Christian Horner under investigation 

The reigning world champions were engulfed in an off-track scandal on the eve of the new Formula 1 season when their team boss and talismanic leader was accused of inappropriate behaviour by a female member of the team.

As Motor Sport went to press the allegations against Christian Horner remained under an internal Red Bull investigation led by a lawyer. Horner has strongly denied any wrongdoing.

Despite the furore, Horner appeared unfazed during early season testing when he was pictured trackside in the Red Bull pit garage. The allegations, which first emerged in early February, come at a sensitive time for Formula 1 as it attempts to bolster its image among a younger audience including an increasing proportion of female fans and prove its commitment to equality and inclusiveness.

The sport’s commercial rights holders have urged Red Bull to clarify the matter “at the earliest opportunity after a fair and thorough process”. Red Bull’s investigation is expected to result in a report which will then be submitted to the company’s board.