Red Bull have reportedly brought forward the investigation into Christian Horner after new allegations emerged from the Netherlands.
Red Bull Racing's CEO and team principal is currently under investigation by parent company Red Bull GmbH after complaints were received regarding his conduct. Horner categorically denied all allegations.
It had been expected that results would not be announced until shortly before the Bahrain Grand Prix, but reports now suggest a decision could be made sooner.
Red Bull upwardly revise Christian Horner's findings
According to British newspaper The Times, Red Bull is now seeking to speed up the process following allegations from Dutch newspaper De Telegraaf that the inappropriate behavior was of a sexual nature.
PlanetF1.com has been trying to uncover the truth behind De Telegraaf's claims, but was told by a Red Bull spokesperson that “it would not be appropriate to comment before the investigation is complete.” It is said that
The newspaper suggested the report, published on Friday, prompted Red Bull to speed up the process “to end the confusion and uncertainty”.
Horner met with an independent lawyer appointed by Red Bull at a venue in London last week and spent nine hours explaining his position. The Red Bull boss attended the team's RB20 launch in Milton Keynes on Thursday and admitted it was a “distraction”, but also admitted he had no intention of resigning.
Mr De Telegraaf also claims that a settlement of £650,000 was sent to a female employee shortly before the news was published, but the Daily Mail reports that Mr Horner's lawyers have confirmed that no such offer was made. claims that there was no such thing.
Horner told media such as PlanetF1.com during the presentation that the team remains focused on the new season.
“There were inevitably some distractions, but the team is very united,” he said. “Everyone is focused on the season ahead. It's very much business as usual. The support has been great.
“Obviously my focus is very much on the season ahead. It has been business as usual.
“There is an investigation that I am fully cooperating with and that is going on behind the scenes as we prepare for the upcoming season.”
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