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Formula 1 has urged Red Bull to resolve the controversy surrounding Christian Horner as soon as possible.<\/b><\/p>\n
Horner, Red Bull’s team principal, is facing allegations of inappropriate and controlling behaviour<\/a> towards a female colleague.<\/p>\n Horner, who has led the team since 2005, has denied the allegations.<\/p>\n “We hope that the matter will be clarified at the earliest opportunity after a fair and thorough process,” an F1 statement read.<\/p>\n “We have noted Red Bull has instigated an independent investigation into internal allegations at Red Bull Racing,” it added.<\/p>\n “We will not comment further at this time.”<\/p>\n When the allegations emerged two weeks ago, Red Bull issued a statement<\/a> saying it was taking the matter “extremely seriously”.<\/p>\n The company said it was launching an “independent investigation” which was “being carried out by an external specialist barrister” and would “be completed as soon as practically possible”.<\/p>\n Horner was interviewed by a lawyer<\/a> for several hours on 9 February.<\/p>\n Speaking at the launch of Red Bull’s new F1 car on Thursday, Horner said: “I obviously deny the allegations that have been made but I’m going through a process and fully respect that process.”<\/p>\n Red Bull’s lawyer is expected to compile a report which will then be submitted to the company’s board.<\/p>\n The identity of the lawyer has not been made public, nor have any other details about the scope of the investigation.<\/p>\n Meanwhile, US car giant Ford, which is to become the engine partner of Red Bull in F1 in 2026, has issued a statement about Horner’s situation.<\/p>\n Mark Rushbrook, global head of Ford Performance Motorsport, said: “As a family company, and a company that holds itself to very high standards of behaviour and integrity, we do expect the same from our partners.<\/p>\n “It appears to us, and what we’ve been told, was that Red Bull is taking the situation very seriously. And of course, they’re worried about their brand, as well.<\/p>\n “And that’s why they’ve got an independent investigation and until we see what truth comes out of that, it’s too early for us to comment on it all.”<\/p>\n F1’s governing body the FIA says it will “not comment while the investigation continues”.<\/p>\n Red Bull’s pre-season testing takes place in Bahrain from 21-23 February. Horner told reporters earlier this week, external<\/span><\/a> that he intends to be in the paddock when it takes place.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n