Horner's investigation puts Red Bull Racing in an uncomfortable position

Less than a week after Lewis Hamilton's switch to Ferrari, Formula 1's foundations are being shaken again. This time, not because of positive news: Christian Horner, Red Bull Racing's celebrated team boss, has been accused of inappropriate behaviour. The Brit himself denies this. Either way, his team must be in a very difficult position with the situation.

A person is innocent until proven guilty. This also applies to Christian Horner. As a public figure, the damage he suffers if the allegations are unfounded is enormous. Therefore, Red Bull's decision to conduct an independent investigation into the case is the only right decision.

Especially now that the story has reached the media, the bottom line has to come out: if Horner is found to have done nothing wrong, his name must be completely cleared. If the team boss did cross a line, then Red Bull will have to take inevitable measures. The team and the frontman are role models, and Horner's position is ONLY in question if proven guilty.

Red Bull Racing in a spin

The whole situation undoubtedly puts Red Bull Racing in a problematic position because what should happen during the investigation? There have been some similar cases in the international celebrity world recently, and the accused were almost always suspended pending the investigation. For now, it looks as if Horner will remain in office while the independent lawyer appointed completes his investigation.

For Red Bull Racing, this is important given the upcoming F1 season. At the same time, that may signal to the victim or victims that they are not being taken seriously. Especially for a company like Red Bull. That image should certainly not be created. On the other hand, a temporary suspension of Horner would only increase the suspicion that something is indeed going on because surely Red Bull do not take such a draconian measure for nothing?

Whatever Red Bull do: with every scenario, some parties will be outraged by it. This is probably why the Austrians' main hope is that clarity will soon emerge and the focus can return to capturing another world title.