Ford

FORD CEO Jim Farley has demanded a resolution to the investigation into Red Bull Racing chief Christian Horner.A probe into claims of controlling behaviour and sexting allegations made by a female staffer against the F1 boss has been going on for three weeks.
The probe into Christian Horner was launched three weeks agoCredit: AP
The Red Bull chief has been hit by “inappropriate behaviour and sexting claims”Credit: EPA
Ford CEO Jim Farley has urged Red Bull to resolve the matterCredit: Reuters
In a letter dated Friday, Ford Motor Co. CEO Farley expressed his disapproval of “the unresolved allegations of inappropriate behaviour by Red Bull Racing leadership”.
He noted it had been 11 days since Ford, which is set to become Red Bull’s engine supplier in 2026 first requested further information into the investigation Red Bull’s parent company.
Writing in the letter seen by AP, Farley said: “As we have indicated previously, without satisfactory response, Ford’s values are non-negotiable.
“It is imperative that our racing partners share and demonstrate a genuine commitment to those same values.
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“My team and I are available at any time to discuss this matter. We remain insistent on, and hopeful, for a resolution we can all stand behind.”
So far, Ford is the only one of Red Bull’s corporate partners to speak publicly on the investigation into Horner.
The embattled racing chief has vehemently denied all claims threatening his position as leader of the all-conquering team of world champion Max Verstappen.
Horner was initially only under investigation over alleged controlling behaviour at work towards a female worker.
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But fresh claims then emerged alleging Horner also sent her “sexually suggestive” texts.
On Friday, The Sun reported how Horner’s fate was due to be decided within ten days.
It is understood the outcome of the investigation could be revealed as soon as tomorrow, however, the day before the first press conferences for the 2024 Bahrain Grand Prix, reports Marca.
Red Bull chief Christian Horner arrives for press conference ahead of testing for Bahrain Grand Prix
It could see him left without a job ahead of the F1 season opener.
Red Bull arrived in Bahrain last Tuesday evening for pre-season testing, with Horner still in his £8-million-a-year role.
So far, it has been ‘”business as usual” in the pit lane – the team principal’s go-to phrase since news of the scandal broke.
The probe threatens to overshadow the start of the new F1 season – but a final decision is expected before the opening Grand Prix race kicks off on March 2.
Last week, Horner addressed the new bombshell sexting probe and declared he wanted a conclusion as “soon as possible”.
Horner’s wife Geri Halliwell, 51, is understood to be standing firmly by her husband, who she married in 2015.
She was allegedly reduced to tears when news of the scandal broke – but privately insisted he did nothing wrong.
The bombshell claims that have rocked F1F1 was rocked earlier this month by the sudden news that the sport’s longest-standing team principal had been placed under investigation by Red Bull’s Austria-based parent company.
This was thought to be over a “dossier of incriminating material” regarding “inappropriate and controlling behaviour” towards one female, The Telegraph reported.
Red Bull’s Austrian parent company flew an independent lawyer to the UK to question the multi-millionaire race ace and his accuser.
The former racing driver, who runs world champion Max Verstappen’s all-conquering Red Bull team, endured an eight-hour grilling over the claims last week.
Most recently however, more allegations have come out as the De Telegraaf reported that Horner allegedly sent sex messages to his employee “over an extended period of time”.
Messages were said to have been saved and presented as evidence to the external ­barrister running the inquiry after the woman made a complaint last December.
Mr Horner categorically denied the new allegations and is thought to be taking legal action against De Telegraaf.
An F1 source told The Sun last week that “Christian has not been sacked or asked to resign and he is not going to resign”.
The investigation raises the question of who could take over the helm of the all-conquering racing team of world champion Max Verstappen.
His wife Geri Halliwell is also said to be “terrified her life will unravel” amid Horner’s “inappropriate behaviour” probe.
The ex-Spice Girl, who was “in floods of tears” when the Red Bull boss was hit with the bombshell allegations, fears the drama will drag on for years, a source has claimed. 
But Geri, 51, is understood to be standing by her husband.
She has told pals: “Christian has done nothing wrong.”
Horner has overseen a huge period of success for the racing team – winning multiple F1 championships with Sebastian Vettel and Verstappen.
Red Bull has won seven Formula One world drivers’ championships and six world ­constructors’ titles under Horner’s leadership.
Last season, the team won 21 of the 22 races on the global F1 tour, and Verstappen, 26, won the drivers’ crown.
Horner was awarded a CBE for services to motorsport in the 2024 New Year’s Honours List

