Christian Horner plan as Red Bull gear up for RB20 F1 car launch amid investigation.

Red Bull Racing team principal Christian Horner is under investigation after a female colleague accused him internally of inappropriate behaviour – a claim he denies.

Christian Horner could still play a part in Red Bull’s Formula 1 season launch event next week.

The Red Bull parent company has initiated an investigation into the team principal, who is 50 years old, following an allegation of inappropriate conduct made by a female colleague. Horner, the team principal, has vehemently denied the accusation.

On Friday, he had a meeting with the independent investigator hired by the energy drinks company.

The discussion took place in an undisclosed place in London and lasted for several hours.

This meeting provided Horner with the chance to present his perspective on the matter. However, it is possible that he will have to attend more meetings as part of the ongoing investigation, and it is unlikely that a resolution will be reached in the near future.

Red Bull Racing’s season launch will occur on Thursday, February 15.

Initially, there was a hope that the investigation could be concluded before this date, if feasible, but insiders indicate that this is highly improbable.

The necessity for a just and comprehensive procedure is far more important than any inclination for swiftness.

The nature of the investigation, and the fact its findings will be presented to Red Bull GmbH who will then consider and make a decision about Horner’s future, means it is difficult to put a specific timeframe on when it is likely to conclude. The current belief is that it could take several weeks before a final decision is reached.

In the meantime, both Horner and his accuser continue to work in their respective roles. Though there have been some suggestions that the team principal may not be present at Thursday’s season launch event, Mirror Sport understands the team wants to continue with its pre-season plans as usual. So Horner could attend – though a final decision has not yet been made

Whether or not he is there, the investigation is a significant distraction for the defending champions heading into the new season. Members of the press will be present at the event and the focus of questions asked will no doubt be upon this story which has rocked F1.

Pre-season testing will begin in Bahrain less than a week later, on Wednesday, February 21. And the first race of the campaign is scheduled for Saturday, March 2, also at the Sakhir International Circuit. Given the new length of process expected, there is a strong possibility the investigation will still be ongoing during that race weekend and beyond.

Horner has been at the helm of the team ever since it entered the F1 circuit in 2005, and he is displaying no signs of avoiding the battle to secure his future.

Nonetheless, if the inquiry discovers substantial proof against him, there is a chance that he might be dismissed from his position.

This scenario would be particularly disruptive if it were to occur once the season has commenced.

If there is a need to replace him as the team principal, it is uncertain who would take on this role.

Jonathan Wheatley, who has been associated with Red Bull Racing for a similar duration as Horner, could be a potential candidate for the position.

It is also possible that Oliver Mintzlaff, the managing director of Red Bull GmbH, might opt to assume a high-ranking position within the team.