Christian Horner is currently the subject of an ongoing investigation due to a claim of misconduct, with the Red Bull chief receiving counsel from his friend Bernie Ecclestone, the former Formula 1 head.
Ecclestone has given Horner the advice to “keep his head down” while the inquiry is in process.
A member of the Red Bull team has brought forward an accusation of ‘inappropriate behavior’ against Horner. An independent legal expert is leading the investigation into these claims. Horner has vehemently refuted the accusations against him.
Last Friday, Horner underwent questioning by the legal expert at an undisclosed location. There has been no update on the status of the investigation. In the meantime, Horner is carrying on with his responsibilities as the leader of the Red Bull team, preparing for the upcoming season.
The team, which is the current constructors’ champion, is scheduled to unveil their new car this Thursday. The event, set to occur at their Milton Keynes headquarters, is expected to be attended by Horner.
In anticipation of this, Ecclestone, who managed F1 for nearly four decades and formed a close bond with Horner following Red Bull’s introduction to the sport in 2005, has offered him guidance. Now 93, Ecclestone has suggested that Horner remain low-key and await the outcome of the inquiry.
Ecclestone told AFP: “My advice to Christian, apart from keeping his head down, is to do nothing, wait and see what happens. I hope Christian keeps his head down and that someone talks individually to him and the woman and it is sorted out.”
Ecclestone has refuted allegations suggesting he advised Horner to step down during the investigation. On his Instagram story, he clarified: “To clarify reports by newspapers that I had urged or suggested that Christian Horner should step down from his position in Red Bull is entirely UNTRUE.”
Horner is scheduled to be present at the unveiling of the new car on Thursday, although it remains uncertain whether he will address any inquiries regarding the accusations.
The pre-season testing is set to commence next Wednesday in Bahrain, and it’s still undecided whether the findings of the probe will be available by that time.
The British team principal was observed at a confidential recording session for the new vehicle at Silverstone this past Tuesday. Upon the accusations becoming public, Red Bull emphasized their commitment to treating the situation with utmost seriousness.
“Having being made aware of certain recent allegations, the company launched an independent investigation,” a statement issued by the team’s parent company read.
“This process is being carried out by an external specialist barrister. The investigation will be completed as soon as practically possible. It would not be appropriate to comment further at this time.”
Once the outcomes of the investigation are disclosed, Red Bull will determine the necessary steps to be taken, if any. The racing season begins in early March with the Bahrain Grand Prix, which is promptly succeeded by the Saudi Arabian Grand Prix the following week.
