Red Bull under pressure to make 'prompt' Christian Horner announcement as Ford 'increasingly frustrated'

Red Bull under pressure to make 'prompt' Christian Horner announcement as Ford 'increasingly frustrated'

WATCH NOW: Geri Halliwell 'devastated' over Christian Horner's allegations as Red Bull open investigation

Lewis Winter

By Lewis Winter


Published: 26/02/2024

- 11:22

The reigning Formula One world champions have been urged to resolve the matter

Red Bull have been put under increasing pressure to reach a resolution over the investigation into allegations against Christian Horner.

Horner was accused earlier this month by a female colleague of inappropriate behaviour, claims that he completely denies.


The 50-year-old has continued as normal in his role as team principal as Red Bull prepare for the new season to start in Bahrain this week.

Horner has spoken publicly twice since the allegations surfaced, once at Red Bull's car launch and again at testing last week.

Christian Horner

Red Bull have been urged to reach a quick resolution on the Christian Horner matter

Getty

There is hope that an answer to the investigation will be announced early this week ahead of the first race of the new campaign.

Ford are set to enter a partnership with Red Bull from 2026, supplying their engines on a deal until at least 2030.

And the CEO of the car giant, Jim Farley, has now demanded clarity on Horner's situation.

In a letter obtained by Associated Press, Farley wrote to Red Bull: "As we have indicated previously, without satisfactory response, Ford’s values are non-negotiable.

"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."

Max Verstappen is the overwhelming favourite to win a fourth successive F1 World Championship, with Red Bull on course for another constructor’s title.

But a cloud has hung over the Milton Keynes-based team since the allegations first surfaced.

Farley added that Ford are "increasingly frustrated, however, 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."

Farley concluded his letter by calling for Red Bull to give 'prompt and serious attention' to the matter.

It isn't the first time Ford have publicly spoken on the investigation.

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Christian Horner

Christian Horner is under investigation for allegations of inappropriate behaviour

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Mark Rushbrook, global head of Ford Performance Motorsport, said on February 16: "As a family company, and a company that holds itself to very high standards of behaviour and integrity, we do expect the same from our partners.

"It appears to us, and what we’ve been told, was that Red Bull is taking the situation very seriously. And of course, they’re worried about their brand, as well.

"And that’s why they’ve got an independent investigation and until we see what truth comes out of that, it’s too early for us to comment on it all."

Christian Horner

Christian Horner is continuing as usual as the Red Bull team principal

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Formula One also released their own statement, calling for the saga to be resolved as soon as possible.

It read: "We hope that the matter will be clarified at the earliest opportunity after a fair and thorough process.

"We have noted Red Bull has instigated an independent investigation into internal allegations at Red Bull Racing. We will not comment further at this time."

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