“Off camera” Christian Horner demeanour described as investigation rumbles on

Christian Horner’s first public appearance at the launch of Red Bull’s 2024 F1 challenger was a clear indication of his current mindset amid the ongoing investigation, according to Sky’s Craig Slater.

Horner was present as Red Bull unveiled RB20 - the F1 car the team hopes will guide Max Verstappen to a fourth consecutive title.

The 50-year-old is currently part of an investigation after an alleged claim of misconduct by a female member of the team.

Horner is expected to be at pre-season testing, with it still unclear when the findings of the investigation will be concluded.

Slater, who was at the Red Bull launch on behalf of Sky Sports, revealed he had an “off camera” conversation with Horner.

“He is determined to see this through. It impressed a lot of people that he was there today,” he said. “He went through the entirety of the launch and he has been carrying on his job as normal.

“I did ask him ‘why not take the time off to focus on the investigation rather than continuing with a huge demanding job’. He has been at the helm of this team for 20 years. I don’t know if he feels stepping away would be some kind of admission of guilt or not but he is determined to press ahead.

“He also said to me off camera if I was not convinced of my innocence in all of this I wouldn’t be here today.”

Slater felt that the investigation clearly was having an effect on Horner, noticing how “subdued” he was compared to his usual self during interviews.

“He looked exhausted today, without question,” Slater added. “And remember this is someone who’s normally very quick witted, very on the front foot in any kind of verbal exchanges.

“You can tell just how subdued he sounded. I think that is partially deliberate. He knows that it’s a serious matter. What we are talking about here, of course, we have to remember we’re only hearing his side of the story.

“There is another party in all of this - his sole accuser it has to be said. A female member of Red Bull staff but for obvious reasons we’re not hearing her side of the story as it were. It’s clearly been a strain at home as well.

“People will know he’s married to the former Spice Girl Geri Halliwell (Horner now). He talked about her off camera to me about what a great support she has been in all of this.”