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    Pressure mounts on Red Bull as Ford CEO demands ‘resolution’ in Christian Horner ‘sexting’ probe after 21 days

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    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.
    READ MORE ON HORNER
    “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.
    Most read in Motorsport
    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

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      Christian Horner’s wait to be over as Red Bull probe set to have a decision as early as ‘this week’ after Ford pressure

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      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.
      read more in horner
      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.
      Most read in Motorsport
      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

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      Ford urges Red Bull to be ‘transparent’ in Christian Horner probe amid claims he ‘sent sexual messages to employee’

      by

      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.
      read more in Horner
      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

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      F1 champ Jenson Button in legal row after ‘fraudulently’ selling prized 1970’s Ford Bronco

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      FORMER F1 champion Jenson Button has been accused of fraudulently selling a vehicle that did not belong to him.Button, 44, sold the blue 1970 Ford Bronco truck in 2022 for £130,000 via website Collecting Cars, saying he had owned it for four years.
      Jenson Button has been accused of fraudulently selling a vehicle that did not belong to himCredit: Getty
      Jenson Button uploaded a snap to Instagram of him behind the wheel of the 1970’s Ford Bronco
      But the 2009 world champion had earlier admitted that it was actually owned by his wife Brittny Ward, 33.
      Leo Eccles, 45, who bought the Bronco, has launched a legal action claiming Button was “not the legitimate owner”.
      Mr Eccles, who runs a gaming firm in Gloucestershire, claims he paid a premium believing that the car was Button’s and wants his money back.
      Documents filed at Los Angeles County Court accuse Button and his wife of fraud, intentional misrepresentation and breach of contract.
      READ MORE F1 NEWS
      Lawyer Ethan Brown, speaking on behalf of his client Mr Eccles, said: “No date has yet been set for the full trial but there is a case management hearing due in the next few weeks.
      “In essence the claim is the car at the time it was sold, didn’t belong to Mr Button but to his then girlfriend and the payment made was sustainably more than it was worth but that was on the understanding it was owned by Mr Button, which our client says it wasn’t.
      “The car is still in California and hasn’t moved, Mr Button is contending that our client can’t get the car registered in South Africa and that is the real issue, and not the ownership of the car, which we are contesting.
      “What we are saying is Mr Eccles paid a substantial amount of moment for a car that he was led to believe was owned by Mr Jensen Button but he says it wasn’t and the owner was Brittny Ward, what he would like is the sale rescinded and his money back.”
      Most read in Motorsport
      Button did not comment.
      Racer rushed to hospital after horror smash on Daniel Ricciardo’s F1 understudy Liam Lawson’s return More

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      Premier League stars’ luxury cars including Ferrari found in shipping containers on the way to Dubai after being stolen

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      TWO Premier League stars have had their flash luxury cars returned to them after the vehicles were found in shipping containers headed for Dubai.The supercars recovered by the Essex Police’s Stolen Vehicle Intelligence Unit were a Ferrari and a Range Rover.
      The Premier League player has been reunited with his flash red FerrariCredit: East Anglia News Service
      The silver Range Rover has also been reunited with its ownerCredit: East Anglia News Service
      So far this year, the force’s team has recovered 517 cars or parts of vehicles with a combined value of more than £16million.
      The two players, who have not been identified but have more than 100 international caps between them, had their cars stolen in neighbouring counties.
      The SVIU’s PC Paul Gerrish, PC Phil Pentelow and analyst Hannah Gerrish, tracked down the vehicles to shipping containers which were due to travel to Dubai from London Gateway Port in Thurrock.
      As yet, no arrests have been made in connection to the vehicle thefts.
      Read More on Stolen Cars
      It’s thought once a car is stolen, thieves may look to quickly sell it on, even for a price well below its market value, or strip it for parts or even ship the whole vehicle  to areas such as the Middle East or Africa, where it can be sold for two or three times its cost in the UK.
      The thieves or handlers of the stolen vehicles may obtain false or cloned identities before selling it on to an unsuspecting member of the public in the UK or even distribute them to other criminals.
      Essex Police launched Operation Ignition this summer which saw the SVIU, Roads Policing and investigators work together to break up the criminal gangs behind the thefts.
      The SVIU has managed to return vehicles to hundreds of victims from family saloons to supercars.
      Most read in Football
      PC Gerrish said: “Every stolen car is important to us and we work as hard as we can to get them back to their owners.
      “When you phone someone up and tell them we’ve got their car with their kids’ car seats and the pushchair in the back, or other personal items, it’s hugely satisfying.
      “We are creating a hostile environment for car thieves. We know what to look for and we know how and where they operate.”
      One of the Premier League footballers went to the SVIU base to be reunited with his car and praised the team’s work.
      PC Pentelow said: “He was genuinely thankful and taken aback by the lengths we had gone to.
      “His car was clearly very dear to him, and he was very impressed with the service he’d had from the police.
      “Even though he plays for one of my team’s biggest rivals, he was a nice guy and down-to-earth. It was good to help him.”
      The SVIU team work with manufacturers including Jaguar Land Rover, Ford, BMW and Mercedes-Benz to improve vehicle security.
      The team recommends drivers learn about their car’s vulnerabilities by watching videos online and check the website Secured by Design to find recommended safety devices for your car and think about getting a Disklok.
      However, they say the biggest vulnerability is people leaving their vehicles unlocked.
      PC Pentelow said: “Double lock it and check it. We still see CCTV where people’s cars aren’t locked.”
      In July this year, the Essex Police’s SVIU team recovered cars and car parts worth £1m, in one of their most successful weeks ever.
      The unit recovered high-end cars including a Rolls-Royce, a Bentley Bentayga, alongside several Range Rovers and BMWs.
      Read More on The Sun
      In recent months they have located and recovered a range of Ferraris and Aston Martins.
      A Rolls-Royce Cullinan recovered during recent operations was worth more than £360,000 alone.
      PC Phil Pentelow and PC Paul Gerrish say they are creating a hostile environment for car thievesCredit: East Anglia News Service More

