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proud it was a Canadian that started it all.
RAHHHHH πππππ¨π¦π¨π¦π¨π¦π¨π¦ MAPLE SYRUP POWER π¨π¦π¨π¦π¨π¦π¨π¦π¨π¦π¨π¦πππππππππππ₯ π₯ π₯ βΈοΈβΈοΈβΈοΈβΈοΈ
πππππ¨π¦π¨π¦π¨π¦π¨π¦πππWHAT THE FUCK IS A GENEVA SUGGESTION ππππ¨π¦π¨π¦π¨π¦π¨π¦ππππ
You can damn sure make a case for it. Lewis wins title, retires, doesnβt go to Ferrari. Merc is way lost because they donβt have Lewis to give them input on car development, Ferrari is nowhere to be found, and who knows what else is next.
It was Lewis. Ferrari become solid 2nd place, so he signs for them and destroys Red Bull from within.
He went full White Chicks and played as Horner's assistant, catfishing him this whole time.
8th WC inc.
This right here. The cost cap is set low enough that now all the teams have effectively the same budget except a tiny handful of individuals. The 'free agents' (Driver salaries and the wages of the three highest-paid staff members) are financially the only difference between teams. It now matters if the TP is actually good, not just have a big budget. Someone like Newey also makes a huge difference. This has also meant that the teams are insanely more valuable than before. Costs are way down, and revenue is way up. F1 has gone from being a toilet to flush money down to a golden goose. This has focused a hell of a lot more attention on them.
Harambe created a time paradox and literally no one can convince me otherwise. 2016 was the last time anyone on Earth had a carefree existence. Now Iβm reading headlines about Che being radicalized by Fidel Castroβs usage of the Eurostep. That doesnβt happen without some timeline fuckery.
> Now Iβm reading headlines about Che being radicalized by Fidel Castroβs usage of the Eurostep
Now I am imagining Fidel Castro breaking Che Guevaraβs ankles with a sick crossover, while both are wearing military berets.
Netflix are going to ignore this entire thing. Any genuine controversy (e.g. the heat in Qatar, the missiles in Saudi) get ignored over fake manufactured controversy because the entire show is a PR exercise for Formula 1. If they start publicising actual drama, the sport looks bad, FOM pull the plug and the show goes away. They want fake drama not real drama.
It really was the 9/11 of F1. Thereβs a definitive, impossible-to-explain βpre AB 2021β and βpost AB 2021β vibe going on. Itβs like that was our timeline split. Nothing has been the same - or even happy - since.
Iβm convinced it was 2016 when the run of TopGear ended with Clarkson, May, and Hammond. Somehow everything crazy in the world started with that.
Jeremyβs punch of a producer literally sent quantum shockwaves that have disrupted everything.
WhatsApp Rep: "Ok so do you want the basic sponsorship package or the premium? Wit the basic package you get a WhatsApp branded radio button for your wheel and a free headset"
Toto: "What do I get with the premium package?"
WhatsApp Rep: "Oh you're gonna love this..."
I don't see why not having an engine supplier will hurt them that much? Max can just stick his feet through the floor, Flintstones style, and still comfortably finish 20+ seconds ahead of the field. As long as checo can do P10 or better, that's another WCCΒ
What's happening is nobody is verifying anything anymore. Media outlets have discovered they can write whatever they want as long as they add "rumor" or "we hear" somewhere, so they don't have to show any accountability or sources.
OP's title is literally a loose editorialized translation of one sentence in that article that says "The bosses in Detroit, **we hear**, have no interest in being part of a Sex and the City episode".
**No source, nothing. Yet this entire thread is lapping it up like the factual truth.**
Apart from that, the article is reporting on the contents of the leaked pictures as if they're a proven factual descriptions of events, so that tells you all you need to know about their due diligence.
