- Ford Motor Company chief executive Jim Farley is onto Red Bull
- Christian Horner is under investigation over claims of s3xual misconduct with a female employee
- Red Bull says it is taking the claims seriously even as Horner maintains innocence
Ford Motor Company chief executive Jim Farley is onto Red Bull over its CEO’s conduct investigations leaving many wondering; will Christian Horner resign?
The Red Bull team principal is under investigation by the Milton Keynes team and F1 by extension over claims of inappropriate conduct levelled against him by an employee.
Red Bull hasn’t disclosed what the accusations are but Dutch newspaper De Telegraaf reported that they are s3xual in nature.
Horner has maintained innocence on the issue saying that he is fully cooperating with all investigation organs. He also said that he would not resign and that his focus is on winning the 2024 F1 season.
Will Christian Horner Resign After Ford’s Pressure?
In light of the probe, Ford’s CEO wrote to Red Bull asking that the matter be put to rest. According to the Associated Press who saw the document dated February 23, Ford wants a quick end to the saga.
Christian Horner. Photo/Sports Illustrated
“As we have indicated previously, without a 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,” Farley wrote.
“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.”
Ford believes the probe is lacking transparency, and the American automaker is becoming more and more frustrated. It adds that a lack of resolution or clear indication from Red Bull about when to anticipate a fair and just resolution of this matter isn’t making things better.
“We are likewise frustrated by the lack of full transparency surrounding this matter with us, your corporate partners, and look forward to receiving a complete account of all findings,” Farley stated.
Ford Motor Company has a strategic technical partnership with Red Bull. It supplies Powertrains, and engines to Red Bull Racing and Scuderia AlphaTauri Formula One teams.
The American motor outfit insists that it expects its partners to conduct themselves to the highest moral standards allowed.
What Does Red Bull Say About Christian Horner?
The Netherlands-based Red Bull GmbH, the organization that owns Red Bull Racing, is currently investigating Horner’s alleged inappropriate behaviour.
A succinct statement from Formula 1 confirmed that an internal investigation at Red Bull is underway.
Horner claims to be completely assisting all of the investigative bodies engaged in the investigation. Red Bull on its part said that it is expediting the probe.
Red Bull team principal Christian Horner. Photo/Sportskeeda
The Times claims that Red Bull GmbH was compelled to move quickly to complete the investigation to put an end to the staff’s uncertainty and disturbance brought on by the charges.
Horner met with an independent lawyer selected by Red Bull for a nine-hour meeting to present his case in London a fortnight ago.
Horner graciously attended the team’s RB20 introduction at Milton Keynes where he said he had no plans to step down. He also admitted that the investigation against him was a “distraction.”
De Telegraaf further reported that the female employee who launched the complaint was offered a settlement offer of £650,000 ($820,000).
This was allegedly shortly before the accusation went public but Horner’s lawyer has denied this, the Daily Mail reports.
Horner noted that all his attention remains on the 2024 Formula 1 season with the RB20.
“Inevitably there has been a distraction but the team are very together. Everybody’s focused on the season ahead. It’s been very much business as normal. The support has been fantastic,” he said.
“Obviously, my focus is very much on the season ahead. It has been business as normal. There is an investigation which I am working with fully so that is very much going on in the background whilst preparing for the season ahead.
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