Christian Horner’s hearing for ‘inappropriate behaviour’ at Red Bull will take place on Friday, but has been moved away from the team’s base in Milton Keynes to a new location.
Red Bull have changed the location of Christian Horner’s hearing, according to reports.
A Red Bull Racing colleague has made accusations against Horner of behaving inappropriately.
The parent company of the energy drinks giant is treating the matter seriously, while Horner vehemently refutes the allegations made against him.
While the investigation is still ongoing, he continues to hold his position as team principal.
Since the team made its first appearance in the Formula 1 circuit in 2005, this Englishman has been serving as the team principal for Red Bull’s primary Formula 1 team. The upcoming 2024 season will mark the team’s 20th year on the grid.
A hearing will be held on Friday during which Horner will meet with the independent investigator hired by Red Bull to oversee the matter. The team boss has brought in his own legal council and has the chance to present his case.
According to The Times, the hearing had initially been scheduled to be held at Red Bull’s base in Milton Keynes. But they have U-turned on that plan due to the intense media interest in the case.
It is claimed that the hearing will now be held at a secret location instead, with Red Bull’s employees having not been told any details of the hearing. At the hearing, Horner is expected to be grilled on the claims made against him.
It is expected that the investigator will then take the weekend to study the evidence before presenting their findings and recommendations to Red Bull early next week. The parent company will then decide what action, if any, will be taken.
Red Bull Racing are keen to have the matter resolved before next Thursday, when its 2024 season launch event is scheduled to take place. Pre-season testing begins the following Wednesday, February 21, before the season kicks off with the Bahrain Grand Prix on Saturday, March 2.
Horner was spotted driving away from his home on Thursday morning, as he prepares for the hearing which may decide his future. He led the team to their third successive constructors’ championship last season, winning all but one race.
“The company released a statement acknowledging the allegations and stated that they have initiated an independent investigation by an external specialist barrister in response to the recent claims that have surfaced.
The company considers these issues to be extremely important and will complete the investigation as promptly as possible. It would be inappropriate to provide further comments at this moment.