Red Bull's investigation into Christian Horner's conduct might be expedited, aiming to reach a conclusion by the end of next week, according to The Times.
The 50-year-old is under investigation for allegations of inappropriate behavior, which he strongly denies following a complaint from a female colleague to Red Bull's parent company in Austria.
A Dutch newspaper has now reported a new allegation, posing a threat to Red Bull's stability just weeks before the new season begins. The defending champions are now looking to bring the matter to a close in the coming days, with Red Bull's leadership seeking to hasten the investigation process, as per The Times.
Initial reports suggested the inquiry could extend beyond the Bahrain Grand Prix next month, with Horner likely to face additional rounds of questioning following last week's interrogation by a top lawyer. However, there is now an apparent intention within Red Bull to conclude the process swiftly.
Horner, associated with Red Bull since their entry into F1 in 2005, is believed to have engaged lawyers to contest the new allegation. Nevertheless, the accusation seems to have done little to alleviate the uncertainty surrounding his future, which is reportedly hanging in the balance.
In a statement earlier this month, Red Bull said they were taking the investigation process 'extremely seriously' and that a conclusion would be reached 'as soon as practicable'.
"After becoming aware of recent allegations, the company initiated an independent investigation," the statement read. "This investigation, which is already underway, is being carried out by an external specialised lawyer.
"The company takes these matters extremely seriously and the investigation will be complete as soon as practicable. It would not be appropriate to make any further comments at this time."
Horner, meanwhile, was quizzed on his future at Red Bull's season launch event on Thursday and said: "The support from within the business, of our partners, within the industry, has been overwhelming.
"Obviously there’s a process that’s ongoing at the moment, some allegations have been made which I fully deny and I’m complying obviously with that process and will continue to do so until its conclusion. I think it’s been very clear and the position of Red Bull has been that it’s business as normal.
"Of course, the allegations are a process that Red Bull are running through and have confirmed that process externally, but obviously there’s a job to do and I deny fully the accusations that have been made, and my role obviously continues."
