The recent allegations against Christian Horner, the team principal of Red Bull Racing, have sent shockwaves throughout the motorsport community. These allegations of sexual misconduct have led to an internal investigation by Red Bull GmbH, causing significant unrest within the organization. The scandal has been dubbed “Horner-Gate” and has put the Ford/Red Bull F1 engine deal in jeopardy.
According to Jenna Fryer on Twitter, Ford is awaiting the findings of the investigation before making any decisions about their partnership with Red Bull. Mark Rushbrook of Ford has stated that “as a family company that holds itself to very high standards of behavior and integrity, we expect the same from our partners.” He also added that “it appears to us and what we’ve been told was that Red Bull is taking the situation very seriously. And of course, they are worried about their brand, as well.”
#F1: Red Bull investigation into Christian Horner, upcoming engine partner Ford says it is awaiting the findings. Mark Rushbrook of Ford says "as a family company that holds itself to very high standards of behavior and integrity, we expect the same from our partners."
— Jenna Fryer (@JennaFryer) February 16, 2024
The potential fallout from this scandal has raised concerns about the impact on Red Bull’s billion-dollar empire. With the majority shareholders from Thailand supporting Horner and the Austrian faction led by the heirs of the late Dietrich Mateschitz expressing disappointment and anger, the company finds itself at a crossroads. The situation is further complicated by the apparent power vacuum within the organization.
This controversy comes at a time when the team just showcased their latest race car in Milton Keynes, an event that now seems overshadowed by the scandal. Despite the gravity of the situation, Horner has publicly denied these accusations, emphasizing his commitment to the ongoing internal process and expressing confidence in the unity and support of his team during these uncertain times.
The internal investigation was conducted last Friday by an independent lawyer and involved lengthy interviews with Horner and the accuser, among others. However, the final report has not reached Red Bull’s headquarters in Austria, leading to speculation of deliberate evasion. This has only added to the tension within the company, with significant stakeholders reportedly seeking Horner’s dismissal.
The scandal has put the Ford/Red Bull F1 engine deal in jeopardy, and Ford is closely monitoring the situation. The outcome of the investigation and any subsequent legal action could have far-reaching consequences for both Red Bull and its partners.
