F1 News: Christian Horner Case Remains Dangerous Territory as Both FIA & F1 Refuse to Take a Stance

When Red Bull GmbH launched the internal probe against Christian Horner after the allegations of inappropriate behavior were made public, they said that they wanted to resolve the matter as quickly as possible. However, it has been two weeks now and there is still no resolution in sight with some reports suggesting that the process could go on for weeks. The FIA and F1 have now made it clear that they won’t make any comments on the matter until the investigation has concluded.

Christian Horner has strongly denied any wrongdoing and recently went through a lengthy interrogation by an independent lawyer appointed by Red Bull GmbH. Despite the ongoing investigation, Horner remains in his role and even attended the launch of the 2024 car at Milton Keynes‘ facility a few days ago. He is expected to participate in pre-season testing in Bahrain ahead of the F1 season-opening race on March 2nd.

F1 lacks the authority to intervene in the matter but hopes for a quick resolution

The interest surrounding Horner’s situation and the nature of the allegations has grown in recent days with a statement coming from Ford, Red Bull’s future partner for its Power Units, and is likely to intensify even more in the coming weeks. And now, both the FIA and the commercial rights holders of F1 have expressed their hope for a quick resolution to the matter, which could be a message to Red Bull not to let the issue linger throughout the season.

Formula 1 correspondent for PA Media, Philip Duncan tweeted the statement from the FIA, “In relation to the independent investigation currently being undertaken by Red Bull GmbH, the FIA reiterates that until such time as the investigation has concluded and the outcome is known, we will not be commenting further. The FIA remains committed to upholding the highest standards of integrity, fairness, and inclusivity within the sport.”

Although Formula 1 hopes for a speedy resolution to the matter, it lacks the formal authority to intervene in the investigation or take action against the team or Horner, if necessary. This responsibility falls only within the jurisdiction of the FIA. “We are aware that Red Bull has launched an independent investigation into the internal allegations at Red Bull Racing. We hope that this matter will be clarified as soon as possible, after a fair and thorough process, and we will not be commenting further at this time.“ said a statement from F1.

READ MORE: Christian Horner’s “Bad Story Will Not Remain Without Consequences”, Claims F1 Insider

The ongoing legal process and the spotlight over Red Bull can potentially have a bad impact on its future partnership with Ford.

Ford gives a subtle warning to Red Bull

Red Bull’s current engine supplier, Honda, will exit the sport at the end of the 2025 season. This decision forced Red Bull to make their own engines from 2026 onwards. Hence, Red Bull Powertrains was born. However, since Red Bull does not have the expertise in making engines, they have partnered with Ford for the development of the hybrid power unit for the new engine regulations in 2026 and beyond. However, Ford, being one of the automotive giants of America, won’t handle any lack in the integrity of its partners.

“As a family business and as a company that holds itself to very high standards of behavior and integrity, we expect the same from our partners. It appears to us, and we have been told, that Red Bull is taking the situation very seriously… They’re also worried about their brand. That’s why they’ve launched an independent investigation and until we see the truth, it’s too early for us to comment,“ Mark Rushbrook, global head of Ford Performance Motorsport told Associated Press.

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Will Ford pull out of the engine deal with Red Bull depending on the outcome of the investigation? Share your thoughts and insights in the comments down below.