Christian Horner is ‘not expected to survive in his role at Red Bull’ though the team’s investigation remains ongoing, reports say.
The 50-year-old fiercely denies allegations of inappropriate behaviour, having discussed the situation with a lawyer on Friday.
The claims are believed to be related to Horner’s work.
Red Bull want a swift resolution to the saga, with the F1 side poised to launch their new RB20 car on February 15.
Christian Horner ‘is not expected to survive’ despite the Red Bull chief being eager to clear his name
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And the BBC say that insiders believe Horner ‘is not expected to survive’ at Red Bull despite the investigation continuing.
Horner is adamant he’s done nothing wrong and wants to stay in the same role he’s occupied ever since his appointment all the way back in 2005.
Insiders do think, however, that a change at the top of Red Bull is set to take place.
A source has told The Sun that Horner ‘has not been sacked’ by Red Bull at the current moment in time.
And they have also denied rumours that the Briton was asked to resign, saying he’s got no plans to walk away from the team too.
The investigation could be about to rumble on into the new F1 season, however.
An insider is quoted as saying: “This is not a trial and we are not going to have an answer and an outcome by the end of the day.
“This is not something that is going to be rectified that quickly.
“People are expecting this to be over before the start of the F1 season, but that just isn’t going to happen.”
Horner was pictured smiling as he arrived for his crunch talks on Friday.
His pop star wife, Spice Girls star Geri Halliwell, is standing by her husband.
A source told the Daily Mail earlier this week: “She will stand by him and be at his side just as much as she always has been.
“She never misses a race and that will not change.”
Horner has guided Red Bull to seven F1 championships during his time in charge.
Sebastian Vettel won four on the trot between 2010 and 2013, while Max Verstappen has triumphed over the past three seasons.
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Christian Horner has the support of Geri Halliwell as Red Bull investigation rumbles on
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Red Bull have also won six world constructors’ titles under Horner, too, and he was recognised with a CBE for services to motorsport in the 2024 New Year’s Honours list.
There has been talk of a potential rift within the F1 team despite their success, however.
And what ultimately happens with Horner remains to be seen.
Meanwhile, former F1 driver Giedo van der Garde was recently asked about Horner and his situation.
And he said he doesn’t expect the 50-year-old to be in attendance when Red Bull launch their new car next week.
Christian Horner has played a key role in Max Verstappen’s dominance of F1 in recent years
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Speaking to the DRS De Race Show podcast, he said: “No [I don’t think he will be at the launch].
“Horner is being checked out internally by Red Bull.
“Believe me, when that presentation comes next week, Horner will definitely not be there.”
Olivia Martin is a dedicated sports journalist based in the UK. With a passion for various athletic disciplines, she covers everything from major league championships to local sports events, delivering up-to-the-minute updates and in-depth analysis.
