As reported by The Associated Press, Ford CEO, Jim Farley, has emphasised the need for a swift resolution of the investigation into Red Bull’s team principal, Christian Horner, via a letter sent to the team.
Earlier this month it was revealed that Horner is facing allegations of inappropriate behaviour by a Red Bull employee, prompting the racing team’s parent company to launch an independent investigation.
For his part, Horner has denied any allegations of misconduct, and has continued to carry out his duties as team principal in preparation for the 2024 season, making public appearances at Red Bull’s car launch in Milton Keynes and pre-season testing in Bahrain.
Ford is set to become Red Bull’s engine partner as Formula 1 moves into a new technical regulation era in 2026. However, it appears the relationship between the American manufacturer and the Austrian racing team has become increasingly strained as a result of the ongoing investigation. Just recently, an executive figure stressed that Ford “holds itself to very high standards of behaviour and integrity [and expects] the same from [their] partners.”
Now Farley has added to the pressure on Red Bull, expressing his disappointment with “the unresolved allegations of inappropriate behaviour by Red Bull Racing leadership.”
He noted that Ford requested further information regarding the case almost two weeks ago, and was yet to receive a “satisfactory response.” As the season is due to get underway in the coming days, Farley has urged Red Bull to resolve the matter as quickly as possible.
“As we have indicated previously, without satisfactory response, Ford’s values are non-negotiable,” he wrote.
“It is imperative that our racing partners share and demonstrate a genuine commitment to those same values. My team and I are available at any time to discuss this matter. We remain insistent on, and hopeful, for a resolution we can all stand behind.”
Farley continued, stating that 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.
“We are likewise frustrated by the lack of full transparency surrounding this matter with us, your corporate partners, and look forward to receiving a complete account of all findings.”
Formula One Management (FOM) and the FIA have recently addressed the investigation as well, similarly calling for a swift resolution.
