‘Frustrated’ Ford applies more pressure on Red Bull with Christian Horner investigation demand

Ford has applied further pressure on Red Bull by demanding an urgent resolution into the investigation surrounding F1 team principal Christian Horner.

Ford CEO Jim Farley has written a letter to Red Bull expressing his displeasure that the investigation into Horner for alleged inappropriate behaviour remains “unresolved”, according to a report by the Associated Press.

Farley stressed Ford is "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" in the letter, which was dated Friday.

“As we have indicated previously, without satisfactory response, Ford’s values are non-negotiable,” Farley wrote in the letter, which has been seen by AP.

“It is imperative that our racing partners share and demonstrate a genuine commitment to those same values. 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.”

Farley also called for "prompt and serious attention" to the matter.

Ford is due to partner with Red Bull’s new Powertrains division from the start of the 2026 season, when new F1 engine regulations come into effect.

Horner remains the subject of an internal investigation by the team’s Austrian parent company Red Bull GmbH into his behaviour towards a female colleague.

The 50-year-old was interviewed at length on February 9 by an external barrister but the hearing ended without resolution.

Horner, who has denied the allegations, continues to work for Red Bull and attended pre-season testing last week in Bahrain.

During an appearance in a team principal press conference during pre-season testing, Horner sideswiped questions on the investigation.

“As you're well aware, there's a process going on that I form part of, and as I form part of that process, I'm afraid I cannot comment on it,” he said.

Horner added: “I think obviously everybody would like a conclusion as soon as possible but I'm really not at liberty to comment about the process.”

F1 has called for the matter to be “clarified at the earliest opportunity”.