Last weekend, she was pictured smiling alongside her husband at a horse racing event in Badbury Rings, Dorset.
But fresh reports say the Spice Girls star is “mortified and angry” over the probe.
A source told the Daily Mail: “She has gone to ground in the way she did after she left the Spice Girls.
“She’s not speaking to anyone.”
Red Bull has won seven Formula One world drivers’ championships and six world ­constructors’ titles under Horner’s leadership.
READ MORE SUN STORIES
Last season, the team won 21 of the 22 races on the global F1 tour, and Verstappen, 26, won the drivers’ crown.
Horner was awarded a CBE for services to motorsport in the 2024 New Year’s Honours List.
Geri is said to be standing by her husband since the scandal brokeCredit: gerihalliwellhorner/Instagram
Horner said last week he wants a conclusion as soon as possibleCredit: Getty
Christian Horner’s life and careerCHRISTIAN Horner is among the most well-known names in Formula One having helped build Red Bull into one of the biggest teams in the sport.
1973 – Born in Leamington Spa, Warwickshire
1991 – Wins a Formula Renault scholarship after impressing in karting races
1993-1997 – Competed in a host of competitions including British Formula Three, British Formula Two, and Formula 3000
1997 – Founded and developed the F3000 team Arden
1999 – Retired from driving and continued developing the Arden team
2005 – Appointed head of Red Bull team, becoming the youngest ever team principal at that time
2009 – Wins his first races as team principal with Sebastian Vettel and Mark Webber
2010 – Wins the Constructors’ Championship and Drivers’ Championship with Vettel – the first of four doubles in a row
2013 – Has a daughter with ex-wife Beverly Allen shortly before the couple split
2014 – Gets engaged to Spice Girls member Geri Halliwell
2015 – Marries Halliwell in Woburn, Bedfordshire
2017 – Horner and Halliwell welcome their son
2021 – Wins another Drivers’ Championship with Max Verstappen, pipping Lewis Hamilton on the final lap of the season
2022-23 – Red Bull win the Drivers’ Championship and Constructors’ Championship two years in a row More

