According to well-informed sources cited by Reuters, it is anticipated that Red Bull’s parent company, based in Salzburg, Austria, will make an announcement prior to the race in Sakhir, possibly within the next 48 hours. The investigation into the team’s long-standing principal, who is married to former Spice Girls singer Geri Halliwell, has been ongoing since January, although the details only became public on 5 February. The team, which is based in the UK, has no influence over the investigation process. The specific nature of the allegations has not been disclosed by either the energy drink company or the reigning champions, although media reports have suggested that they involve inappropriate and controlling behavior towards a female colleague. Formula 1, which is owned by Liberty Media in the US, has expressed its hope that the matter will be resolved as soon as possible following a fair and comprehensive process. Both the sport and its governing body are keen to avoid the issue overshadowing the racing. Horner, who has been the subject of interviews conducted by an independent barrister on 9 February, is awaiting the final report, which is believed to be based on approximately 60 hours of interviews with all parties involved. Although Sky Sports has reported that the document is over 100 pages long, it is likely that the specific details will remain confidential. Despite attending testing in Bahrain last week, Horner has since returned to the UK and has been working at the Milton Keynes factory. Ordinarily, he would have traveled to Bahrain on Wednesday, with Thursday being the first day of practice and qualifying taking place on Friday. However, the race is scheduled for Saturday in order to accommodate races in Bahrain and Saudi Arabia before the start of Ramadan. At the launch of his team’s RB20 car in Milton Keynes earlier this month, Horner expressed his confidence in and cooperation with the process, vehemently denying any allegations made against him. If he were to be ousted from Red Bull, it would undoubtedly have a seismic impact on the sport. Under Horner’s leadership, the team enjoyed their most dominant season in the history of Formula 1 last year, winning 21 out of 22 races. They are the favorites heading into the 2024 F1 season, with Dutch driver Max Verstappen aiming for a fourth consecutive title. The team’s other driver is Sergio Perez from Mexico. Additionally, Red Bull is in the process of establishing a powertrain operation in Milton Keynes, with plans to enter the new engine era in 2026 in collaboration with Ford. (Reported by Alan Baldwin)
Max Verstappen has surpassed Lewis Hamilton once again following his victory at the Emilia Romagna GP. These two drivers have been the most prominent figures in Formula 1...
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