Christian Horner and Red Bull: what has happened and what comes next?

Christian Horner’s career at Red Bull is on the line. Photograph: Tim Goode/PA

What is happening in the investigation on Friday?

Christian Horner will meet with a barrister appointed by Red Bull Racing’s parent company to conduct an independent external investigation after allegations of inappropriate behaviour of a controlling nature were made against him and became public knowledge this week. It should be noted this is not a court case nor is it a tribunal or a hearing.

What is the format of the meeting?

Horner will make his case to the inquiry which has already collated evidence from the female employee who made the allegations. They will then consider the evidence and report to Red Bull GmbH, who will then take action if required. Horner would reserve the right to take subsequent legal action. A conclusion into the investigation is not anticipated on Friday.

What’s at stake?

Horner’s career is on the line. Should the inquiry find the allegations are substantiated it seems likely Red Bull GmbH would have little option but to remove him from his position, which would surely be untenable. However if it is less than clear cut they may choose censure in another form, potentially his removal as CEO of Red Bull Racing but not as team principal. If he is exonerated, Horner and Red Bull Racing will look to put the affair behind them as soon as possible.

What is going on at Red Bull Racing?

The team won an unprecedented 21 of 22 races last season and after two seasons of domination – and three consecutive drivers’ titles for Max Verstappen – every expectation is that they will have a car of similar strength in 2024. However these events could be severely destabilising, especially given Horner’s longevity at the team and the impact his character has had on it. The allegations have left them shocked and should the 50-year-old be removed it would likely cause no little upheaval from which recovery and stability would potentially take a considerable time.

What does the investigation mean for F1?

Formula One’s owners have yet to comment on what has happened and are waiting for the results of the inquiry before doing so. However Horner is one of the most public and well known of the sport’s characters outside the drivers. His rivalry with Mercedes’ Toto Wolff has been in a central part of the F1 narrative for a decade and it has helped drive the sport’s surge in popularity. Horner is a very public facing team principal, recognised globally, if he was to be dismissed for inappropriate behaviour it would be a serious blow to the sport’s public image.

What might happen if Horner departs?

As the longest serving team principal on the grid, Horner has enormous experience and having spent all his time in F1 at Red Bull is an integral part of the fabric of the team. Within the sport obvious replacements from outside Red Bull are few and far between. Mattia Binotto, formerly of Ferrari, is the most senior team principal currently not contracted to a team but he would seem an unlikely fit with the Red Bull culture. Internally however, the sporting director, Jonathan Wheatley, who has been with the team since 2006 would be the obvious choice. Reports also indicate that Red Bull GmbH managing director Oliver Mintzlaff is being touted for a senior role.