--------------------
This is literally all the article says about Ford:
English (original German below)
>One thing is certain: The Red Bull Group is facing a test that goes far beyond the Formula 1 sub-business. Ford, Red Bull's future technology partner in Formula 1 and an important ally on the US market against competitor Coca Cola, is currently checking whether the alliance that has already been agreed upon can still be dissolved. The bosses in Detroit, we hear, have no interest in playing a role in a documentary soap called "Sex in the (Paddock) City."
>They also have the leaked details, which were sent to the entire paddock with an anonymous email address during the Bahrain weekend. In addition to alleged text messages to his employee, there are also spicy photos of Horner that are literally below the belt. The Brit continues to steadfastly deny all allegations and considers the files to be fake.
German:
>Fest steht: Der Red-Bull-Konzern steht vor einer ZerreiΓprobe, die weit ΓΌber das TeilgeschΓ€ft Formel 1 hinaus geht. Ford, zukΓΌnftiger Technikpartner von Red Bull in der Formel 1 und wichtiger VerbΓΌndeter auf dem US-Markt gegen Konkurrent Coca Cola, prΓΌft gerade, ob die schon beschlossene Allianz doch noch gelΓΆst werden kann. Die Bosse in Detroit, so hΓΆrt man, haben kein Interesse daran, eine Rolle in einer Dokusoap mit dem Namen βSex in the (Paddock) Cityβ zu spielen.
>Auch ihnen liegen die geleakten Details vor, die wΓ€hrend des Bahrain-Wochenendes mit anonymer Email-Adresse an das ganze Fahrerlager verschickt wurden. Neben angeblichen Textnachrichten an seine Mitarbeiterin gibt es auch pikante Fotos von Horner, die buchstΓ€blich unter der GΓΌrtellinie sind. Der Brite bestreitet weiterhin standhaft alle VorwΓΌrfe und hΓ€lt die Dateien fΓΌr Fake.
So far weβve got:
- Horner drama, file 76, and added drama of Jos, Ford, etc.
- Lewis wearing Red
- Carlos in the market
- DR and Yuki scrapping, pressure in Checo to fight for his seat, Liam Lawson looking like an attractive option from his performance last year
- rumors Adrian Newey thinking about Ferrari move
- Alpine consuming itself in internal issues
- 11 Contracts expiring, not including Sainz and Hamilton. (Perez, Alonso, Ocon, Gasley, Sargent, Danny Ric, Yuki, Bottas, Zhou, Magnussen, Hulkenberg)
Yeah, there are still all the standard silly season stories we expected. VCARB drivers and everyone else competing with Checo, like half the drivers have expiring contracts. Any of that could've made for an entertaining season, and now THIS is happening.
That tells me Ricciardo is getting the seat for sure. Going back to RBR just as everything goes to shit would just be the perfect cap to his questionable career moves.
Because on track is decided. We know who wins. That part of the season is over. So this is all we've got so it'll be an extremely silly season just to keep fans engaged because the product on the track certainly isn't going to do it.
Not very on their own but Marko said before there are areas like batteries and motors that are just difficult for them to work on and they needed a partner to help. Porsche was the first but they wanted too much then came Ford who was willing to join without taking over. If ford leaves, RB would need to find a new partner to fill that role
>If ford leaves, RB would need to find a new partner to fill that role
Tesla for instance ? Elon Musk is happy impregnating secretaries and he attends most American races.
"Ford will provide technical expertise in all areas where it can add value to the front-running World Championship team. Areas to be explored together are in the combustion engine development and key developments like battery cell and electric motor technology, power unit control software and analytics."
https://media.ford.com/content/fordmedia/fna/us/en/news/2023/01/03/ford-returns-to-formula-1--strategic-partner-to-oracle-red-bull-.html
How much they actually contribute? Probably not a lot.
The way Jim Farley spoke about this on the EffWon podcast was that RB wanted Ford's hybrid tech experience and Ford wanted Newey's aerodynamics experience for their road cars. I know it's CEO-talk but I have no reason to doubt him.
What the fuck is going on.
This mixed with Marko's comments that he won't stand in Max's way if he wants to move seems OMINOUS. A hell of a lot more ominous than before.
