Christian Horner allegation hearing date set ahead of Red Bull F1 car launch

A hearing into allegations made against Red Bull F1 team principal Christian Horner is reportedly set to take place on Friday.

That is according to German publication Auto Motor und Sport, who claim that Red Bull do not want the investigation to overshadow the launch of the team’s 2024 F1 car.

The RB20 is due to be unveiled next Thursday, February 15, at an event at Red Bull’s headquarters in Milton Keynes.

AMuS reports that a survey of the participants will take place in England on Friday, less than a week before the launch.

Respected Dutch F1 journalist Erik van Haren has also reported that Horner will be “visited at the factory by the external, specialised lawyer engaged by the head office of the energy drink manufacturer”.

Red Bull’s parent company confirmed on Monday that an independent investigation has been launched against Horner following accusations BBC Sport understands to relate to inappropriate behaviour of a controlling nature.

"An independent investigation has been initiated with regard to the current accusations. The company takes the matter extremely seriously. The investigation is carried out by an external, independent investigative lawyer and will be completed as soon as possible. It would not be appropriate to make further comments at this time," a Red Bull statement said.

It is alleged that the behaviour was towards a female colleague.

Horner has denied any wrongdoing, telling Dutch newspaper De Telegraaf: “I completely deny these claims.”

Horner has not been suspended and is understood to currently have no plans to resign as team boss and CEO.

However, a report by Motorsport-Magazine suggests the 50-year-old has “lost support” within the organisation.

The publication adds that should Horner step down, or be forced to leave, Red Bull team manager Jonathan Wheatley could take charge on an interim basis ahead of the start of the 2024 F1 season.