- Red Bull chief Christian Horner ‘will be heard about his behavior on Friday’
- Horner has been accused of ‘controlling behavior’ by a Red Bull colleague
- A decision is expected ‘soon’ ahead of the Red Bull team’s launch this month
Christian Horner’s hearing on allegations of ‘incredibly controlling behaviour’ will take place on Friday, according to reports.
The Formula 1 world was stunned by allegations against the Red Bull chief – who is married to former Spice Girls singer Geri Haliwell – from a female colleague.
The claims – which circulated within the sport over the weekend ahead of the new season starting next month – were flatly denied by the father-of-two and no such evidence has been found.
A source within the Red Bull team said the claims related to ‘incredibly controlling behaviour’. It is alleged the behavior was towards a female colleague.
Horner, 50, who is expected to remain in the position he has held since 2005 while the internal investigation is conducted.
Red Bull chief Christian Horner – who is married to former Spice Girls star Geri Haliwell (L) – will reportedly face a hearing on Friday over allegations of ‘controlling behaviour’
Horner, pictured with Red Bull’s Formula 1 champion Max Verstappen, strongly denies the claims
Horner with David Beckham on the grid at the Miami Grand Prix in May 2022
A report from the German outlet Auto Motor and Sports claims the hearing will begin on Friday.
It adds that investigators looking into the claims want to complete the investigation “as quickly as possible” before the Red Bull team kicks off next week on February 15, ahead of the new season starting in Bahrain on March 2.
A statement from Red Bull Austria – the Austrian energy drinks company that owns the F1 team – confirmed that an investigation was underway.
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.
Halliwell and Horner during the Monaco Grand Prix last summer, which was won by Red Bull
Horner has enjoyed tremendous success for Red Bull, which has won seven drivers’ championships under his leadership
Horner – who was awarded a CBE in the New Year Honors List for his services to motorsport – has led the team since joining F1 in 2005 and oversaw a period of great success for the team.
The team has won seven drivers’ championships and six constructors’ championships under Horner.
Last season, Red Bull won 21 of the 22 races on the calendar, while Max Verstappen claimed the drivers’ title.
Horner and Halliwell married in 2015 and have one child together, Montague, seven.
Halliwell had daughter Bluebell, 16, with screenwriter Sacha Gervasi in 2005, while Horner shares Olivia, 10, with his ex-partner Beverley Allen.