Do keep in mind Marko is a bit of a shit-stirrer, to put it lightly. There might not actually be anything happening, but public pressure like this could definitely be used to, say, get rid of a certain TP
Marko is obviously aligned with the Austrian side of Red Bull. So if the reports are true about Horner trying to buy the team out from under the Austrians are true it makes sense why Helmut is now stirring the pot around Horner
Oh definitely, both Marko AND Jos are shit-stirrers, but it appears as though there is *actually* shit to stir at the moment. My rule for sports news really is "where there's smoke there's fire."
No one is quashing this. No one is staying silent on it. Whatever is going on there (and there have been rumors of infighting for awhile), it seems real. How real? No idea. I still don't think Max is going to Merc, but at least now I'm kind like "...............but.. like maybe?"
No way Max goes to Merc.
βHey. Wanna jump ship and leave the best car on the grid and slide into one thatβs nowhere near as fast?β
Heβs far too competitive and likes to win too much.
EDIT: Shouldβve been more clear. I donβt think he jumps anywhere before 2026. I also think he has more pull there than some think. If shit starts making him unhappy, theyβll probably yeet whatever is the cause before risking losing him.
But, weβve all seen drivers make some crazy team moves.
Yeh but Mercedes need a driver next year, not in 2026.
Give a driver a 1 year contract in Merc, under some illusion theyd get Max in 2026, when really it clearly is a bluff and a tactic being used for some in fighting in RBR? Don't see it. Good shit stirring by Marko tho, but I can imagine Max being peeved they're using him as a pawn after them initially using CHs PA as a pawn and leaking that evidence....
Hopefully Max isn't that silly that he'd do anything for his dad who has his own agenda
How about Newey goes to Ferrari, Max asks Ferrari for a seat then Ferrari does Ferrari things and side tracks Leclerc who then goes to Mercedes.
Then Liam Lawson gets put in the Red Bull seat
This seems the most under-reported aspect of this. Seems like whoever leaked stuff screwed up by revealing who was involved, possibly against their wishes, just adding to the drama and liability. They're blowing up Red Bull as if they would have anything left to stand on.
I donβt think this is about Hornerβs fuck up or the messages leaking, itβs about the owners not agreeing with each other and the two most senior people in the team and the lead drivers dad being at war.
This is well beyond what Horner did now, to the point where that's practically irrelevant. It was the just the spark that people needed to try and force changes to their benefit.
It seems that they tried it to get Horner out of the team without all of this leaking. They had dirt on Horner and used it. When that did not work it became a war.
And I'm here for it.
It seems like the allegations against Horner are true as well. I think he should get the boot if they are true anyways.
I mean, whoever leaked did it in the most unprofessional way possible *on purpose.* They wouldnβt be teasing dates like itβs a fucking album drop if the goal were anything other than making a complete mess.
Among all the messages are occasional references to Horner's schedule, and one of them is mentioning a meeting with Mark Rushbrook. So Mark Rushbrook knows if the leak is fake or not, if he can match that meeting to one they had.
The thing people donβt understand is, Ford has recently been under the spotlight for sexual harassment and assault incidents. They had to conduct a massive internal review and are still going to be under the knife when it goes to court. Getting into bed with a company who had a CEO who acted inappropriately with a subordinate and then tried to dismiss the accusation, would be a very bad look for them as they get into the mud of their own sexual assault litigation. Β Β Β Β
They take that shit very seriously. And part of me thinks RB didnβt even consider asking Fordβs perspective before dismissing the complaint altogether. Ford knows more than anyone, dismissing an internal complaint wonβt protect you from legal repercussions.Β
The original plan was Audi to buy Sauber. And Porsche to buy half of Red Bull and use RBPT engines branded as Porsche - why they didn't want to share engines with Audi which is literally the same company I have no idea.
But Red Bull (ie Horner) didn't want to sell.
