08 February 2024 , 12:30
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Christian Horner was spotted driving away from his home on Thursday morning, as he prepares for a hearing which may decide his Red Bull future.
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 which on Monday announced an investigation. The 50-year-old strongly denies the allegations made against him. He remains in his post as team principal while the investigation is ongoing and was pictured driving in the rain after leaving his home on Thursday.
Horner has served as team principal of Red Bull's main Formula 1 team since its debut season in 2005. The upcoming 2024 campaign will mark its 20th year on the grid - but the probe into the claims made against its long-serving leader have cast a dark shadow over its preparations.
A hearing will be held on Friday during which Horner will meet with the independent investigator hired by Red Bull to oversee the matter. Horner, who has brought in his own legal council, is expected to be grilled on the claims made against him and will have the chance to present his own case.
It is likely that the investigator will then take the weekend to mull over 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.
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In any case, Red Bull Racing would dearly like to have the matter resolved before next Thursday, February 15, 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.
Christian Horner pictured driving in the rain after leaving his home on Thursday morning (Beretta-Sims)Horner was made a CBE in this year's New Year's Honours list for his services to motorsport, after Red Bull's record-breaking 2023 campaign. The team won all but one of the 22 races held while star driver Max Verstappen romped to the drivers' title with 19 victories of his own.
Horner is married to Spice Girls singer Geri Halliwell. The pair wed in May 2015 and their son Montague was born 20 months later. They each also have another child from previous relationships.
Halliwell is said to have been left in "floods of tears" by the allegations made against her husband. But she is standing by him and insists Horner has "done nothing wrong".