Formula One has urged a speedy resolution to the investigation into reigning world champion Red Bull team boss Christian Horner.
Horner faces allegations from a Red Bull employee of controlling behavior and inappropriate text messages.
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Horner, who faces a hearing on the matter in London on February 9, vehemently denies the allegations. And told ESPN he's confident he'll be the team's leader.
With Horner set to travel with the team to Bahrain for pre-season testing starting on February 21, the problem looks set to continue as the season gets under way.
Team sources told ESPN they hoped a decision would come before the opening race — the Bahrain Grand Prix on March 2 — but there was no set deadline for a decision.
In a statement released on Sunday, F1 said a quick solution was needed.
„We hope that the matter will be clarified soon after a fair and thorough process,” the statement said.
„We have noted that Red Bull has initiated an independent investigation into allegations internal to Red Bull Racing.
„We will not be commenting further at this time.”
The sport's governing body, the FIA, declined to comment while the investigation is ongoing.
Horner has led the Red Bull team since its inception in 2004.
During that time he helped make them one of the most formidable teams in the history of the sport.
Horner has overseen two periods of dominance, one between 2010 and 2013 and another spanning the past three seasons, in which the team has won the drivers' title three times and the constructors' title twice.