An investigation into Crimson Bull group principal Christian Horner for alleged inappropriate behaviour is more likely to be resolved earlier than this week’s season-opening Bahrain Grand Prix.
Earlier in February, Horner was positioned beneath investigation by the F1 group’s Austrian dad or mum firm Crimson Bull GmbH following an allegation of inappropriate behaviour being made in opposition to him by a feminine colleague.
The exterior investigation carried out by a specialist barrister, which included an interview with Horner on February 9, is known to have now been accomplished.
Horner has denied the allegations all through the method and was current at reigning constructors’ champions 2024 automotive launch and pre-season testing in Bahrain final week.
The intensive report, which is believed to run nicely over 100 pages, is now within the palms of the Crimson Bull GmbH board, who will in the end resolve whether or not Horner stays in his twin roles of group principal and chief government.
A choice is anticipated to be made and communicated on both Tuesday or Wednesday, when Horner is scheduled to return to Bahrain from the UK. The opening observe classes of the 2024 F1 season happen on Thursday, forward of Saturday’s race.
Whereas the saga has performed out in public with particulars repeatedly rising from experiences within the Dutch media, there is no such thing as a expectation {that a} choice over Horner’s future might be offered with main element.
Any assertion from Crimson Bull GmbH is anticipated to replicate a radical and honest investigation, however issues of confidentiality are more likely to restrict the quantity of knowledge shared publicly.
Horner is F1’s longest-serving group principal having been on the helm of Crimson Bull since they entered the game in 2005 and has overseen the profitable of six constructors’ and 7 drivers’ titles.
Mercedes group principal Toto Wolff mentioned throughout pre-season testing that the Horner scenario is “an issue for all of Formula 1, while McLaren chief executive Zak Brown called for a “swift ” and “clear” conclusion to the investigation.
Crimson Bull’s Max Verstappen, who’s looking for a fourth successive drivers’ title with the group, mentioned that it could be “nice for everyone” when the matter is resolved.
Horner, who had mentioned at Crimson Bull’s launch on February 15 that it was “business as usual” for the group, was requested two questions on the investigation in the identical press convention as Brown however mentioned he was unable to remark.
The investigation and its dealing with is presently considerably out of the palms of the Crimson Bull Racing group, with Crimson Bull GmbH in management.