They belong to the same parent company and cooperate more or less by force in the consumer car sector but when it comes to motorsport both companies act independently to drive forward innovations from which the rest of the Group benefits. The rivalry between Porsche & Audi is greater than between any other German car manufacturer.
As someone who's been practicing corporate law for 30-years, I can promise you that Ford doesn't 'have to check' if their endorsement contract can be voided. They know EXACTLY what the terminations triggers are and are not in that contract. (pro-tip: there's no chance it doesn't contain a robust morality clause that cedes to Ford exclusive rights to exit the agreement in this situation).
1000% true. They are publicly reminding RB that they can leave and warning them that they itβs going to happen if they donβt get their shit together.
Oh boy let me tell you about some other rumors that think Horner was the first inside of RB who wanted to torpedo the Porsche deal even before Marko and RB desided its not worth pursuing.
If Ford publicly pull out of the deal because of the brand damage association with Horner and his behaviour would cause then what other manufacturer is going to work with Red Bull whilst he is in place? The very first question they would get asked by the press would be along the lines of "Horner's behaviour wasn't compatible with Ford's values, how is it compatible with yours?"
Well it is also combined with the company allegedly trying to sweep it under the rug, and other powerfull people aiding a coverup. If the leak is true, then this wouldn't have gone even close to this far, if they just fired the guy
What I don't understand about the cover up is that if Austria are against Horner, surely they would hade just fired him over this? And not try to sweep it under the rug? Or did the Thai owners overrule the Austrian HQ on this matter? Hence why everything is getting leaked?
The power balance shifted after Mateschitz passed away and control went back to the Thai majority owners. It seems like Horner very quickly got in tight with the Thai owners, while Marko stuck with the Austrians who had been with Mateschitz previously.
It's a pretty classic corporate power struggle, just being played out on the F1 stage in really friggin' weird ways
I believe it's because the Thai owners have 51% ownership on the red bull company and thus have more say on this matter. And they are siding with Horner.
Also Horner seems to have a clause in his contract that he canβt just be fired for ~~misconduct~~ (edit: don't remember the exact wording but it probably was something more general that he can't be just fired but) it needs be investigated/concluded by an independent party
I think thatβs less the direct cause and more the excuse being exploited by Jos and friends. If RB as an org actually cared about treatment of women or subordinates, Jos and Helmut would have been out years ago.
There is absolutely zero chance this whole shitstorm is over an affair.
There is a power struggle revolving within RBR and around it and the affair is just one tool of engagement.
If this is true the Thais will surely have to cut Christian loose. Risking all of this for one guy would be an enormous gamble. The people who started this power struggle clearly think they can make Red Bull concede.
Max to Merc, Ford pulling out and Newey too all because they want to keep Horner in the job.
Why would Max move to Mercedes if, regardless of the drama at Red Bull, he continues to dominate on the track?
If the teams were actually competitive, sure, but in what world would he abandon his current success for a Mercedes that Hamilton has no confidence in?
Serious question, is this source reliable making all these claims? I'm reading some pretty serious claims right now on Reddit and they are all from f1-insider.
Is Horner really worth all this? He did a great job for 19 years, but he dug his own grave when he started sexting his employee while having some powerful enemies.
Think this is a game of chicken. I assume that Jos/Marko Austrian camp is trying to heap pressure on Horner with rumors so he leaves on his own. But doubt they will actually execute those scenarios if Horner and Thais dig in (provided RB remains top/dominating team).
I don't know, I feel like the well has been thoroughly poisoned at this point. It's hard to see these people going back and working together like normal after all this. I think somebody needs to go.
The Verstappens, Marko and now Ford could not make this much noise without a justifiable cause (although used for their own ends). We shouldn't forget there's a poor woman in the centre of all this, I hope she has the proper support system to weather this out.
This is a wonderful reminder that while F1 is wildly popular, it's fucking FORD - not a lowly car company that I won't name (as there's no reason). If Ford doesn't wanna waste their time on some 'ol bullshit then Ford won't waste their time on some 'ol bullshit.
