An inquiry into Red Bull team principal Christian Horner for alleged inappropriate behaviour is expected to conclude before this week’s season-opening Bahrain Grand Prix.
In early February, Horner came under investigation by Red Bull GmbH, the team’s Austrian parent company, following a complaint of inappropriate behaviour from a female colleague.
The investigation, conducted externally by a specialist barrister, has reportedly been finalised, including an interview with Horner on February 9.
Throughout the process, Horner has consistently denied the allegations and was present at the launch of the reigning constructors’ champions’ 2024 car and pre-season testing in Bahrain last week.
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The extensive report, believed to exceed 100 pages, is now with the Red Bull GmbH board, who will determine whether Horner retains his roles as team principal and chief executive.
Initial expectations were for a decision to be reached and communicated by Tuesday or Wednesday. However, by Tuesday lunchtime, it became apparent that a resolution was not forthcoming.
Teams and drivers reconvene at the Bahrain International Circuit on Wednesday for media activities ahead of Thursday’s practice sessions and Saturday’s opening race.
Horner is scheduled to return to Bahrain from the UK on Wednesday.
Despite the public airing of details through reports in Dutch media, it is not anticipated that the decision regarding Horner’s future will be extensively detailed.
Any statement from Red Bull GmbH is expected to reflect a thorough investigation, although confidentiality concerns may limit public disclosure.
Horner holds the distinction of being F1’s longest-serving team principal, having led Red Bull since their entry into the sport in 2005, overseeing six constructors’ and seven drivers’ titles.
Mercedes team principal Toto Wolff described the situation involving Horner as “an issue for all of Formula 1,” while McLaren chief executive Zak Brown urged a “swift” and “transparent” conclusion to the investigation.
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Max Verstappen, aiming for a fourth successive drivers’ title with Red Bull, expressed hope for a resolution, emphasizing its importance to everyone involved.
Despite asserting “business as usual” for the team at Red Bull’s launch, Horner refrained from commenting on the investigation during a press conference alongside Brown.
Currently, the investigation’s management lies primarily with Red Bull GmbH rather than the Red Bull Racing team.