Toto Wolff has called on the investigation into allegations of inappropriate behaviour against Christian Horner to be dealt with 'transparency and rigour'.
Horner denies all the accusations against him from an unnamed female colleague and is continuing his full duties as Red Bull team principal.
Red Bull immediately began an independent investigation after the allegations surfaced earlier this month against the 50-year-old.
Horner had a meeting with an external lawyer at a secret location on February 9 and Red Bull hoped for a quick resolution to the matter.
Toto Wolff has discussed the investigation into Red Bull chief Christian Horner
Getty
But it emerged that the investigation would drag on longer than expected and Horner made his first public appearance since at the team's car launch last Thursday.
He again denied the allegations and reiterated his commitment to the team ahead of the 2024 season.
All teams are now in Bahrain for testing ahead of the first race, which takes place a week on Saturday.
Wolff was asked his thoughts on the investigation when speaking to the media on Wednesday.
The Mercedes chief outlined the need for 'equality' and 'fairness' in the sport.
He hopes the investigation is 'done in the right way' in order for the correct outcome to be achieved.
Wolff said: "Formula One and what the teams do… we stand for inclusion, equality, fairness, diversity and that’s not only about talking about it but living it day in, day out and I think this is the standards that we are setting ourselves.
"We are a global sport - one of the most important sports platforms in the world - and we are role models.
"But having said that, there is a lot of speculation that’s been happening over the last weeks.
"Speculation that we have heard of, and lots of things that are going on, and what I think is important at that stage for a process with rigour.
"I think what Red Bull has started as an independent investigation if this is done in the right way with transparency and with rigour, I think that’s something that we need to look at - what the outcomes are and what it means for Formula One and how we can learn from that.
"Because we want to talk about racing cars and we want to talk about the sport rather than these kind of very, very critical topics that are more just a teams’ issue.
LATEST SPORTS NEWS:
Christian Horner is in Bahrain for F1 testing ahead of the new season
Getty
"It’s a phenomenon, or it’s an issue for all of Formula One and in general for every individual that works out there."
Horner appeared to be in good spirits in Bahrain and was seen smiling with three-time back-to-back world champion Max Verstappen.
He has been in charge at Red Bull since 2005 and said last week that he is determined to continue.
Horner said: "Look I’m absolutely committed to this team.
Toto Wolff has called for transparency and rigour in the investigation into Christian Horner
Getty
"I’ve been here since the beginning, I built this team, there’s been highs and lows along the way as you’ve seen in some of the videos that you’ve seen earlier.
"We’ve won 113 races, we’ve won seven drivers’ world championships, we’ve won six constructors’ world championships in 19 seasons, and that’s in the history books now but it’s what lies ahead that’s always important."
