In a surprising turn of events, Christian Horner, the Team Principal of Red Bull, is currently facing an internal investigation for allegations of "inappropriate behavior." The investigation was prompted by serious allegations made by a female colleague within the team, which have been brought to the attention of Red Bull GmbH, the team's parent company.

Reports on the nature of the investigation vary, with different sources highlighting concerns regarding "inappropriate, controlling behavior" or Horner's aggressive management style. It has been revealed that there is a dossier containing incriminating material at Red Bull in Fuschl summarizing the allegations. According to Motorsport-Total, there have been suggestions that Horner voluntarily resign as team boss and vacate his post.

Red Bull released a concise statement acknowledging the investigation, stating that they take such matters extremely seriously and have launched an independent investigation conducted by an external specialist barrister. The company is committed to completing the investigation as promptly as possible and refrained from commenting further at this time.

German outlet Auto Motor und Sport reported that the involved parties are expected to be questioned on Friday, and depending on the outcome, Red Bull may need to swiftly find a new team boss if continuing Horner's employment is deemed impossible by the external investigators.

These developments come just ahead of the launch of Red Bull's RB20, the team's car for the upcoming 2024 season. The RB19, Red Bull's previous car, was renowned for its dominance in Formula 1, contributing to Max Verstappen securing his third consecutive Drivers' Championship and the team clinching its second consecutive Constructors' title.

While Horner maintains his innocence and denies any wrongdoing, this investigation follows a season marred by reports of an internal power struggle involving Horner and senior advisor Dr. Helmut Marko. Marko declined to comment on the investigation when approached.

Should Red Bull need to seek a replacement for Horner, they have both internal and external options. Internal candidates include Jonathan Wheatley, the team's Sporting Director, who has earned acclaim for building an exceptional pit crew operation, and Pierre Waché, the team's Technical Director. As for external options, former team principals such as Mattia Binotto, Otmar Szafnauer, and Guenther Steiner have been mentioned, although considered less likely given the available in-house choices and the proximity to the RB20 reveal.

It is worth noting that the situation could potentially affect Chief Technical Officer Adrian Newey, as there have been rumors of a contract clause linking his future to Horner's. If Horner were to be dismissed, it is speculated that this clause could be triggered, possibly allowing Newey to depart from Red Bull as well.

As the investigation unfolds, Red Bull faces an intriguing and pivotal week, with Horner's future at the team hanging in the balance, and the RB20 set to break cover soon.