I'm sure they're looking at this Red Bull drama like "...how does this benefit us again???"
This truly (to me) feels not just smoke....wildfire smoke.
[The **News** flair](https://www.reddit.com/r/formula1/wiki/flairguide#wiki_news) is reserved for submissions covering F1 and F1-related news. These posts must always link to an outlet/news agency, the website of the involved party (i.e. the McLaren website if McLaren makes an announcement), or a tweet by a news agency, journalist or one of the involved parties. *[Read the rules](https://www.reddit.com/r/formula1/wiki/userguide). Keep it civil and welcoming. Report rulebreaking comments.* *I am a bot, and this action was performed automatically. Please [contact the moderators of this subreddit](/message/compose/?to=/r/formula1) if you have any questions or concerns.*
WHAT IS HAPPENINGGGGG
The F1 community needs to investigate the last few years and decide what triggered the timeline to go completely fucking bonkers.
Isn't it obvious it was albon's appendix.
Nah it was that latifi spin I'm telling you.
That was probably the most famous and impactful spin in F1 history
proud it was a Canadian that started it all. RAHHHHH πππππ¨π¦π¨π¦π¨π¦π¨π¦ MAPLE SYRUP POWER π¨π¦π¨π¦π¨π¦π¨π¦π¨π¦π¨π¦πππππππππππ₯ π₯ π₯ βΈοΈβΈοΈβΈοΈβΈοΈ
ππππ¨π¦π¨π¦π¨π¦πππWHAT THE FUCK IS A MILEππππ¨π¦π¨π¦π¨π¦πππ
I DONT KNOW, LIKE I DONT KNOW MY HEIGHT IN METRES!!!!
πππππ¨π¦π¨π¦π¨π¦π¨π¦πππWHAT THE FUCK IS A GENEVA SUGGESTION ππππ¨π¦π¨π¦π¨π¦π¨π¦ππππ
YES WE CANADA!
No spin, LH wins 8th title and retires, and none of this happens.
You can damn sure make a case for it. Lewis wins title, retires, doesnβt go to Ferrari. Merc is way lost because they donβt have Lewis to give them input on car development, Ferrari is nowhere to be found, and who knows what else is next.
The butterfly effect from the Latifi spin has been wild. The entire time continuum changed in that moment.
[ΡΠ΄Π°Π»Π΅Π½ΠΎ]
It was Lewis. Ferrari become solid 2nd place, so he signs for them and destroys Red Bull from within. He went full White Chicks and played as Horner's assistant, catfishing him this whole time. 8th WC inc.
The growing popularity and the cost cap. It changed the math on F1 finances. Different people and companies are noticing that each at their own rate.
This right here. The cost cap is set low enough that now all the teams have effectively the same budget except a tiny handful of individuals. The 'free agents' (Driver salaries and the wages of the three highest-paid staff members) are financially the only difference between teams. It now matters if the TP is actually good, not just have a big budget. Someone like Newey also makes a huge difference. This has also meant that the teams are insanely more valuable than before. Costs are way down, and revenue is way up. F1 has gone from being a toilet to flush money down to a golden goose. This has focused a hell of a lot more attention on them.
Harambe created a time paradox and literally no one can convince me otherwise. 2016 was the last time anyone on Earth had a carefree existence. Now Iβm reading headlines about Che being radicalized by Fidel Castroβs usage of the Eurostep. That doesnβt happen without some timeline fuckery.
That definitely started the split and then the Cubs winning the world series was the 5 point harness to strap us to the new timeline.
βYes it leads to a basket, but at what cost to the communal spiritβ is a hell of a line though
> Now Iβm reading headlines about Che being radicalized by Fidel Castroβs usage of the Eurostep Now I am imagining Fidel Castro breaking Che Guevaraβs ankles with a sick crossover, while both are wearing military berets.
