Red Bull’s Horner hearing begins, verdict expected next week

Red Bull boss Christian Horner's hearing into allegations of inappropriate behavior began in London on Friday.

Horner, accused by an F1 team employee of controlling behavior and sending text messages, has vigorously denied the allegations against him.

The Red Bull company, which initiated the investigation, said it was taking the allegations “extremely seriously”.

Sources told ESPN that the hearing's verdict was not expected Friday but was expected next week.

The investigation poses a major threat to Horner's role within the team, which he has held since 2005. Reports in Germany and Austria have suggested there was pressure from above for Horner to step down. is withdrawing voluntarily, although sources told ESPN he has no plans to do so. SO.

The company hopes to resolve the issue before Red Bull's 2024 F1 season launch event on February 14 at its Milton Keynes headquarters.

Horner has not been suspended by the company and has worked at the team's Milton Keynes office since the investigation was announced on Monday.

Under Horner's leadership, Red Bull has won six constructors' championships and seven drivers' championships, including three in a row from Max Verstappen this season. In 2023, Horner led Red Bull to the most dominant season on record in F1, with the team winning all but one of its 22 races.

The new F1 season begins with the Bahrain Grand Prix on March 3.