Max Verstappen has been pictured for the first time since allegations were made against Red Bull chief Christian Horner.
Horner denies allegations of inappropriate behaviour, which are believed to be related to his work.
Red Bull will today launch their new RB20 car for the first time as they look for another successful season, despite what's going on in the background.
An investigation into Horner is taking place, though the 50-year-old is expected to be in attendance for today's event.
Suited 🆙 for Season Launch 🤵😍 pic.twitter.com/1VS7JI5Doo
— Oracle Red Bull Racing (@redbullracing) February 15, 2024
And Red Bull have now taken to social media to show off new pictures of Verstappen.
It is the first time the 26-year-old has been snapped since the claims against Horner were made.
Verstappen looked stony-faced and business-like as he walked alongside Sergio Perez, with both men holding their helmets.
In another snap, however, the 26-year-old seemed to be amused by what Perez was saying.
Red Bull captioned the post: "Suited up for Season Launch."
And fans on social media reacted, with one user on X saying: "Let's go Max and Checo."
A second stated: "New suits with the birthday badge!"
A third weighed in by saying: "Love the content admin."
A fourth couldn't contain their glee, with the user saying: "Ooooo I'm excited!"
And a fifth fan said: "Suited and booted for another championship!"
Verstappen has been outstanding over the past three years, ever since beating Lewis Hamilton to glory back in 2021.
He has added two more crowns to his collection since then, meaning he's got three to his name overall.
Verstappen is the strong favourite to win again this year, especially after finishing top of the podium in 19 of the 22 races in 2023.
Meanwhile, Red Bull advisor Helmut Marko has opened up on the allegations against Horner.
And the 80-year-old was coy when quizzed, making it clear he was unwilling to discuss the subject any further.
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Max Verstappen has been pictured for the first time since allegations were made against Red Bull chief Christian Horner
GETTY
“I cannot tell you that and I cannot say anything else about it,” Marko said.
“As long as the investigation is ongoing or there is no result, you will not hear from me. It is an ongoing process.
“I hope that we can quickly get the unrest under control.”
Former F1 supremo Bernie Ecclestone has urged Horner to 'keep his head down' as the probe into the 50-year-old continues.
He told AFP: “My advice to Christian, apart from keeping his head down, is to do nothing, wait and see what happens.
Christian Horner is fighting to clear his name with the Red Bull chief continuing to work as normal
GETTY
"I hope Christian keeps his head down and that someone talks individually to him and the woman and it is sorted out.”
He has also denied claims he's urged Horner to retire, adding: "To clarify reports by newspapers that I had urged or suggested that Christian Horner should step down from his position in Red Bull is entirely UNTRUE.”
