Ford is set to become Red Bull’s engine supplier in 2026 and is the first of Red Bull’s current partners to address the controversy surrounding Horner. The team leader has remained steadfast in his denial of misconduct allegations brought to the attention of parent company Red Bull, which recently announced an independent investigation into the matter.
Mark Rushbrook, the global head of Ford Performance Motorsport, stated on Friday at Daytona International Speedway that Ford is awaiting the outcome of the investigation involving Horner. Rushbrook emphasized that as a family company with high standards of behavior and integrity, Ford expects the same from its partners. He acknowledged that Red Bull appears to be taking the situation seriously and expressed their concern for their brand. Until the truth is revealed through the independent investigation, Ford refrains from making any comments.
Horner, just a day prior, asserted that it was business as usual during the unveiling of the team’s car for the upcoming Formula 1 season. He acknowledged the ongoing process and vehemently denied the allegations made against him. Horner stated that he fully complies with the process and will continue to do so. Red Bull has maintained that it is business as usual and that there is work to be done. Horner remains committed to his role and denies all accusations made against him.
The specific actions that Horner has been accused of by an employee of Red Bull have not been clearly stated. The investigation was initiated by Red Bull Energy, the parent company based in Austria, and initially appeared to revolve around Horner’s “forceful management approach.”
However, over the past two weeks, the Formula 1 industry has been filled with rumors, conjecture, and, as of Friday, news reports suggesting that the allegations against Horner involve claims of sexual misconduct. Many of these unverified assertions have been directed towards Dutch media outlets, leading to widespread speculation that both Max Verstappen, the three-time reigning F1 World Champion, and his father, Jos, may be responsible for the leaks.
During the launch event on Thursday, Max Verstappen, who competes under the Dutch flag, stated that his relationship with Horner remains “very good” as they prepare for the upcoming season. He emphasized that they have spent considerable time together and have achieved numerous accomplishments as a team, which has not changed. Verstappen reassured, “My interaction with Christian has remained unchanged since day one. It’s been normal.”
Horner, who is 50 years old, has served as Red Bull’s team principal since the team became a full constructor in 2005. Under his leadership, the team has secured six constructors’ championships and seven drivers’ championships. Verstappen has claimed the drivers’ title in each of the last three seasons, while the team triumphed in all but one of the 22 races last year.
Since 2015, Horner has been married to Geri Halliwell, famously known as Ginger Spice from the female pop group The Spice Girls. (Reported by Jenna Fryer)
According to the Source grandprix247.com