Ford Has Surprise Exit Clause in Red Bull Contract; Christian Horner Investigation Can Crush Partnership

The Christian Horner investigation for inappropriate behavior is yet to be resolved and Red Bull’s partners are getting restless. Ford is set to be the power supplier for Red Bull starting in 2026 and with the investigation going on, a loophole of sorts has surfaced that might lead to Ford making an exit.

As per the Financial Times and as reported by FormulaPassion, there is an exit clause in the contract that can be triggered. The publication explained, “According to people who know the nature of the partnership, Ford has the possibility of leaving Red Bull if he wishes .”

If Christian Horner is announced guilty, that might lead to Red Bull getting scrutinized for keeping him as the team principal. He was also at the car launch of the RB20, where he led the presentation. Starting a new partnership with a brand that is in the middle of a controversy is not a favorable deal, and there are chances that Ford will dissolve the contract with Red Bull. On Friday, Ford made a statement saying they expect a “very high standard of behavior and integrity,” which extends to their relationship with partners.

Sam Bird’s take on the case

According to Formula E racer Sam Bird, Red Bull can face some serious repercussions of the case if Horner is ruled out as guilty. Things look like they will go downhill if Horner does not come out clear of the allegations and this will affect the team in major ways.

During the Fast and Curious podcast, Sam Bird said, “I think that things will start to happen later on in the year and next year if partners leave if sponsors leave. If Adrian Newey leaves or other team personnel leave because of the ramifications of this allegation.”

Read More – F1 Finally Breaks Silence on Christian Horner Investigation as Pressure to Resolve Before Bahrain GP Increases

The McLaren Formula E driver highlights all the issues that will come in case things don’t go well with the investigation. The team might lose out on sponsors and the engineer of the fastest cars on the circuit, Adrian Newey.

With that said, a lot is on the line for Red Bull with the Horner investigation. Do you think Horner’s case will sabotage the possible relationship between Fort and Red Bull? Let us know in the comments below.

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