SUMMARY
- Ford Motor Co. awaits results of probe into Christian Horner amid allegations, emphasizing moral standards.
- Horner faces inquiry over sexual misconduct allegations.
Red Bull engine manufacturer, Ford Motor Co., revealed that it is eagerly anticipating the outcome of the investigation into allegations against team principal Christian Horner. A staff member has accused the 50-year-old of sexual misconduct, leading to an inquiry against him. Despite the absence of an official statement regarding the case’s progress, Horner remains embroiled in controversy.
Stressing on their commitment to high moral standards, a senior executive reiterated Ford’s stance on integrity within the company and its partnerships. Ford, set to provide engines to the Bulls from 2026, stands as the initial partner of Red Bull to confront the controversy surrounding Horner. Although he denies any wrongdoing, scrutiny falls upon Horner.
Ford sounds a cautionary note to Red Bull and Christian Horner
Mark Rushbrook, the head of Ford Performance Motorsport, disclosed that they are closely monitoring the investigation concerning Horner. However, the Formula 1 community has been abuzz with rumors and speculations over the past two weeks. There have been recent news reports suggesting allegations of sexual misconduct against Horner.
🚨 | Ford has stressed that it expects the Red Bull investigation to be handled seriously and rapidly.
A private letter to the team owner last week urged Red Bull to be fully open in its handling of the allegations.#F1 pic.twitter.com/byFtFEebBn
— Fastest Pitstop (@FastestPitStop) February 20, 2024
According to Rushbrook, “As a family company and a company that holds itself to very high standards of behavior 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.”
He went on to add, “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.” The Briton has steered Red Bull Racing as team principal since its entry into Formula 1 in 2005. Under his leadership, the Austrian outfit has achieved remarkable success with six constructors’ championships and seven drivers’ championships.
Horner’s probe: A concern for F1 according to Toto Wolff
Mercedes team principal, Toto Wolff recently voiced his concerns regarding the inquiry against Christian Horner. Wolff advocates for transparency in the investigation. During a press conference at the beginning of pre-season testing in Bahrain, the billionaire team lead at Silver Arrows was the sole team principal willing to discuss the Horner allegations.
Toto Wolff says the investigation into allegations faced by Christian Horner is ‘an issue for all of Formula 1’
“If it is done in the right way with transparency and rigour, we need to look at the outcomes and what it means for F1 and how we can learn from that,” said Wolff.… pic.twitter.com/urJuoG55Ld
— Fastest Pitstop (@FastestPitStop) February 21, 2024
Wolff stated, “If it is done in the right way with transparency and rigor, we need to look at the outcomes and what it means for F1 and how we can learn from that. F1 and the teams, we stand for inclusion, equality, fairness, and diversity. And it is not only talking about it, it is living it day in and day out…It is not just a team issue. It is an issue for all of F1.”
The Austrian himself faced an investigation against him and his wife, Susie Wolff not very long ago. At the moment, Toto Wolff is struggling to fill up the empty seat at Mercedes for the 2025 season since the announcement of Lewis Hamilton’s move to Ferrari.