Christian Horner's fate continues to remain uncertain despite his disciplinary hearing taking place on Friday in London. The outcome will likely be delayed until after the Red Bull Racing team is scheduled to launch its new car, the RB20, next week.
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Sources are reporting that the hearing was an intense session of questioning, though any hopes for a quick wrap-up on the investigation were dashed for Horner due to the complexities of such legal matters and meticulous evaluation of both the accusations and Horner's responses, according to standard.co.uk.
The investigation centers on a female employee's concerns about Horner's strict work regime and does not relate to any sexual impropriety.
"Christian had concerns about her conduct and made it clear he was unhappy," an unnamed F1 source told The Sun. "She went on to make a complaint about his 'controlling' behavior, which detonated this crisis for the team."
Through all this, reports are also emerging that Horner has a "badly damaged" relationship with Jos Verstappen, father of Red Bull Racing triple world champion Max Verstappen, and that there has been behind the scenes pressure for Horner to resign voluntarily, according to German outlet Motorsport-Total.
Additionally, there has also been alleged tension between Horner and Red Bull advisor Helmut Marko ever since Red Bull co-founder Dietrich Mateschitz passed away in 2022. There were rumors in 2023 that Horner was trying to gain more power at the expense of Marko, though both have denied the speculations.
Horner still refuses to voluntarily resign and denied all wrongdoing when he spoke with Dutch news outlet, De Telegraaf, the only time he has spoken publicly on the matter.
Though there is even more bad news for Horner after Red Bull design guru and chief technical officer, Adrian Newey, announced he will stay with the team despite speculation of a potential move to Ferrari if Horner were forced out.
An F1 Insider report adds that Horner and Newey's Red Bull contracts were once linked to one another, although that is no longer believed to be the case.
"These are all developments that may have weakened Horner's position even in the event of an internal acquittal," F1 Insider notes. "There is even discussion about a successor. The most common name mentioned is that of team manager Jonathan Wheatley."
Horner has led the team for 19 years since Red Bull entered F1 in 2005 and is now grand prix racing's longest-serving team principal. It has been one of the most dominant teams in F1 for the last several years, clinching seven drivers' championships.
