Red Bull’s Horner to face music on Friday

Red Bull Formula One team principal Christian Horner will face a company hearing on Friday after an unspecified complaint was made against him.

Sources indicated the hearing will be at the team’s Milton Keynes factory.

There was no official confirmation from the reigning world champions or the Austrian energy drink giant that owns the team as well as sister outfit Visa Cash App RB (previously AlphaTauri).

Red Bull Racing are due to launch their new car on February 15, with testing starting in Bahrain on February 21 and the opening race on March 2. The team have so far made no public comment on the allegations.

The BBC said it understands the complaint relates to “inappropriate behaviour of a controlling nature”.

Horner, who is married to former Spice Girls singer Geri Halliwell, has been quoted by Dutch newspaper De Telegraaf as saying that he denies the allegations.

Red Bull Austria said on Monday that it was investigating a complaint against Horner, without giving details.

“This process, which is already under way, is being carried out by an external barrister. The company takes these matters extremely seriously and the investigation will be completed as soon as practically possible. It would not be appropriate to comment further at this time”

Horner and his team celebrated the most dominant season in Formula One history last year, with Dutch driver Max Verstappen taking his third consecutive title and Red Bull winning 21 of 22 races.

The Briton is the longestserving team boss in Formula One. If Horner had to stand down, the effect on the sport would be seismic.