Ford has issued a harsh warning to Red Bull, citing a lack of transparency in the continuing Christian Horner situation.
The Red Bull Racing team principal has been accused of inappropriate behaviour, and an inquiry into the claims has been ongoing for some weeks.
Horner met with an independent arbitrator and claimed that 100 pages of evidence and testimony had been collected.
A resolution, originating from Red Bull GmbH rather than Red Bull Racing, is expected to be announced this week.
Ahead of that, the Associated Press reports Ford CEO Jim Farley has written a letter demanding that the problem be handled more publicly than it has been thus far.
In the communication, Farley wrote that the American automaker is “increasingly frustrated, however, by the lack of resolution or clear indication from you about when you anticipate a fair and just resolution of this matter.”
According to the statement: “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’s comments for a settlement echo those of Formula 1 Management and the FIA, who have urged for justice and transparency in the best interests of Formula 1.
Meanwhile, Ford maintains strong moral standards and expects its partners to do the same.
“As we have previously indicated, without a satisfactory response, Ford’s values are non-negotiable,” Farley’s letter stated.
“It is critical that our racing partners share and exhibit genuine dedication to the same ideals. My staff and I are available at all times to discuss this topic.
“We remain insistent on, and hopeful, for a resolution we can all stand behind.”
Ford has worked with Red Bull Racing and Red Bull Powertrains to build a new power unit for the 2026 season.
Work on that project is already underway and is expected to accelerate in the future seasons.
Ford is consequently an interested party in Horner’s suffering.
There are little specifics about the issue, which was made public at the beginning of the month. That is despite Speedcafe’s belief that the process began in December.
Throughout the protracted process, Horner has maintained his innocence and continued to serve as Red Bull Racing’s team principal.
He attended the team’s season launch and spoke with the media during pre-season testing last week, when he declined to comment on the subject.
Following pre-season testing, Horner returned to the United Kingdom and is believed to have returned to Bahrain on Tuesday.
The first round of the season begins tomorrow (Wednesday), with the normal media day before track action begins on Thursday.
Horner is not among the four team managers set to appear at the FIA’s team principal’s press conference after Free Practice 1 on Thursday.
Horner may have know his destiny by then, with strong indications that a decision will be announced this week.
