Christian Horner continues to deny allegations at Red Bull car launch

Horner spoke about the allegations in conversation with GPblog and others at the Red Bull factory in Milton Keynes. Red Bull launched their 2024 Formula 1 challenger, the RB20, with Max Verstappen, Sergio Perez and boss Horner. In the media, there was speculation about whether or not Horner would attend, given the recent investigation into the allegations. But Horner stood on the stage and spoke positively about his team and their goals for 2024. 

The Brit said that isn't something he found strange given what has happened earlier this month. "No, not at all. I'm very proud of what this team is doing and what it continues to do. What we've achieved in the last 20 years or 19 seasons is quite incredible. It's very exciting to see the launch of our 20th car," Horner said.

@gpblog.com A timeline of rumours since the allegation against Horner was made on Monday. #f1 #f1tiktok #f1edit #f12022 #f12024 #formula1edits #f1news #formula1edit ♬ original sound - GPblog.com

Support from the Red Bull team

On Friday, Horner was interviewed by an independent lawyer over claims about his behaviour towards a female employee. This meeting was said to last eight hours in London. During the process, Horner says he has been backed by the team. 

"I've had tremendous support. The shareholders have been hugely supportive of us. There is a process. There's been some allegations that were made which I fully deny. I’m complying with that process, which will run its course, so I can't comment beyond that. It's a private process of the company, but hopefully, it will be concluded in the near future," Horner added.

"The support from within the whole team has been remarkable. It's sometimes in situations like these that you see where the strengths are. The support I've had from within the team has been overwhelming. The drivers have been incredibly good. So have the partners. It’s been incredible. I have a very supportive family. A very supportive wife. My focus has been on the job and preparing for the season ahead."

On Thursday, Red Bull were the last F1 team to launch their car for the 2024 Formula 1 season. Red Bull will be pushing for a third consecutive World Championship title, while driver Max Verstappen will be attempting to win his fourth consecutive drivers' title. In less than a week, Red Bull will be in Bahrain for three days of testing. The season will then start with the Bahrain Grand Prix on March 2.

Horner, who has led the team since 2005, waits to discover the outcome of the investigation. There is no certainty on whether that will conclude before the start of the season. "There's no exact timeline. It's just an ongoing process, and that's something private for the company," Horner concluded.