Red Bull Formula One team boss Christian Horner has publicly spoken for the first time since inappropriate behaviour allegations against him prompted an investigation to be launched by the F1 team.
Horner, 50, said it was business as usual as the inquiry into the undisclosed allegations about his conduct hung over the Formula One champions' 2024 car launch on Thursday.
The team principal was as much in the spotlight as the shiny RB20 machine as he broke his silence for the first time since the emergence of the accusations that threatened his future.
Taking centre stage at the Red Bull factory for a presentation celebrating the team's 20 years in Formula One, with seven drivers' titles and six constructors' championships, Horner suggested the future looked bright.
"I deny the allegations, for me it's business as normal, I'm confident in that. If I wasn't, I wouldn't be here.
I don't want to talk about the process. My focus and commitment is to the people and to the team and making sure that we're in the best shape possible for the season ahead," added the sport's longest-serving principal.
"You can see that we've got a car that looks a great evolution from last year and we're going to have some very competitive rivals that are looking to beat us. My focus is very much on Bahrain next week."
Testing starts on February 21 before the March 2 season-opener in Bahrain. Red Bull won all but one of the races last season with Dutch driver Max Verstappen taking his third title in a row.
Media reports have indicated the complaint related to inappropriate behaviour of a controlling nature towards a female member of staff.
The independent investigation was launched by Red Bull Austria, but it has not disclosed where the complaint came from or what it was about.
Horner attended a hearing relating to the allegations that last week.
The F1 boss, who attended a shakedown of the new car behind closed doors at Silverstone on Tuesday, said he was "absolutely committed" to the team long term.
"I am confident in the process and working with the process deny absolutely any allegation that's been made against me."
He said he had continued going to work as usual and felt 'overwhelming' support.
"Moments of uncertainty, it brings a team together and I've never seen a team more together or more supportive than it is," said the Briton.
"Everybody's focused on one thing, which is the performance of that car to go out and defend both the world titles that we've worked so hard to achieve over the last couple of years. The car is what everyone is invested in."
Verstappen, speaking separately to reporters, said the team spirit was better than ever and his relationship with Horner unchanged.
"We've achieved a lot of things together so that doesn't change suddenly."