THE final decision on Christian Horner’s Red Bull probe could be set to come out as early as next week.Ford have put pressure on their future partners at Red Bull Racing to investigate the outcome “seriously but quickly”, meaning Horner could find out his fate much sooner than originally expected, say reports.
The final decision on Christian Horner’s Red Bull probe could be set to come out as early as next weekCredit: Getty
Red Bull have reportedly been feeling the pressure by future partners Ford to make a decision soonCredit: Getty
The Red Bull Racing Team Principal has been under investigation for allegations made against him by a female employee over his conduct – all of which he deniesCredit: AFP
Ford will be partners with Red Bull Racing from 2026 as the team’s engine supplier but sources say they could walk away from the deal in wake of the allegations and if things aren’t dealt with soon.
The Financial Times reported this week that a private letter from the US carmaker to the owner of the F1 team allegedly urged Red Bull to be fully open in its findings, according to two people around Ford.
They claim Ford didn’t apply any pressure for a certain outcome to be reached but did stress that it expects the investigation to be done seriously but quickly.
But it is now believed that the decision around Horner’s future will be settled soon with The Times reporting that Red Bull have a desire to speed up the process and end the disruption around the team.
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Meaning the outcome could be revealed as early as “this week”.
The media have focused on the allegations since they came out with Horner being quizzed by journalists at the recent Red Bull launch event over his alleged conduct.
The media frenzy around Horner has been seen as a distraction at Red Bull as they look to retain their constructors title for 2024/25 and help World Champion Max Verstappen break even more records.
Horner – who is married to Spice Girl Geri Halliwell – has said to be hoping the investigation is resolved within the next week — when the team will fly to Bahrain for pre-season testing.
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He is said to be happy to cooperate with the investigation for as long as necessary, including answering more questions from an independent lawyer which could include another long grilling.
Mark Rushbrook, head of Ford Motorsport released a statement on Friday to the Associated Press saying: “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.
Red Bull Racing boss Christian Horner investigated by F1 team over ‘serious allegations’ of ‘inappropriate behaviour’
“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.”
Red Bull opened up a serious investigation into the shock allegations by a female employee but fresh claims allege Horner also sent her “sexually suggestive” texts.
Horner — who has denied all of the allegations so far — was originally only under investigation over alleged controlling behaviour at work.
Dutch newspaper De Telegraaf, claimed to have seen ­messages at the heart of the probe and have alleged they were “sexually orientated”.
So far, neither Horner or the woman have been suspended and have continued to work among 1,500 staff at Red Bull Racing’s British HQ in Milton Keynes, Bucks.
Horner publicly addressed the allegations against him for the first time at the launch of the RB20 this week.
He said: “Inevitably there has been a distraction, but the team are very together.
“Everybody’s focused on the season ahead, so it’s been very much business as ­normal and the support has been fantastic.
“In situations like these, you see where the strengths are, and it’s been overwhelming the support that I’ve had from within the team.
“There have been some allegations made, which I fully deny, so that the investigation is very much going on in the background whilst preparing for the season ahead, and hopefully it will be concluded in the near future.”
Many felt the probe would drag on for weeks as Red Bull conducted a thorough investigation.
One source even claimed the investigation is nowhere near its end – with it potentially dragging into the new F1 season on March 2.
The insider said: “This is not a trial and we are not going to have an answer and an outcome by the end of the day.
“This is not something that is going to be rectified that quickly.
“People are expecting this to be over before the start of the F1 season, but that just isn’t going to happen.”

It comes as…

WHAT HAS BEEN CLAIMED?
F1 was rocked earlier this month by the sudden news that the sport’s longest-standing team principal had been placed under investigation by Red Bull’s Austria-based parent company.
This was thought to be over a “dossier of incriminating material” regarding “inappropriate and controlling behaviour” towards one female, The Telegraph reported.
Red Bull’s Austrian parent company flew an independent lawyer to the UK to question the multi-millionaire race ace and his accuser.
The former racing driver, who runs world champion Max Verstappen’s all-conquering Red Bull team, endured an eight-hour grilling over the claims last week.
Most recently however, more allegations have come out as the De Telegraaf reported that Horner allegedly sent sex messages to his employee “over an extended period of time”.
Messages were said to have been saved and presented as evidence to the external ­barrister running the inquiry after the woman made a complaint last December.
De Telegraaf also claimed Horner’s lawyers tried to settle the case with a  payment — and that senior Red Bull management were aware of his offer.
Mr Horner categorically denied the new allegations and is thought to be taking legal action against De Telegraaf.
An F1 source told The Sun last week that “Christian has not been sacked or asked to resign and he is not going to resign”.
The investigation raises the question of who could take over the helm of the all-conquering racing team of world champion Max Verstappen.
His wife Geri Halliwell is also said to be “terrified her life will unravel” amid Horner’s “inappropriate behaviour” probe.
The ex-Spice Girl, who was “in floods of tears” when the Red Bull boss was hit with the bombshell allegations, fears the drama will drag on for years, a source has claimed. 
But Geri, 51, is understood to be standing by her husband.
She has told pals: “Christian has done nothing wrong.”
Horner has overseen a huge period of success for the racing team – winning multiple F1 championships with Sebastian Vettel and Verstappen.
Red Bull has won seven Formula One world drivers’ championships and six world ­constructors’ titles under Horner’s leadership.
READ MORE SUN STORIES
Last season, the team won 21 of the 22 races on the global F1 tour, and Verstappen, 26, won the drivers’ crown.
Horner was awarded a CBE for services to motorsport in the 2024 New Year’s Honours List.
Christian Horner’s life and careerCHRISTIAN Horner is among the most well-known names in Formula One having helped build Red Bull into one of the biggest teams in the sport.
1973 – Born in Leamington Spa, Warwickshire
1991 – Wins a Formula Renault scholarship after impressing in karting races
1993-1997 – Competed in a host of competitions including British Formula Three, British Formula Two, and Formula 3000
1997 – Founded and developed the F3000 team Arden
1999 – Retired from driving and continued developing the Arden team
2005 – Appointed head of Red Bull team, becoming the youngest ever team principal at that time
2009 – Wins his first races as team principal with Sebastian Vettel and Mark Webber
2010 – Wins the Constructors’ Championship and Drivers’ Championship with Vettel – the first of four doubles in a row
2013 – Has a daughter with ex-wife Beverly Allen shortly before the couple split
2014 – Gets engaged to Spice Girls member Geri Halliwell
2015 – Marries Halliwell in Woburn, Bedfordshire
2017 – Horner and Halliwell welcome their son
2021 – Wins another Drivers’ Championship with Max Verstappen, pipping Lewis Hamilton on the final lap of the season
2022-23 – Red Bull win the Drivers’ Championship and Constructors’ Championship two years in a row

