Ford, the upcoming engine provider for Red Bull, has issued a caution to team principal Christian Horner, emphasizing their expectation for ‘very high standards of behavior and integrity’. This comes as Horner is embroiled in allegations of sexual misconduct.
The allegations against Horner, who is married to Geri Halliwell, a former member of the Spice Girls, emerged earlier this month, accusing him of ‘coercive behavior’ toward a female colleague at Red Bull’s Milton Keynes headquarters.
Further allegations surfaced in a report by De Telegraaf, a Dutch newspaper, on Friday, suggesting that Horner is accused of sending sexually explicit messages to the same woman.
Horner, aged 50, finds himself at the center of an internal inquiry regarding ‘inappropriate behavior’. This investigation is being led by a London-based KC, whose name has not been disclosed. Horner has firmly rejected all accusations made against him.
Ford Motor Company, set to supply engines to Red Bull starting in 2026, has emerged as the first among the team’s affiliates to address the controversy surrounding Christian Horner.
During an event on Friday at the Daytona International Speedway, Mark Rushbrook, the lead for Ford Performance Motorsport globally, made a statement:
‘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.’
Horner was in the spotlight during Red Bull’s unveiling of their new car for the forthcoming F1 season, where he made a statement:
‘Obviously, there’s a process that’s ongoing at the moment,’
‘Some allegations have been made which I fully deny and I comply, obviously, with that process and will continue to do so.
‘I think it’s been very clear and the position of Red Bull has been that it’s business as normal.
‘Obviously, there’s a job to do and I deny fully the accusations that have been made. My role obviously continues.’
At the launch, reigning world champion Max Verstappen stated that his relationship with Horner continues to be ‘very good’.
The driver from the Netherlands stated: ‘We’ve seen each other quite a few times. We’ve achieved a lot of things together so that doesn’t change suddenly.
‘My contact with Christian has been the same as on the first day. It’s been like normal.’
Horner, with an annual salary of £8 million for his position, dedicated over nine hours last week to justify his actions during a session with the lead barrister of the investigation.
Up to this point, neither Horner nor Red Bull have addressed the most recent allegations. These include claims of ‘suggestive messages’ sent to a team member, supported by WhatsApp conversations that De Telegraaf claims to have reviewed.
This development intensifies the previously reported allegations.
Geri was reportedly ‘devastated’ by the initial allegations, yet she has chosen to remain firmly by his side.
“Her approach is to smile and do everything within her power to maintain their unity,” shared a source close to the situation.
De Telegraaf also reported that the woman involved was presented with a substantial monetary offer, a claim that Horner’s legal representatives have since refuted.
Horner and Geri tied the knot in 2015, having first crossed paths at the British Grand Prix several years before. Horner ended his relationship with Beverley, the mother of his daughter Olivia, now nine, to build a new life in North London with Geri. Together, they have a son, Monty, aged seven.
Horner commutes daily to Red Bull’s headquarters in Milton Keynes, putting in extensive hours. He is recognized for his deep passion for racing, having enjoyed early success as a junior driver before realizing his future lay in management rather than behind the wheel.
Before his tenure with Red Bull, which began in 2005 when he was 31, Horner led the Arden team in Formula 3000 to success. His transition to leading Red Bull in F1 was supported by Bernie Ecclestone, the influential figure in motor racing at the time.
At the time of his appointment, he was the youngest team principal in the field. Today, he holds the record as the longest-serving team principal.
Ecclestone served as Horner’s best man during his 2015 wedding to Geri, and in a reciprocal gesture, Horner took on the same role when Ecclestone wed Fabiana Flosi, a Brazilian lawyer significantly younger than him.
Horner’s marriage to Geri has significantly boosted his public profile, further amplified by his appearances on Netflix’s “Drive to Survive” series.
His 50th birthday celebration in Mayfair was a star-studded affair, featuring performances by Sir Rod Stewart, Ronnie Wood, and Gary Barlow, who all joined in singing ‘Happy Birthday’, while Horner humorously commented, “I thought we were forming a band,” as he sliced into a ‘World Champion’ themed cake.
In December, Horner’s contributions to motorsport were formally recognized with his promotion to Commander of the Order of the British Empire, celebrating his pivotal role in guiding his team through two significant periods of success, including ending the Mercedes’ streak of dominance inspired by Lewis Hamilton.
Throughout his 19-year tenure leading the team, Horner has amassed 13 world championships, establishing himself as a prominent figure in the sporting world and beyond.