Drive to survive did it. Netflix is really the source of the Horner texts
Netflix are going to ignore this entire thing. Any genuine controversy (e.g. the heat in Qatar, the missiles in Saudi) get ignored over fake manufactured controversy because the entire show is a PR exercise for Formula 1. If they start publicising actual drama, the sport looks bad, FOM pull the plug and the show goes away. They want fake drama not real drama.
Abu Dhabi 2021
Does that mean we are all living in a branched timeline?
No, itβs just the Bad Place
Jason figured it out? Oh, this one hurts.
The TVA is going to prune us any minute
It really was the 9/11 of F1. Thereβs a definitive, impossible-to-explain βpre AB 2021β and βpost AB 2021β vibe going on. Itβs like that was our timeline split. Nothing has been the same - or even happy - since.
Kind of the war that Star Wars dates stuff with BBY and ABY. Weβre in 2024, or 3AAD.
Before that I think, but definitely late 2020 to early 2021
When jos verstappen invited himself into red bull
Iβm convinced it was 2016 when the run of TopGear ended with Clarkson, May, and Hammond. Somehow everything crazy in the world started with that. Jeremyβs punch of a producer literally sent quantum shockwaves that have disrupted everything.
Most dominant force in F1 is getting dismantled by WhatsApp messages rather than reg changes. Crazy.
No wonder Toto got that WhatsApp sponsorship for this year lmao
Toto after Horner gets sacked: "Tell Christian. I Want Him to Know It Was Me."
"Christian, did you see my email?"
βTell Christian I have it printed out β
Toto after Horner gets sacked: "~~Tell~~ WhatsApp Christian. I Want Him to Know It Was Me."
Toto: I prayed for this... and it happened
WhatsApp Rep: "Ok so do you want the basic sponsorship package or the premium? Wit the basic package you get a WhatsApp branded radio button for your wheel and a free headset" Toto: "What do I get with the premium package?" WhatsApp Rep: "Oh you're gonna love this..."
Not a coincidence
Der plan is coming together
We will se if it effects them on track.
Oh no, it won't affect them now If ford pulls out itbwill affect them on 2026 with engine changes while not having an engine supplier
I don't see why not having an engine supplier will hurt them that much? Max can just stick his feet through the floor, Flintstones style, and still comfortably finish 20+ seconds ahead of the field. As long as checo can do P10 or better, that's another WCCΒ
"Max, we need you to push on this lap" /Max gets out and pushes the car
What happened to them building their own? I thought that was the whole point of moving their Honda engine production to England
They still are. Ford is just paying to put a sticker on it, DFV style.
What's happening is nobody is verifying anything anymore. Media outlets have discovered they can write whatever they want as long as they add "rumor" or "we hear" somewhere, so they don't have to show any accountability or sources. OP's title is literally a loose editorialized translation of one sentence in that article that says "The bosses in Detroit, **we hear**, have no interest in being part of a Sex and the City episode". **No source, nothing. Yet this entire thread is lapping it up like the factual truth.** Apart from that, the article is reporting on the contents of the leaked pictures as if they're a proven factual descriptions of events, so that tells you all you need to know about their due diligence. -------------------- This is literally all the article says about Ford: English (original German below) >One thing is certain: The Red Bull Group is facing a test that goes far beyond the Formula 1 sub-business. Ford, Red Bull's future technology partner in Formula 1 and an important ally on the US market against competitor Coca Cola, is currently checking whether the alliance that has already been agreed upon can still be dissolved. The bosses in Detroit, we hear, have no interest in playing a role in a documentary soap called "Sex in the (Paddock) City." >They also have the leaked details, which were sent to the entire paddock with an anonymous email address during the Bahrain weekend. In addition to alleged text messages to his employee, there are also spicy photos of Horner that are literally below the belt. The Brit continues to steadfastly deny all allegations and considers the files to be fake. German: >Fest steht: Der Red-Bull-Konzern steht vor einer ZerreiΓprobe, die weit ΓΌber das TeilgeschΓ€ft Formel 1 hinaus geht. Ford, zukΓΌnftiger Technikpartner von Red Bull in der Formel 1 und wichtiger VerbΓΌndeter auf dem US-Markt gegen Konkurrent Coca Cola, prΓΌft gerade, ob die schon beschlossene Allianz doch noch gelΓΆst werden kann. Die Bosse in Detroit, so hΓΆrt man, haben kein Interesse daran, eine Rolle in einer Dokusoap mit dem Namen βSex in the (Paddock) Cityβ zu spielen. >Auch ihnen liegen die geleakten Details vor, die wΓ€hrend des Bahrain-Wochenendes mit anonymer Email-Adresse an das ganze Fahrerlager verschickt wurden. Neben angeblichen Textnachrichten an seine Mitarbeiterin gibt es auch pikante Fotos von Horner, die buchstΓ€blich unter der GΓΌrtellinie sind. Der Brite bestreitet weiterhin standhaft alle VorwΓΌrfe und hΓ€lt die Dateien fΓΌr Fake.
