loop, then a vacuum is always filled with other things, isn’t it?” Brundle stated.
“And whether that would have the same effect [as Mateschitz’s passing,] but they’ve got momentum and they’ve got [Max] Verstappen.
So I wouldn’t be too worried about their immediate performance.
But down the road, you’d have to say that that will create some challenges.”
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On his part, Horner has consistently refuted the allegations, but Brundle’s Sky colleague Craig Slater suggested a decision could be reached as early as Wednesday (February 28).
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Sky Sports reports that the comprehensive investigation is now under review by the board of Red Bull GmbH at the company’s headquarters in Salzburg, Austria.
It is said to span well over 100 pages, accompanied by interview testimony from those involved.
Any communication from Red Bull’s parent company is unlikely to divulge significant details regarding the allegations, in order to uphold the confidentiality of those involved.