Red Bull's inquiry into the accusations surrounding team principal Christian Horner is poised to be concluded within the next 48 hours.
Horner, 50, has been alleged to engage in inappropriate behaviour by a female colleague, and earlier this month, the Formula 1 team's Austrian parent company, Red Bull GmbH, initiated an investigation.
The Red Bull F1 boss and CEO vehemently denies the allegations and has continued in his dual roles ahead of the new F1 season, commencing on Saturday with the Bahrain Grand Prix.
Drivers are scheduled to hit the track this Thursday for qualifying, and Sky Sports reports that a decision regarding Horner's future is likely to be made beforehand. The investigation was conducted by a specialist barrister and involved an interview with Horner, which took place at Red Bull's Milton Keynes headquarters on February 9.
It is mentioned that the comprehensive report, believed to exceed 100 pages, is now with the Red Bull GmbH board. Company leaders are deliberating on whether Horner should retain his dual positions, with an announcement expected to be made either on Tuesday or Wednesday.
Since the investigation commenced, the 50-year-old has made several public appearances, including during pre-season testing in Bahrain last week and at the unveiling of Red Bull's new car for the 2024 campaign on February 15. It was during the season launch that Horner, the husband of Spice Girls star Geri Halliwell, refuted the allegations.
Horner affirmed: "It's business as usual. Obviously, I fully deny any accusations that have been made against me but of course I'll work with that process, which I hope is concluded in the near future.
"I can't comment on what that process consists (of). I'm confident obviously in the process and working with the process and deny absolutely any allegations being made. I just continue to work within that process until it's concluded."
He also said that wife Geri, who he married in 2015 and has three children with, has been "very supportive." "My focus has been on the job and the season ahead," Horner added.
The chief, born in Leamington Spa, is presently the longest-serving team principal in Formula 1. Horner has led Red Bull since their entry into the sport in 2005, overseeing the clinching of six constructors' and seven drivers' titles.
Horner is currently back in the UK, preparing to return to Bahrain for Grand Prix qualifying. Any statement from Red Bull GmbH is unlikely to disclose specific accusations due to confidentiality agreements.
Red Bull is the frontrunner to secure another constructors' title, and star driver Max Verstappen is anticipated to secure a fourth consecutive world championship. Verstappen, the Dutchman, mentioned during testing that it would be "nice for everyone" once the investigation is resolved.