Horner with his wife Geri Halliwell who has vowed to stay by her husband throughout the investigationCredit: Getty
The Spice Girl is also said to be terrified that her life is set to unravel amid the blockbuster claimsCredit: Getty More

FORD has urged Red Bull Racing to be “transparent” with their probe into the blockbuster claims against F1 chief Christian Horner.Red Bull opened up a serious investigation into the shock allegations by a female employee but fresh claims say Horner also sent her “sexually suggestive” texts.
Ford has urged Red Bull Racing to be ‘transparent’ in Christian Horner probeCredit: AP
Red Bull were sent a letter by Ford asking them to be fully open in its findings, say sources close to the US carmakerCredit: PA
Horner has denied any of the claims of ‘inappropriate behaviour’ or ‘sexual texts’ to a female employee
Horner — who has denied all of the allegations so far — was originally only under investigation over alleged controlling behaviour at work.
Dutch newspaper De Telegraaf, claimed to have seen ­messages at the heart of the probe and have alleged they were “sexually orientated”.
Ford will be partners with Red Bull Racing from 2026 as the team’s engine supplier but sources say they could walk away from the deal in wake of the allegations.
The Financial Times reports that a private letter from the US carmaker to the owner of the F1 team allegedly urged Red Bull to be fully open in its findings, according to two people around Ford.
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They claim Ford didn’t apply any pressure for a certain outcome to be reached but did stress that it expects the investigation to be done seriously but quickly.
Mark Rushbrook, head of Ford Motorsport released a statement on Friday to the Associated Press saying: “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.
“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.”
Most read in Motorsport
So far, neither Horner or the woman have been suspended and have continued to work among 1,500 staff at Red Bull Racing’s British HQ in Milton Keynes, Bucks.
Horner publicly addressed the allegations against him for the first time at the launch of the RB20 this week.
Christian Horner makes FIRST public appearance since bombshell ‘inappropriate behaviour’ claims at Red Bull F1 launch
He said: “Inevitably there has been a distraction, but the team are very together.
“Everybody’s focused on the season ahead, so it’s been very much business as ­normal and the support has been fantastic.
“In situations like these, you see where the strengths are, and it’s been overwhelming the support that I’ve had from within the team.
“There have been some allegations made, which I fully deny, so that the investigation is very much going on in the background whilst preparing for the season ahead, and hopefully it will be concluded in the near future.”

