Red Bulls 2026 partner, Ford claims it expects ‘high standards of behavior’ amidst ongoing Christian Horner investigation

Christian Horner has found himself in extremely hot waters because of the ongoing investigation.

Red Bulls 2026 partner, Ford claims it expects ‘high standards of behavior’ amidst ongoing Christian Horner investigation

Christian Horner (Via: IMAGO)

Christian Horner, the Red Bull team principal, is finding it very difficult to get a good night’s sleep these days. Since the inappropriate behavior allegations, his whole world has been turned upside down and amidst his ongoing saga, Red Bull’s 2026 partner, Ford, has also recently come out and given their take on the situation.

Red Bull and Ford will partner over the development of a hybrid power unit that will supply engines to both Red Bull and VCARB (AlphaTauri) when the new F1 regulations kick in from 2026 onward. While the two entities in the past made it known that they are excited about working together, the recent allegations on Christian Horner have forced the Ford group to come up with a statement.

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Ford’s Performance Motorsports – Global Director, Mark Rushbrook, recently came up with a statement and said, as reported by APNews:

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As a family company, and a company that holds itself to very high standards of behavior 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.

Looking at the reaction, it is quite clear that while Ford has admitted that it expects high standards of behavior from its partners, they are not going to comment on the Horner situation until the findings of the investigation are revealed.

Christian Horner was present at Red Bull’s 2024 car launch event

While Ford has made it known that they are not going to comment on the Horner situation, ahead of Red Bull’s RB20 car launch event, there were questions about whether the Red Bull team principal would show up during the event.

Adrian Newey and Christian Horner
Adrian Newey and Christian Horner (Via: Imago)

However, to the surprise of many, Horner not only showed up but also was involved in various segments where he was seen talking about the 2024 car and other things, alongside the lights of Adrian Newey, David Coulthard, etc.

Christian Horner has led the charge of the Red Bull F1 team from the very beginning and has so far, played a crucial role in the success the team has amassed. Under the current set of regulations, the Austrian outfit has proved pretty much unbeatable, and considering this, if Horner is found guilty at the end of the investigation, he would be forced to leave his current role.

It would be body not only for Horner but for Red Bull as well. Finding a suitable replacement for the Brit would be a mighty task for the team. However, the ongoing investigation is expected to take a significant amount of time and is pretty much going to carry on in the background during the 2024 F1 season.

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