Red Bull Racing and the parent company of the Austrian energy drink, who have not provided details about the complaint, remained silent with representatives not responding to communications.
Insiders in the Formula One (F1) industry informed Reuters that the hearing took place in an undisclosed location in London, rather than at the team’s factory in Milton Keynes.
According to Sky Sports television, the meeting with an independent barrister lasted nearly eight hours. A source familiar with the matter stated that Horner, aged 50, strongly denied the allegations during a meeting this week with the Formula One Commission.
Sources cautioned that there may not be a resolution until after the scheduled car launch next Thursday, as the barrister may need to conduct further hearings.
Former F1 boss Bernie Ecclestone revealed that he spoke to Horner on Thursday evening. Ecclestone and Horner have had a close relationship for years, with Horner serving as the best man at Ecclestone’s wedding in 2012.
Ecclestone, who was also close to Red Bull’s late co-owner Dietrich Mateschitz, did not provide much information but mentioned that they had a conversation about the current happenings in the sport.
Earlier in the week, Red Bull Austria released a statement saying they were investigating a complaint against Horner, without disclosing the source or nature of the complaint. The company stated that an independent investigation was already underway, conducted by an external specialist barrister. They emphasized the seriousness of the matter and stated that the investigation would be completed as soon as possible.
According to reports from the BBC and Sky Sports television, the complaint is related to allegations of inappropriate behavior towards a female staff member.
The Red Bull RB20, designed by Adrian Newey and his team, will be unveiled at the Milton Keynes factory. This event will also mark the team’s 20th season as a constructor, starting from the 2005 Australian Grand Prix.
Horner and his team celebrated a record-breaking season in Formula 1 last year, winning 21 out of 22 races. Horner is the longest-serving team boss in Formula One and was the youngest when he entered the sport with Red Bull in 2005.
If Horner is required to step down, it would have a significant impact on the sport. This could also lead to the departure of other key team members, as rival team Ferrari has previously attempted to recruit star designer Adrian Newey. (Reporting by Alan Baldwin)
According to the Source grandprix247.com