In a letter to the Red Bull Racing team, Ford Motor Co.'s CEO has reportedly asked for a resolution to the investigation into Christian Horner.
It emerged earlier this month that Horner, F1's longest-serving team boss, is facing allegations of inappropriate behavior by Red Bull employees, but Horner has consistently refuted the allegations. I've been denying it.
After meeting with investigators on February 9, Horner was visibly present at both Red Bull's 2024 RB20 launch on February 15 and pre-season testing in Bahrain earlier this week. He showed his presence.
Ford demands resolution to Christian Horner investigation – report
Ford announced last year that it would become Red Bull's technical partner for the new 2026 F1 regulations, and CEO Jim Farley has written to the team asking the team to end the legend, according to the Associated Press, which has seen the document. It has been submitted.
The Associated Press reports that the letter from Farley, dated Friday, February 23, expresses his displeasure over “unresolved allegations of inappropriate conduct by Red Bull Racing leadership.”
“As we have previously indicated, without a satisfactory response, Ford's values are non-negotiable,” Farley wrote in the letter. “It is essential that our racing partners share the same values and demonstrate a real commitment.
“My team and I are always available to discuss this matter. We continue to advocate for and look forward to a solution that we can all support.”
According to the Associated Press, Farley said that Ford trusts the investigation to be fair, but that the manufacturer “is not aware, however, that we would like to hear from you regarding when we expect a fair and just resolution to this matter.” “I am increasingly frustrated by the lack of solutions and clear instructions,” he added.
“We are equally frustrated by the lack of full transparency between us and your partners on this matter and would like to receive a full explanation of all findings. looking forward to it.”
He concluded his letter by calling for “a swift and serious response” to the issue, according to the Associated Press.
Farley also reportedly noted in the letter that 11 days have passed since Ford first requested more information about the investigation.
Farley's intervention comes just over a week after Ford's head of motorsport Mark Rushbrook said the US auto giant expects “very high standards of conduct and integrity” from its partners. I was disappointed.
“As a family company and a company committed to the very highest standards of conduct and integrity, we expect the same from our partners,” he told The Associated Press.
“In our eyes, and from what we hear, Red Bull is taking this situation very seriously.
“And of course they are concerned about their brand as well.
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“That's why they're conducting an independent investigation and until what truth emerges from that, it's too early for us to comment on everything.”
Speaking to PlanetF1.com's Thomas Maher and other media at the RB20 launch, Horner described the investigation as a “distraction”, but insisted the team was operating as normal ahead of the new season.
He said: “There have been some inevitable distractions, but the team has been very cohesive.
“Everyone is focused on the season ahead. It's very much business as usual. The support has been great.
“Obviously my focus is very much on the season ahead. It has been business as usual.
“There is an investigation that I am fully cooperating with and that is going on quite a bit behind the scenes as we prepare for the upcoming season.”
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