Ford expects ‘high standards of behaviour’ from its partners amid Horner allegations

Ford has refused to comment on the ongoing investigation into Red Bull Team Principal Christian Horner but outlines it expects “high standards of behaviour” from all its partners.

Horner is currently the subject of an investigation from Red Bull’s parent company following accusations of alleged inappropriate behaviour against a colleague.

The Red Bull boss attended an internal hearing with an external barrister last Friday in central London and has continued to deny the allegations made against his name.

Ford will end its Formula 1 hiatus dating back to 2004 with a “long-term strategic technical partnership” with Red Bull collaborating on the 2026 engine rules set.

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Global Head of Ford Performance Motorsport Mark Rushbook has affirmed that Red Bull is handling the matter with the utmost seriousness, but the American automotive brand has refused to expand until further developments materialise.

“As a family company, and a company that holds itself to very high standards of behaviour and integrity, we do expect the same from our partners,” Rushbrook said via The Independent. “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.”

The extent of the allegations has remained concealed, although it has been speculated that it is related to alleged “inappropriate, controlling behaviour” from Horner’s side.

Horner, who has been at the helm of Red Bull since its inception in 2005, has continued to conduct his day-to-day responsibilities in charge of the Austrian outfit’s F1 operation.

Speaking at the launch of Red Bull’s 2024 F1 car, the RB20, the 50-year-old declared that the entire team was “united” amid the ongoing investigation in the background.

“Inevitably there has been a distraction but the team are very together,” Horner told selected media including Motorsport Week. “Everybody is focused on the season ahead, so it’s been very much business as normal. The support has been fantastic.

“Obviously my focus is very much on the season ahead as it has been business as normal. There is an investigation that I’m obviously complying with and working with fully, but that is very much going on in the background whilst preparing for the season ahead.”

The origins of reports in the Dutch media have prompted unsubstantiated claims that Max Verstappen and his father Jos have been responsible for leaks due to a rift.

However, the three-time World Champion rubbished reports that he is at odds with Horner, confirming that his relationship with his Red Bull boss had not become fractured.

 “It’s the same as always the same as always,” he said. “I can tell you that. I mean, I don’t know who likes to write these kinds of things. But me and Christian is like always.”