Helmut Marko, a senior figure at Red Bull, has stood by the company’s decision regarding the timing of its investigation into allegations of “inappropriate behaviour” leveled against Formula 1 team principal and CEO, Christian Horner.
Horner, who holds the record for the longest tenure as a team principal in F1, faces accusations of “inappropriate, controlling behaviour” by a female staff member. In response, Red Bull GmbH, the team’s overseeing body, has initiated an inquiry into the allegations against the 50-year-old.
Upon the allegations surfacing publicly on February 5, Horner vehemently refuted these claims and reiterated his stance during the unveiling of the team’s 2024 F1 vehicle last week in Milton Keynes.
As the investigation is expected to extend into the upcoming pre-season testing period, which precedes the season’s inaugural race on March 2, the F1 community has called on Red Bull to expedite the process.
Despite the ongoing investigation, Horner is anticipated to fulfill his duties at the Bahrain pre-season testing starting Wednesday. Marko, addressing the scrutiny over the investigation’s pace on Red Bull’s ServusTV, emphasized, “As you know, this is an internal investigation.
“The sooner a result is available, the better because of course, rumours and other stories are bound to sprout due to the long duration.
“[But] I think Red Bull has reacted very well in this matter. The long duration of this investigation is not their fault. They are endeavouring to [have] a fair investigation and then react accordingly.”
Horner is scheduled to participate in a Formula 1 press conference with four other team principals in Bahrain on Thursday.
At the recent launch event, where specifics of the investigation were not discussed, Horner maintained a calm demeanor in the face of the allegations, consistently affirming that operations were proceeding as usual within the championship-winning team.
Horner informed the media during Thursday’s launch.“The support from within the business, partners within the industry, has been overwhelming.
“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.”
