Christian Horner flies to Bahrain for Formula One’s first Grand Prix of the season, as he awaits a decision on his future over ‘inappropriate behaviour’ investigation at Red Bull

Christian Horner has flown to Bahrain ahead of the first race of the Formula One season as he awaits a decision into an investigation into “inappropriate behaviour” at Red Bull.

The Red Bull boss has strongly denied allegations about his conduct towards an employee while working at the F1 team, leaving questions over his future.

But Horner will be in the paddock for the start of the F1 season after traveling 3,000 miles to the Gulf kingdom on Wednesday ahead of the verdict following an internal Red Bull investigation.

The sport is preparing for the first race of the season in the Middle East on Saturday, and Horner is not expected to be present at Wednesday’s media day, but will be seen practicing on Thursday.

The father-of-two, who is married to former Spice Girl Geri Haliwell, is unaware of the outcome of the investigation into allegations of “coercive behaviour” towards a female staff member, the report added.

Mail Sport reported this week that Horner had been awaiting his fate after the KC investigating the claims submitted a 150-page dossier, which was due to be considered by a board of Red Bull parent company Red Bull GmbH on Tuesday. .

Horner has been providing evidence to KC both in person and remotely in recent days, waiting to hear if he still has a future as team manager.

It is understood the woman involved in the claim will not travel to Bahrain, where Horner’s team is favorite to extend its dominance over the sport after three world championship wins through star Max Verstappen.

Horner was present at the launch of Red Bull’s new car on February 15 and spoke on behalf of the first team since the allegations came to light, stating that his wife Geri had been “very supportive” and insisted he would be present. at the inauguration of Bahrain.

“I have a very supportive family and a very supportive wife,” he said. “My focus has been on work and next season.”

When asked if he would be in Bahrain, he said: “Yes.”

“There has been a daily grind to keep going. I feel the support within the company and from our partners, and within the industry. It’s overwhelming.

‘There is a process that is ongoing right now. Some allegations have been made, which I strongly deny and I have fully complied with that process and will continue to do so until it is resolved.

“Everyone is focused on one thing, which is the performance of that car to go out and defend the two world titles that we have worked so hard for over the last few years.”

“So everyone is investing in the car and I look forward to seeing it in action in Bahrain next week.”

An initial statement from Red Bull Austria, the Austrian energy drink company that owns the F1 team, confirmed that an investigation was ongoing in February.

It said: ‘After becoming aware of the recent allegations, the company launched an independent investigation. This investigation, which is already underway, is being carried out by an external specialized lawyer.

‘The company takes these matters very seriously and the investigation will be completed as soon as possible. It would not be appropriate to comment further at this time.’

Horner’s defenders say the allegations are smears aimed at ousting him from power in an attempt to wrest control of Salzburg, home of the soft drinks company that lends its name to the F1 team, the dominant force of the current era with Max Verstappen winning the championship. last three world titles.

Horner has led the team since entering F1 in 2005 and has won multiple championships with Sebastian Vettel and now Verstappen.