Red Bull change location of Horner investigation hearing in last-minute U-turn
Red Bull have changed the location of Christian Horner's hearing, according to reports.
Horner has been accused by a Red Bull Racing colleague of 'inappropriate behaviour'. The matter is being taken seriously by the parent company of the energy drinks giant, while Horner strongly denies the allegations made against him.
He remains in his post as team principal while the investigation is ongoing. The Englishman has served as team principal of Red Bull's main Formula 1 team since its debut season in 2005, with the upcoming 2024 campaign marking its 20th year on the grid.
A hearing will be held on Friday during which Horner will meet with the independent investigator hired by Red Bull to oversee the matter. The team boss has brought in his own legal council and has the chance to present his case.
According to The Times, the hearing had initially been scheduled to be held at Red Bull's base in Milton Keynes. But they have U-turned on that plan due to the intense media interest in the case.
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It is claimed that the hearing will now be held at a secret location instead, with Red Bull's employees having not been told any details of the hearing. At the hearing, Horner is expected to be grilled on the claims made against him.
It is expected that the investigator will then take the weekend to study the evidence before presenting their findings and recommendations to Red Bull early next week. The parent company will then decide what action, if any, will be taken.
Red Bull's parent company have insisted they are taking the matter extremely seriously (Beata Zawrzel/NurPhoto via Getty Images)Red Bull Racing are keen to have the matter resolved before next Thursday, when its 2024 season launch event is scheduled to take place. Pre-season testing begins the following Wednesday, February 21, before the season kicks off with the Bahrain Grand Prix on Saturday, March 2.
Horner was spotted driving away from his home on Thursday morning, as he prepares for the hearing which may decide his future. He led the team to their third successive constructors' championship last season, winning all but one race.
“After being made aware of certain recent allegations, the company launched an independent investigation. This process, which is already under way, is being carried out by an external specialist barrister," a company statement read after the allegations emerged.
"The company takes these matters extremely seriously and the investigation will be completed as soon as practically possible. It would not be appropriate to comment further at this time.”
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