Ford issues warning to Red Bull: 'We have high standards of behaviour'

On Friday, Ford released a statement regarding the independent investigation ongoing into Christian Horner. In a statement, the company noted that they have high values and expect them from their partners as well.

Although there did not seem to be a hitch at Red Bull Racing during the presentation of the RB20 on Thursday, the reality is slightly different. An internal independent investigation into Christian Horner, the team's team boss, has been ongoing for several weeks. After an eight-hour conversation with a lawyer, no conclusions have yet been drawn. De Telegraaf has reported that allegations have come from a female colleague at Red Bull Racing and that Horner has sent sexually oriented messages.

Statement from Ford

Ford will be the racing team's engine supplier from 2026. An investigation like Horner's obviously doesn't go easy on sponsors and future collaborations, either. The company shared the following statement on the situation with GPblog.com:

"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.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. - Mark Rushbrook, head of Ford Motorsport," Mark Rushbrook, head of Ford Motorsport

So, like the rest of the Formula 1 world, Ford are awaiting the results of the internal investigation. When clarity on the investigation will come is not yet known. However, it is understood that Horner remains active in his role so far.