With Ford criticizing their potential engine partner for a “lack of transparency,” Red Bull is facing mounting pressure to conclude their probe into F1 head Christian Horner.
The 50-year-old Red Bull team principal Horner vehemently disputes claims made by a female coworker of engaging in “inappropriate behaviour,” which were made public on February 5. Red Bull GmbH, the parent company of Red Bull Racing, is looking into him.
In the three weeks since, Horner has made public appearances at Red Bull’s car launch and pre-season testing, repeating the same criticisms, but no official updates on the investigation have been made public. We anticipate a result within the next few days.
Additionally, Red Bull’s lack of response to a request for additional information on February 14 and the nature of the probe have angered Ford Motor Co., which will collaborate with Red Bull in 2026 to develop Red Bull-Ford Powertrains.
The American automaker Ford is “increasingly frustrated by the lack of resolution or clear indication from you about when you anticipate a fair and just resolution of this matter,” according to a recent letter obtained by AP. This is according to Ford CEO Jim Farley.
“As we have previously indicated, Ford’s values are non-negotiable without a satisfactory response,” he continues.
It is essential that our racing partners uphold these same principles and show a sincere dedication to them. I’m available at any time to talk about this with my team. We are still adamant about finding a solution that unites us all.
We too find it frustrating that there hasn’t been complete transparency about this issue with us, your corporate partners, and we eagerly await a thorough report of all the results.
In his final letter, Farley demands that Red Bull give the probe “prompt and serious attention.”
Mercedes CEO Toto Wolff maintains that the investigation is a “concern for all” in Formula One, and last week, F1 asked for a swift conclusion to the investigation.
During Thursday’s preseason testing in Bahrain, Horner emphasized that he wanted the investigation’s results “as soon as possible,” with the 2024 Formula 1 season’s opening race taking place on Saturday.
“As you are well aware, there is a process going on of which I am part, and as I am part of that process, I am afraid I cannot comment on it,” Horner said in response to a question on why he has not resigned from his position as Red Bull Racing’s chief executive and team principal while the inquiry is ongoing.
The team’s parent business, Red Bull GmbH, will supposedly receive the report from the investigating attorney in the coming days.
The 50-year-old Red Bull F1 CEO has been in charge since the team’s founding in 2005. She is married to Spice Girl Geri Horner and is the longest-serving team principal on the F1 grid.
Horner looked collected and unfazed by the accusations, repeatedly stating that it was “business as normal” at the world-championship winning team, even though he was unable to comment on the specifics of the inquiry during Red Bull’s launch event last week.
On February 15, Horner told the British press, “The support from within the business, partners within the industry, has been overwhelming.”
After receiving an OBE in 2013 for his services to motorsport, Horner, who signed a contract extension with Red Bull in 2021, was named a CBE in the New Year’s Honours list.
With three driver championships for Max Verstappen and four for Sebastian Vettel, he has led Red Bull to six constructors championship titles and seven driving championship victories.
In 2023, Red Bull enjoyed their greatest year to date in Formula 1, winning 21 of 22 races as Verstappen easily won his third consecutive title.
Though Verstappen and the team will be favourites to win the title once more in 2024 after the RB20 shone in testing last week, the probe has placed a shadow over their plans.
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