At DAYTONA BEACH, Fla., Ford Motor Co., which is set to partner with Red Bull as an engine supplier in 2026, is closely watching the developments of an ongoing investigation into Red Bull’s team principal Christian Horner’s alleged inappropriate behavior. Mark Rushbrook, the global head of Ford Performance Motorsport, highlighted that while Ford awaits the investigation’s outcome, the company upholds very high moral standards for itself and its partners.
Rushbrook commented on the matter during an event at Daytona International Speedway. This comes as Ford’s first public acknowledgment regarding the accusations against Horner, who has maintained his innocence throughout the investigation by Red Bull’s parent company.
Red Bull initiated an independent investigation two weeks ago responding to allegations that initially appeared to focus on Horner’s management style but now encompass potential sexual misconduct, according to media reports and rumors within the F1 community.
Horner, when addressing concerns at the unveiling of Red Bull’s new car for the upcoming Formula 1 season, mentioned that it was “business as normal” and firmly denied the accusations, affirming his cooperation with the investigation.
The nature of the alleged actions by Horner has not been disclosed. Revelations in the past two weeks indicate that sexual misconduct could be part of the allegations. There has been speculation and buzz, particularly from Dutch media sources, suggesting the involvement of Max Verstappen and his father, Jos Verstappen, in leaking the information.
Max Verstappen has stated his relationship with Horner remains strong as they prepare for the new season. Horner, the 50-year-old leader of Red Bull’s F1 team since 2005, is married to Geri Halliwell, famously known as Ginger Spice from The Spice Girls. Under his guidance, Red Bull has achieved considerable success in F1.
Find more on auto racing at https://apnews.com/hub/auto-racing.
FAQs About Ford’s Stance on Red Bull’s Christian Horner Investigation
Q: What is the relationship between Ford and Red Bull?
A: Ford Motor Co. is set to become the engine supplier for Red Bull’s Formula 1 team starting in 2026.
Q: What has Christian Horner been accused of?
A: Allegations of inappropriate behavior have been made against Christian Horner, with recent reports suggesting involvement in sexual misconduct. However, the specific nature of the accusations has not been made clear.
Q: What has been Ford’s reaction to the allegations against Horner?
A: Ford, through Mark Rushbrook, expressed that the company expects high moral behavior from its partners and is awaiting the results of the independent investigation being conducted by Red Bull.
Q: Has Christian Horner responded to these allegations?
A: Yes, Christian Horner has denied the allegations and affirmed that he is cooperating with the investigative process.
Conclusion
Ford Motor Co., future engine partner to Red Bull’s Formula 1 team, is monitoring the situation involving allegations against Red Bull’s team principal Christian Horner. Maintaining integrity and high moral standards is of paramount importance to Ford as they await the results of the independent inquiry into Horner’s conduct.