Last Updated on February 25 2024, 9:31 pm
At this time each year in the Formula One calendar, testing has whetted the appetite but the real proof of the pecking order is just days away as we wait the practice sessions and qualifying in Bahrain. While there is talk of Ferrari closing in on Red Bull Racing and maybe Mercedes having missed their mark again, the column inches in the media are full with the Red Bull/Christian Horner investigation.
Sky presenter Ted Kravitz has resorted to describing the on going process as “the situation” though unlike in previous RBR disputes he has so far kept his counsel on the matter.
Horner “stitch up” job
TJ13 penned an op-ed when the story broke suggesting this was a “stitch up” job and even now as rumours appear of the appointed “external counsel” failing to make his report as required, the entire saga has a whole lose/lose feel to the impending outcome.
Should Horner win out, the impression of a powerless victim female having been silenced will out – and should the longest standing F1 team boss be sacked, it appears there will be an appeal from the man who has resisted loud calls for him to stand down thus far.
With its new and much vaunted inclusivity focus, Formula One and its partners have to be seen to do the right thing, regardless of whether this is beneficial to all parties concerned. The tale of a middle aged man with power using it to allegedly ‘coerce’ a female subordinate is an all to common accusation and one easily made.
It would be surprising given the length of his tenure as head of a highly competitive motorsport business if Christian Horner hadn’t upset a number of people over the years. And any of those could level allegations of abuse in such an entrepreneurial culture where winning is everything and the organisation can’t afford to carry under achievers at any level.
“leaked” letter from Ford CEO
The fact the matter was leaked to the media by what increasingly looks like a faction at the top of the energy drinks empire was indeed surprising. Had the story come from the alleged victim, far more would now be known as previous “tell all” affairs have shown.
Yet whatever the source, the fact the matter has now dragged on in the public eye for over three weeks and is damaging to those wishing to prosecute Horner, in terms of the noises coming from partner’s and other F1 stake holders alike.
Associated Press is now reporting they have seen a “leaked” letter from Jim Farley, CEO of the Ford Motor Company expressing his “concern” over the current situation.
Ford were announced last year as the 2026 new power unit partner for Red Bull PowerTrains following the collapse of negotiations with Porsche and Honda having initially withdrawn form the sport.
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In the correspondence from Ford, Farley expresses his dissatisfaction over “the unresolved allegations of inappropriate behaviour by Red Bull Racing leadership”.
Horner was interviewed on February 9th but since then nothing has been forthcoming from the energy drinks empire HQ. One could surmise from this the facts behind the allegations are not strong enough for a summary dismissal which is why the matter is dragging on.
Yet the damage to the Red Bull brand is now piling up as Ford’s CEO now demands a “prompt and serious attention” to the conclusion of the investigation.
Farley reveals he first requested information on the situation over to weeks ago but as yet has not received a “satisfactory response.” In no uncertain terms he re-iterates, “Ford’s values are non-negotiable”.
Red Bull top brass clearly divided
Strong words indeed to be issued ‘in public’ by one corporate partner to another. “It is imperative that our racing partners share and demonstrate a genuine commitment to those same values,” Farley continued in the letter.
“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.”
There are clearly divisions at the top of the Red Bull hierarchy over the issue given Ford would surely have received a suitable reply to their questions were those behind the scenes united.
Farley concludes his correspondence with further strong words clearly aimed to now getting a proper response from the Red Bull Management Board.
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Ford “frustrated” over lack of resolution
He states Ford 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”.
“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,” he said.
The tone of Farley’s comments appear to be directed at those in charge of the shambles of the process Horner is now in, rather than the Red Bull F1 boss himself. This in itself bodes well for Horner given if exonerated he can deal openly with Red Bull’s technology partner for the new 2026 power units.
For now Formula One has remained silent on the matter but recently issued a hurry up to Horner’s accusers to finish their investigation and make public the conclusions.
Investigation process embarrassing to F1
“We have noted that Red Bull has instigated an independent investigation into internal allegations at Red Bull Racing,” said the statement from F1.
“We hope that the matter will be clarified at the earliest opportunity, after a fair and thorough process and we will not comment further at this time.”
Of course with the season opener taking place in just four days the whole situation is embarrassing for Formrula One. Both Toto Wolff and McLaren’s Zak Brown have spoken on the subject but their focus is on a process that has “transparency and rigour”.
It would appear the attempt to oust Christian Horner as the longest standing F1 team principal is stalling. Divisions at the top of the energy drinks empire means they cannot agree on what details should be shared confidentially with core partners like Ford. Further a proper plot to kill of Christian Horner should have been better planned with a swift resolution.
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Farley motive revealed
Farley and Horner are known to have a good relationship and the Red Bull boss spoke effusively about Ford’s input last year making the point unlike Porsche Ford are now demanding control.
“They’re not trying to tell us how to run our business or, they’re not involved from a shareholding perspective. And it’s been a very, very conducive relationship so far.”
It requires little imagination to see that Farley’s “leaked” letter demanding information and a swifter resolution than has been managed thus far, is poking the finger at an inappropriate process. It appears to have been some kind of HR complaint, poorly conceived in its agenda and now in the heat of public attention cannot make good on the promise of even just “inappropriate behaviour” which is not so difficult to do.
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With over 30 years of experience in Formula 1 as an insider journalist, I have built trusted connections across the paddock, from race engineers and mechanics to senior team figures. At The Judge 13, I and a handful of trusted colleagues share exclusive Formula 1 news, expert analysis and behind-the-scenes stories you will not find in mainstream motorsport media.
I think it’s likely a case of someone seeing a teacup and deciding to put a storm in it. If it were serious or clear, it would have already been resolved. RB done themselves no favours dragging it out this long.
Seems someone wanted Horner out and set a fire
If it was that serious it would have been sorted by now
I’m inclined to agree with the above comments – and fear RBR could become “a headless chicken” without Christian Horner
this in-defense-of-middle-aged-white-men piece is a pretty confronting mirror being held up. there’s nothing ‘common’ or ‘easy’ about anyone outside of that category standing up to engrained white patriarchy culture. a real shame that there is no growth or critical self-analysis going on here- you should be doing better TJ13.