Marko defends Red Bull over Horner investigation

Helmut Marko has defended Red Bull GmbH over the time it is taking to investigate allegations against Christian Horner.

An internal investigation was launched into the Team Principal and CEO of Red Bull Racing Horner by parent company Red Bull GmbH earlier in February after allegations of controlling and inappropriate behaviour.

He has not been suspended from his duties, and was present at the launch of the new RB20 machine, where he publicly discussed the allegations for the first time.

Horner denies all allegations against him.

Horner has been interviewed by a specialist barrister in London regarding the allegations and Red Bull GmbH is awaiting a report to be submitted before taking a final decision over Horner's future.

Some have called for a swift resolution to the investigation on the eve of the new season, but Motorsport Advisor Marko has backed the handling of it thus far.

"As you know, this is an internal investigation," Marko told Red Bull's in-house TV station ServusTV.

"The sooner a result is available, the better because of course, rumours and other stories are bound to sprout due to the long duration [of the investigation].

"[But] I think Red Bull has reacted very well in this matter. The long duration of this investigation is not their fault.

They are endeavouring to [have] a fair investigation and then react accordingly."

Both the FIA and F1 have released statements in the previous days regarding the on-going investigation.