Christian Horner flies to Bahrain for Formula One’s first Grand Prix of the season, as he awaits a decision on his future over ‘inappropriate behaviour’ investigation at Red Bull

Christian Horner has flown to Bahrain ahead of the opening race of the Formula 1 season, awaiting a decision on an investigation into ‘inappropriate conduct’ at Red Bull.

The Red Bull chief has strongly denied allegations about his conduct while working at the F1 team, which has left questions over his future.

But Horner will be in the paddock for the start of the F1 season after flying 3,000 miles to the Gulf Kingdom, according to Sky Sports, with a decision on the 50-year-old reportedly expected on Wednesday.

The sport is preparing for the first race of the season in the Middle East on Saturday, with Horner not expected to be present at media day on Wednesday but appearing for training on Thursday.

The father-of-two – who is married to former Spice Girl Geri Haliwell – is not aware of the outcome of the investigation into claims of ‘coercive behaviour’ towards a female staff member, the report said.

The 50-year-old will be in the paddock for practice after flying to the Middle East

Horner’s Spice Girl wife, Geri Halliwell, remains firmly supportive of her husband

Mail Sport reported this week that Horner had been awaiting his fate after the QC investigating the claims submitted a 150-page dossier, which was due to be heard by a board of Red Bull’s parent company, Red Bull GmbH, on Tuesday.

Horner has provided evidence to the KC both in person and remotely in recent days, pending the question of whether he still has a future as director of the team.

It is understood the woman involved in the claim will not travel to Bahrain, where Horner’s team are favorites to extend their stranglehold on the sport after three world championship victories through star man Max Verstappen.

Horner was present at the launch of Red Bull’s new car on February 15 when he spoke on behalf of the first team since the allegations came to light, claiming his wife Geri had been ‘very supportive’ and insisting he attended would be at the curtain-raising ceremony in Bahrain.

Horner (right) spoke about his future for the first time since allegations emerged at the launch of Red Bull’s new car in Milton Keynes earlier this month

Horner promised to continue fighting, but did not go into details because of the ongoing legal proceedings

“I have a very supportive family and a very supportive wife,” he said. ‘My focus was on the track and the coming season.’

When asked if he would be in Bahrain, he said: “Yes.”

‘There is a daily task that I have to attend to. I feel the support within the company and our partners, and within the sector. It’s overwhelming.

‘There is currently a process underway. There have been some allegations made, which I completely deny, and I have fully complied with that process and will continue to do so until it is resolved.

“Everyone is focused on one thing, which is the performance of that car to go out and defend both world titles that we have worked so hard for over the years.

“So everyone has invested in the car and I’m looking forward to seeing it in action in Bahrain next week.”

An initial statement from Red Bull Austria – the Austrian energy drinks company that owns the F1 team – confirmed an investigation was underway in February.

It said: ‘After becoming aware of recent allegations, the company launched an independent investigation. This investigation, which is already underway, is being conducted by an external specialized lawyer.

“The company takes these matters very seriously and the investigation will be completed as quickly as possible. It would not be appropriate to make any further comment at this time.”

Horner’s defenders say the accusations are defamation aimed at removing him from power in a bid to wrest control of Salzburg, home to the fizzy drinks company that lends its name to the F1 team – the dominant force of the current era, in which Max Verstappen wins the title. last three world titles.

Horner has led the team since joining F1 in 2005, winning multiple championships with Sebastian Vettel and now Verstappen.