Ford have stated that they are to keep a close eye on Christian Horner’s investigation after claims of inappropriate behaviour and stress the company’s high moral values.
Red Bull’s future engine supplier, Ford Motor Co. has said that it will await the results of the investigation into Christian Horner’s alleged inappropriate behaviour with a top executive quick to state the company holds itself and its partners to high moral standards.
The American car manufacturers are set to become the 2023 champion’s engine supplier from 2026. The first Red Bull partner to comment on the controversy, Horner has labelled the investigation a ‘distraction’ and has remained stubborn that he will lead the team in 2024.
On February 17, Mark Rushbrook, global head of Ford Performance Motorsport, said: “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.
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“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.”
Rushbrook commented while he attended an event at Daytona and seemed to imply that it is not too late for Ford to take action should the decision find Horner guilty of such actions.
Despite the fanfare, Horner has insisted at Red Bull ‘business was normal’ at the RB20 launch and didn’t want the investigation to distract from the main event.
Horner said: Obviously, there’s a process that’s ongoing at the moment. Some allegations have been made which I fully deny and I comply, obviously, with that process and will continue to do so.
“I think it’s been very clear and the position of Red Bull has been that it’s business as normal. Obviously, there’s a job to do and I deny fully the accusations that have been made.”
The allegations against Horner have not been made clear to the public but was launched by Red Bull Energy and originally looked to question Horner’s “aggressive management style.”
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Suggestions have been made that allegations were launched by Max Verstappen’s father, Jos Verstappen, after disagreements between the two.
Three-time world champion, Max Verstappen has remained in solidarity with Horner despite claims that he has been put in a difficult position by the fallout.
Verstappen said: “We’ve seen each other quite a few times. We’ve achieved a lot of things together so that doesn’t change suddenly.
“My contact with Christian has been the same as on the first day. It’s been like normal.”
Horner has led Red Bull to six constructors titles and seven drivers world championships since he joined the team in 2005.
Married to Ginger Spice, also known as Gerri Halliwell, the pair have to children and live on a farm in Oxfordshire.
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