A key ally to Christian Horner is 'back in the fold' at Red Bull ahead of this weekend's Japanese Grand Prix, according to reports.
Horner has been in the spotlight over the past couple of months, ever since a Red Bull employee alleged misconduct.
The Briton was cleared of inappropriate behaviour, something he always denied, as has continued to work in his role of team principal as normal in the time since.
Now, according to the Daily Mail, a Horner ally is 'back in the fold' at Red Bull.
Christian Horner ally is 'back in the fold' at Red Bull ahead of the Japanese Grand Prix this weekend
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Nicole Carling is 'organising his diary' after the fallout from the recent investigation, with Horner's accuser currently suspended.
Carling isn't currently in Japan for this weekend's race.
Yet she is acting as 'interim executive assistant' and helping Horner carry out his work behind the scenes at the F1 side.
The report also says that, as things stand, Horner's relationship with Max Verstappen 'is not warm'.
Verstappen has won two of the first three races of the season, securing victories in Bahrain and Saudi Arabia respectively.
His father, Jos, has previously criticised Horner publicly - at one point even calling for the Red Bull chief to leave the team.
But while Verstappen and Horner's relationship has suffered, the 26-year-old still has no plans on leaving the team.
Verstappen has been linked with Mercedes, who will be waving goodbye to Lewis Hamilton at the end of the season.
Mercedes chief Toto Wolff has repeatedly stirred the pot and refused to shut down talk of a blockbuster switch for the Red Bull star.
Yet all signs currently point to Verstappen staying, instead of leaving, in a huge boost for Horner and his team.
Regarding Horner's accuser, who remains suspended, a resolution to her complaint was due for completion this week or next.
However, the timeframe has since been delayed after the employee complained she was feeling 'lonely'.
It is 'presumed' that she is unable to provide evidence at this stage because of that reason.
Verstappen, meanwhile, was fastest in P1 on Friday morning.
The Red Bull driver finished ahead of team-mate Sergio Perez, with Carlos Sainz Jr in third.
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Christian Horner and Max Verstappen's relationship remains fractured behind the scenes at Red Bull
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And Verstappen was pleased with the way he drove in Japan as he seeks a return to winning ways following his issues in Australia last time out.
"It was a good start for us," said the Dutchman.
"The balance wasn't bad and that is always a good way to start.
"It seems like everyone is a little closer together compared to last year.
"I think in general over one lap, it seems like people have got closer, but for the long run pace, I have no idea, but I don't expect gaps like there were last year here.
Christian Horner will be hoping for more Red Bull success at the Japanese Grand Prix this weekend
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"We couldn't do anything in the second free practice session, but there are still a few things we have to look at and try out.
"But in general, I am quite satisfied with the first session."
