Red Bull senior advisor Helmut Marko has asked for patience amid the ongoing investigation into team principal Christian Horner, a fortnight after it was made public.
F1 will return to the track on Wednesday for the sole pre-season test at Bahrain, followed by the opening race of the season at the same venue Sunday week (AEDT).
Red Bull is investigating allegations of inappropriate behaviour against Horner, including claims he made a $1.25 million hush offer to the female employee at the centre of the scandal.
Dutch publication De Telegraaf, who initially broke the story, published over the weekend claims it had seen WhatsApp messages exchanged over a significant period of time between Horner and the employee that are of a sexual nature, including the hush offer.
Initial reports suggested the investigation was into Horner’s management style, rather than anything of a sexual nature.
Red Bull Racing team principal Christian Horner and senior advisor Dr Helmut Marko posing for a team photo ahead of the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix.
F1 finally made its own statement on the investigation on Sunday, demanding “clarity” on the situation, and a desire to have the investigation wrapped up as soon as possible.
Red Bull hired an independent barrister to carry out the investigation. He spent a full day probing Horner at a hearing shortly after the investigation was announced.
There has been some speculation the investigation will extend well into the F1 season, perhaps stretching as far as the summer break in July.
Speaking to Red Bull’s ServusTV channel, Marko echoed F1’s sentiments, but praised the company for taking its time.
“As you know, this is an internal investigation. The sooner a result is available, the better because of course, rumours and other stories are bound to sprout due to the long duration,” he said.
“I think Red Bull has reacted very well in this matter. The long duration of this investigation is not their fault.
“They are endeavouring to (have) a fair investigation and then react accordingly.”
In their own statement, the International Automobile Federation (FIA) confirmed they were paying close attention to the investigation.
“In relation to the independent investigation currently being undertaken by Red Bull GMbH, the FIA reiterates that until such time as the investigation has concluded and the outcome is known, we will not be commenting further.
“The FIA remains committed to upholding the highest standards of integrity, fairness and inclusivity within the sport.”
Horner has staunchly denied all allegations, and has has not been stood down from his role. He was in attendance at the launch of the team’s 2024 car last week, and is expected to be in Bahrain for testing.
“Inevitably there has been a distraction, but the team are very together,” he said at the launch.
“Everybody’s focused on the season ahead. So it’s been very much business as normal. The support has been fantastic.”
Horner’s wife Geri (nee Halliwell), better known as Ginger Spice from the Spice Girls, has stood by him. They have been married since 2015.
Horner is the longest-serving team principal on the F1 grid, having been at the helm of the Red Bull team since it entered the sport in 2005.
He has led the team to seven drivers’ championships, including the last three on the trot courtesy of Max Verstappen. The Milton Keynes squad has also won six constructors titles.
The team completed a successful private shakedown of the new car at Silverstone last week ahead of the official all-in three-day test in Bahrain.
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