Horner admits investigation has been a distraction

Red Bull team principal Christian Horner says the ongoing investigation into his behavior has been a distraction during pre-season.

Horner has been accused of inappropriate behavior within Red Bull Racing and is subject to an independent investigation that has been commissioned by Red Bull GmbH. With continuing uncertainty about his future while the investigation takes place, Horner admitted it has had an impact but insists the team is united behind him.

“Inevitably, there has been a distraction but the team are very together,” Horner said. “Everybody is focused on the season ahead, so it’s been very much business as normal.

"The support has been fantastic. Obviously my focus is very much on the season ahead, as it has been business as normal. There is an investigation that I’m obviously complying with and working with fully, but that is very much going on in the background whilst preparing for the season ahead.

“I think that the team are gearing up for the season ahead, we’re in good shape and we’re fully focused on going racing. Looking forward to being in Bahrain next week and seeing RB20 run and the one thing that focuses everybody’s attention is the car. We’re very united and together in that focus.”

More Formula 1

McNish takes on Audi F1 racing director role

Turkish Grand Prix to return to F1 calendar in 2027

Brown says Horner F1 return would be a positive, more A-B teams not so much

Horner dismissed reports that there is a potential rift between himself and the wider Red Bull group.

“We’re very united," he said. "We’ve always had tremendous support from the shareholders since Dietrich’s [Mateschitz, company founder] passing. The shareholders have been incredibly supportive, and you can see the level of investment there is on campus here with powertrains, with the future of Formula 1, that we’re one team.”

Asked if the investigation has had any impact on his role operationally within the team, Horner stated: “Business as normal.”