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      Ford confirms return to F1 in 2026 after 22-year absence as motorsport giants prepare for new era of engines

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      FORD have confirmed their intentions to return to Formula One. The American Car manufacturer has been absent from the motorsport since 2004, but have now reignited their interest to be a part of F1 from 2026.
      Ford has confirmed its intention to return to Formula OneCredit: Ford
      The grid is set to be boosted by two new teams by 2026Credit: Splash
      Company chief Bill Ford said: “This is the start of a thrilling new chapter in Ford’s motorsports story that began when my great-grandfather [Henry Ford] won a race that helped launch our company.
      “Ford is returning to the pinnacle of the sport, bringing Ford’s long tradition of innovation, sustainability and electrification to one of the world’s most visible stages.”
      The move comes just one day after governing body, the FIA, announced plans to allow would-be newcomers to launch applications to join.
      The FIA’s declaration came with stipulations on meeting F1’s sustainability target of Net Zero Carbon dioxide emissions by 2030, which also referred to any newcomers needing to be “competitive” throughout.
      READ MORE IN F1
       F1 CEO Stefano Domenicali also welcomed the news, saying: “The news today that Ford is coming to Formula 1 from 2026 is great for the sport and we are excited to see them join the incredible automotive partners already in Formula 1.
      “Ford is a global brand with an incredible heritage in racing and the automotive world and they see the huge value that our platform provides with over half a billion fans around the world.
      “Our commitment to be Net Zero Carbon by 2030 and to introduce sustainable fuels in the F1 cars from 2026 is also an important reason for their decision to enter F1.
      “We believe that our sport provides the opportunity and reach unlike any other and we cannot wait for the Ford logo to be racing round F1’s iconic circuits from 2026.”
      Most read in Motorsport
      CASINO SPECIAL – BEST ONLINE CASINOS FOR 2023
      Ford’s announcement just one day after shows there is a genuine interest in joining F1 going into the new engine era of 2026.
      There will be a maximum of two new teams who can join in 2026, with the grid capped at 12 teams, consequently also raising the driver limit to 24 rather than the 20 currently involved.
      F1 has grown massively in recent years, with owners Liberty Media rejecting an astronomical Saudi Arabian bid of £16BILLION to buy the rights.
      Ford’s history with F1 stretches back to the 1960s with the Double Four Valve engine, which was built alongside British engineering firm Cosworth.
      That engine was one of the most successful of its era, winning 155 races from a possible 262 from 1967 to 1985.

      They later powered Michael Schumacher and Benetton to a championship in 1994, and have played a part in 23 drivers and constructors titles in total to make them the third most successful engine manufacturer in F1 history.
      Ford ended their last stint in F1 in 2004 when it pulled the plug on Jaguar and its badging of Cosworth engines.
      Ford’s motorsport presence has also been seen in the big screen with the 2019 movie Ford vs Ferrari, which depicts Ford rivalling Enzo Ferrari at the famous Le Mans 24-hour endurance race.
      While Ford’s intentions to return are now clear, the capacity of the venture remains shrouded in doubt.
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      Ahead of their 2023 season car launch Red Bull have been linked with becoming engine partners with Ford.
      Other major manufacturers have also expressed interest in joining F1, including Porsche and Audi. More