Red Bull set to announce verdict on Christian Horner this week

Christian Horner is set to learn his fate before the F1 season begins. Photograph: Clive Mason/Getty Images

Christian Horner could learn the outcome of an investgation into his conduct as team principal of Red Bull Racing as soon as Wednesday, before the cars take to the track for the opening session of the new Formula One season in Bahrain.

The independent investigation begun following a complaint made by a female employee alleging inappropriate behaviour has been ongoing since the start of February when it was initiated by Red Bull Racing’s parent company in Austria. Horner has emphatically denied any wrongdoing and has robustly defended himself in an interview as part of the inquiry.

While no timeline for the investigation to be concluded had been officially set, the Guardian understands that a report has been delivered to Red Bull GMbH and an announcement on the decision is expected this week.

The investigation is not a legal action however and Horner is not facing a tribunal. As a private inquiry, conducted by an external barrister, the company will assess the findings and react as they see fit. Horner would then have the usual opportunity of legal recourse.

No details of the investigation have been made public, nor of the complaint itself other than it is understood to allege “controlling” behaviour. The inquiry has been run by an unnamed British barrister.

The 50-year-old Horner has remained in charge of Red Bull Racing, where he is team principal and chief executive, while the investigation has been carried out, attending the team’s car launch and overseeing the three days of testing they performed in Bahrain last week. During the launch and testing, he appeared in front of media, restating his innocence of any wrongdoing and putting faith in the ongoing process. He also stated he would prefer a swift resolution to the situation as the new season looms ever larger.

He is expected to be back in Bahrain on Wednesday where the paddock is preparing for the first race of the season. Should he be removed from his role it would represent an enormous upheaval on the eve of the opening round of a season where Red Bull are defending champions and once more appear to have an enormously strong car.