Lewis Hamilton makes stance clear on Christian Horner investigation as Red Bull chief waits to learn fate

Red Bull are set to imminently announce the findings of their investigation, with confirmation of a final decision on Horner's future due later today.

And Hamilton, speaking prior to the first race of the season, has expressed a belief the allegations must be taken 'seriously', while also calling for a quick resolution.

“I think it’s a difficult one to answer and actually I think we always have to do more to try to make the sport and the environment that people get to work in feel safe and inclusive," he said, per PlanetF1.com.

“Any allegation has to be taken very seriously.

“Obviously we don’t know everything that’s going on but it does need to be resolved as it’s hanging over the sport.

“And it will be really interesting to see how it will [change things] moving forwards in terms of the effect that it may or may not have on the sport moving forward.

“I think it’s a really important moment for the sport to make sure that we stand true to our values.”

Max Verstappen has enjoyed plenty of success under Horner, with the Dutch driver winning the last three F1 titles.

Reports have suggested the 26-year-old's position is 'neutral', despite claims his father's relationship with Horner is 'badly damaged'.

And Verstappen, speaking today, has claimed he's focused on himself as the start of the new F1 season nears.

"It doesn't [affect me]," he said.

"I'm very focused on just the performance of the car myself and hopefully it will just be resolved very soon."

Another F1 driver, Daniel Ricciardo, was also asked about Horner.

And the 34-year-old has revealed he's hoping for a 'fair outcome' to the probe into Horner while admitting he 'feels' for his old Red Bull boss.

“Coming into the test, obviously we were aware of everything going on," he said.

“But would I say was it an on-track distraction? No, it wasn’t.

"Knowing we have so little time as well, it was really 'I need to focus on me, my team, my driving' and trying to start this week as strongly as possible.

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“Do I feel for him through all of this? Yes, I've known Christian for a long time.

“He's always been great with me. So I do hope that there is a fair outcome and resolution soon, hopefully before this weekend, so it's not really a distraction for him or obviously anyone in the team.

“But honestly, for us, we've had to really just focus on ourselves and trying to get on with the task.”

Horner is convinced he'll be able to clear his name.

He has reportedly been allaying the fears of wife Geri Halliwell, with the former Spice Girls star supposedly 'going to ground' amid the process.

Horner, last week, said he was 'dreadfully sorry' that he couldn't answer many questions about the allegations.

He said: “As you are well aware there is a process going on which I form part of, and as I form part of that process, I am afraid I cannot comment on it.”

He then added: “I am dreadfully sorry but I really can’t comment on the process or the timescale.

“Everybody would like a conclusion as soon as possible.

"But I am really not at liberty to comment about the process.”