CHRISTIAN Horner has been spotted in Bahrain as he is set to lead Red Bull on its first day of testing for the 2024/25 Formula One season.
The 50-year-old has said he plans to continue with “business as usual” despite the bombshell allegations of “inappropriate behaviour” hanging over his head.
Christian Horner seen in Bahrain this morning ahead of Red Bull testing
SplashRed Bull boss Horner walks alongside a colleague in Bahrain this morning[/caption]
GettyHorner with wife Spice Girl Geri Halliwell[/caption]
The Red Bull Racing boss is under investigation over the shock allegations of “inappropriate behaviour” by a female colleague and explosive claims that he sent “sexually suggestive” texts.
Even though he has categorically denied the claims, Red Bull are continuing to investigate them and have already put him through an eight hour grilling.
Horner is thought to have arrived in the Gulf kingdom overnight to watch his star driver Max Verstappen take to the wheel of the RB20 for the first time around an F1 track.
He is also expected to attend a press conference at the testing event alongside other F1 bosses.
Horner has already been present at secret Red Bull test runs and the RB20 launch event – where he spoke publicly about the allegations for the first time.
He said: “Inevitably there has been a distraction, but the team are very together.
“Everybody’s focused on the season ahead, so it’s been very much business as normal and the support has been fantastic.
“In situations like these, you see where the strengths are, and it’s been overwhelming the support that I’ve had from within the team.
“There have been some allegations made, which I fully deny, so that the investigation is very much going on in the background whilst preparing for the season ahead, and hopefully it will be concluded in the near future.”
And in one interview, he praised wife Geri Halliwell and said: “I have a very supportive family and a very supportive wife.
“My focus has been on the job and the season ahead. I’m not going to talk about private matters, but my family have been hugely supportive.”
Geri was reportedly reduced to tears as news broke of the scandal just days ago – but privately insisted he did nothing wrong.
On Sunday she was seen standing by her husband at a horse racing event in Badbury Rings, Dorset.
F1 released a statement on Sunday saying: “We hope that the matter will be clarified at the earliest opportunity after a fair and thorough process.
“We have noted Red Bull has instigated an independent investigation into internal allegations at Red Bull Racing.
“We will not comment further at this time.”
The final decision on the Red Bull probe could come out this week – and it remains unclear whether Horner will be able to return to Bahrain for the F1 season opener on March 2.
AFPHorner has already been seen at a Red Bull event where he spoke about the allegations[/caption] Creator – [#item_custom_dc:creator]
