Red Bull officials have reportedly 'abandoned their plan' and changed the venue for Christian Horner's hearing as an investigation continues following claims of alleged inappropriate behaviour.
It is also reported to be almost 'impossible' for the investigation to be concluded before Red Bull unveils their new car on February 15.
It emerged on Monday that a female staff member at Red Bull had lodged a complaint of alleged controlling and inappropriate behaviour against Horner.
The long-serving team principal denies the allegations, telling Dutch newspaper De Telegraaf: "I completely deny these claims."
The location of Christian Horner's hearing on Friday has now changed
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Red Bull immediately released a statement confirming that an investigation had already begun.
It read: "After being made aware of certain recent allegations, the company launched an independent investigation.
"This process, which is already under way, is being carried out by an external specialist barrister.
"The company takes these matters extremely seriously and the investigation will be completed as soon as practically possible. It would not be appropriate to comment further at this time."
German magazine Auto Motor und Sport claimed this week that Red Bull wanted the situation sorted 'as quickly as possible'.
The team will unveil their new car next Thursday and the hope was it would be sorted by then, with a hearing set for this Friday.
But The Times now claims the complexity of the case could mean that scenario is 'impossible'.
It is now deemed more likely that a conclusion will be reached in time for the start of the new season in Bahrain on March 2.
The same report says the location of Horner's interview with an independent lawyer on Friday has now changed to a secret venue.
It was initially expected for the hours of questioning to take place at Red Bull's headquarters in Milton Keynes.
However, Red Bull have been forced to 'abandon' that plan due to the widespread media interest.
Horner is married to Spice Girl Geri Halliwell, which has increased attention on the controversial claims.
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Christian Horner denies all the allegations against him
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The Times says Red Bull have not shared any details about Horner's interview with other employees.
Staff are said to feel awkward as both Horner and the female complainant have continued in their usual roles this week.
Horner has been in his office since Wednesday and did some filming ahead of the launch on Thursday.
Whether the 50-year-old is at the launch next week remains to be seen.
Christian Horner is married to Spice Girl Geri Halliwell
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Former driver Giedo van der Garde does not think he will, telling the DRS De Race Show podcast: "No [I don't think he will be at the launch].
"Horner is being checked out internally by Red Bull.
"Believe me, when that presentation comes next week, Horner will definitely not be there."
