F1 News: Ford still committed, Wolff warns Red Bull saga not over

(GMM) For now at least, Red Bull has retained the backing of its 2026 works Formula 1 engine partner Ford amid the Christian Horner power struggle and scandal.

At Jeddah, Red Bull’s F1 consultant Dr Helmut Marko – reportedly on the other side of the Horner camp – admitted that both Ford and also Honda have expressed concerns about the ongoing and murky nature of the saga.

However, trackside meetings in Saudi Arabia at least brought some calm to the scandal.

“A lot has become clearer,” Marko, 80, now tells De Telegraaf newspaper.

When asked if he can continue to work with Horner, he explained: “We’ve been doing it for 19 years already, so why not?

“However, there are still some issues that need to be resolved.”

At least for now, Ford still appears committed to the energy drink brand’s motorsport program, revealing itself as the title sponsor of the Red Bull-backed F1 Academy team project – the new, all-female F1 support series.

Mercedes boss and Red Bull nemesis Toto Wolff, however, warns that the Horner scandal does not appear to be over yet.

“From the outside, we’re treated to a lot of drama,” he told Osterreich newspaper. “But for a team like Red Bull, a situation like this isn’t great.”

He thinks Red Bull has handled the situation badly because of today’s “very transparent world”.

“Not saying everything only makes it more interesting, leading to more questions, more stories, more speculation,” Wolff added.

“But there is a real story in the background, and it’s the most important one – why did a woman who felt uncomfortable go to HR? Why hasn’t anything talked about this yet?

“There’s also an information strategy that looks a bit confusing from the outside,” the Austrian said. “Generally, I think the Austrians are professional while in England they try to keep everything small, but that’s no longer possible these days.”

Red Bull Ford Press Release Wednesday

Ford Motor Company has joined as title partner of the Red Bull Ford Academy Program for the 2024 F1 Academy series. The Red Bull Ford Academy Program car, driven by up-and-coming Dutch ace, Emely de Heus, made its debut at the first race of the season in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia this weekend. Ford branding will feature heavily on both the car, team and driver apparel.

With more than a century in the automotive industry, the partnership further cements Ford’s long supported commitment to attracting more diversity across its motorsport’s portfolio, as part of the company’s broader STEM and DEI initiatives. Ford Performance has already been working to encourage more women into the motorsports sector including their title sponsorship and participation in the all-female Rebelle Rally off road race and the development of female driving talent in NASCAR with driver Hailie Deegan. This new title partnership with Red Bull Ford Academy Program gives Ford the opportunity to further attract more women to the sport across all levels and roles, especially within the world of Red Bull Technology, alongside the wider initiatives that support diversity and inclusion.

The Red Bull Academy Program was set up by Red Bull to support grassroot female drivers to develop and prepare young drivers to progress to Formula 3 and beyond. Supported by F1, the F1 Academy category is designed to give drivers access to more track time, racing and testing, as well as support with technical, physical, and mental preparations. It will provide young talent in junior categories with access to the fundamental level of experience needed to progress on the road to F1. The 2024 F1 Academy season’s calendar will feature seven rounds, all taking place on Formula 1 Grand Prix tracks, giving the grid the opportunity to compete on a variety of challenging circuits and develop technical skills.

Mark Rushbrook, Global Director of Ford Performance Motorsports said: “Ford Performance is committed to working with the FIA and race promoters to find ways to integrate more female talent into all levels of motorsport, both on and off the track, and this is a great opportunity to extend that work by partnering with the best in F1 Academy. We have already partnered in other race series, such as Rebelle Rally, in addition to drivers such as Hailie Deegan, to bring more women to the forefront of motorsport. I am excited to partner with Red Bull to make a positive impact in F1.”

Julia George, Director of Partnerships Oracle Red Bull Racing said: “Ford are an automotive manufacturer rich in motoring history that spans generations. Welcoming them as title partner of the Red Bull Ford Academy Program is hugely exciting and demonstrates their appetite for improving female representation in motorsports both on and off the track. F1 Academy marks a major step forward for female drivers’ progression to the next level in motorsport and helps provide a pathway to ensure they can fulfil their potential, a commitment that is fully supported by Ford. The wealth of technical expertise that they bring to the partnership is crucial for the success of the Red Bull Ford Academy Program car, and we are excited to see what the 2024 F1 Academy season brings.”

Sarah Harrington, Red Bull Academy Program Manager said: “Welcoming Ford to the Red Bull Academy Program is a landmark moment for us. Their investment represents so much more than just a title partnership, it helps to further extend Red Bull’s long legacy of developing talent and breaking down the barriers in motorsport. Diversity and inclusion are the center of the Red Bull Academy Program and we are very much looking forward to competing in the 2024 F1 Academy season.”

The 2024 F1 Academy series is set to compete across seven locations, the next race takes place in Miami on May 3-5.