It comes as…

WHAT HAS BEEN CLAIMED?
F1 was rocked earlier this month by the sudden news that the sport’s longest-standing team principal had been placed under investigation by Red Bull’s Austria-based parent company.
This was thought to be over a “dossier of incriminating material” regarding “inappropriate and controlling behaviour” towards one female, The Telegraph reported.
Red Bull’s Austrian parent company flew an independent lawyer to the UK to question the multi-millionaire race ace and his accuser.
The former racing driver, who runs world champion Max Verstappen’s all-conquering Red Bull team, endured an eight-hour grilling over the claims last week.
Most recently however, more allegations have come out as the De Telegraaf reported that Horner allegedly sent sex messages to his employee “over an extended period of time”.
Messages were said to have been saved and presented as evidence to the external ­barrister running the inquiry after the woman made a complaint last December.
De Telegraaf also claimed Horner’s lawyers tried to settle the case with a  payment — and that senior Red Bull management were aware of his offer.
Mr Horner categorically denied the new allegations and is thought to be taking legal action against De Telegraaf.
An F1 source told The Sun last week that “Christian has not been sacked or asked to resign and he is not going to resign”.
They also revealed the investigation is nowhere near its end – with it potentially dragging into the new F1 season.
The insider said: “This is not a trial and we are not going to have an answer and an outcome by the end of the day.
“This is not something that is going to be rectified that quickly.
“People are expecting this to be over before the start of the F1 season, but that just isn’t going to happen.”
The investigation raises the question of who could take over the helm of the all-conquering racing team of world champion Max Verstappen.
His wife Geri Halliwell is also said to be “terrified her life will unravel” amid Horner’s “inappropriate behaviour” probe.
The ex-Spice Girl, who was “in floods of tears” when the Red Bull boss was hit with the bombshell allegations, fears the drama will drag on for years, a source has claimed. 
But Geri, 51, is understood to be standing by her husband.
She has told pals: “Christian has done nothing wrong.”
Horner has overseen a huge period of success for the racing team – winning multiple F1 championships with Sebastian Vettel and Verstappen.
Red Bull has won seven Formula One world drivers’ championships and six world ­constructors’ titles under Horner’s leadership.
READ MORE SUN STORIES
Last season, the team won 21 of the 22 races on the global F1 tour, and Verstappen, 26, won the drivers’ crown.
Horner was awarded a CBE for services to motorsport in the 2024 New Year’s Honours List.
Christian Horner’s life and careerCHRISTIAN Horner is among the most well-known names in Formula One having helped build Red Bull into one of the biggest teams in the sport.
1973 – Born in Leamington Spa, Warwickshire
1991 – Wins a Formula Renault scholarship after impressing in karting races
1993-1997 – Competed in a host of competitions including British Formula Three, British Formula Two, and Formula 3000
1997 – Founded and developed the F3000 team Arden
1999 – Retired from driving and continued developing the Arden team
2005 – Appointed head of Red Bull team, becoming the youngest ever team principal at that time
2009 – Wins his first races as team principal with Sebastian Vettel and Mark Webber
2010 – Wins the Constructors’ Championship and Drivers’ Championship with Vettel – the first of four doubles in a row
2013 – Has a daughter with ex-wife Beverly Allen shortly before the couple split
2014 – Gets engaged to Spice Girls member Geri Halliwell
2015 – Marries Halliwell in Woburn, Bedfordshire
2017 – Horner and Halliwell welcome their son
2021 – Wins another Drivers’ Championship with Max Verstappen, pipping Lewis Hamilton on the final lap of the season
2022-23 – Red Bull win the Drivers’ Championship and Constructors’ Championship two years in a row

Horner’s wife Geri Horner has vowed to stand by her husband during the investigationCredit: PA
Horner was seen for the first time publicly at the launch event for the RB20 More