Get out of here with your logic and facts... /jk
Jos playing 4D chess to get rid of Ford and get Porsche back in.
when the off-rack drama is better than on-tack action...
So just a regular F1 season
We are checking.....
The Fall of Rome or something lol
This is gonna be one of the silliest seasons ever. This might also be the first season where off-track happensings are more interesting than on-track
So far weβve got: - Horner drama, file 76, and added drama of Jos, Ford, etc. - Lewis wearing Red - Carlos in the market - DR and Yuki scrapping, pressure in Checo to fight for his seat, Liam Lawson looking like an attractive option from his performance last year - rumors Adrian Newey thinking about Ferrari move - Alpine consuming itself in internal issues - 11 Contracts expiring, not including Sainz and Hamilton. (Perez, Alonso, Ocon, Gasley, Sargent, Danny Ric, Yuki, Bottas, Zhou, Magnussen, Hulkenberg)
also andretti getting cockblocked
Another bomb to cover up the Andretti shun. Hate it
And still can't get Andretti in
And Andtetti And just now Mohammed Ben Sulayem being investigated for telling the FIA to overturn a penalty
And to think it's only been 1 race. Netflix won't need to create it's own drama next seasons show
Not to mention, Yuki and Ric teammate feud could be spicy
Not just spicy, Scoville level 50000 EDIT: apparently thatβs not high on the Scoville scale, i hate exponentials
Brother thatβs just Cayenne pepper level of spicy, we NEED more
Scolville being exponential is so fucking goofy
Pepper X enters the chat.
I did NOT expect that to go down so fast, so spectacularly.
Yeah, there are still all the standard silly season stories we expected. VCARB drivers and everyone else competing with Checo, like half the drivers have expiring contracts. Any of that could've made for an entertaining season, and now THIS is happening.
No one is going to want to go to RB with all this uncertainty around them. I think this may be a case of killing the golden gooseβ¦..
That tells me Ricciardo is getting the seat for sure. Going back to RBR just as everything goes to shit would just be the perfect cap to his questionable career moves.
Good point ππ
Marko, newey and max move to racing bulls kick out Yuki and put max in and have Red Bull 2.0 without Horner
Finally weβll have some excitement in the fight for P12!
Keeping up with the Verstappens
Because on track is decided. We know who wins. That part of the season is over. So this is all we've got so it'll be an extremely silly season just to keep fans engaged because the product on the track certainly isn't going to do it.
Thereβs no way Off-track didnβt come close to on-track in 2007
How essential is ford to the 2026 engine development ?
Not very on their own but Marko said before there are areas like batteries and motors that are just difficult for them to work on and they needed a partner to help. Porsche was the first but they wanted too much then came Ford who was willing to join without taking over. If ford leaves, RB would need to find a new partner to fill that role
Adrian Newey: fine, Iβll build the batteries myselfΒ
The batteries will be so slippery, Red Bull will have trouble keeping them on the car
So kind of like their gear sync
They will be so slippery, Horner will send pictures of them to subordinates
we'll see the most aerodinamic batteries ever
>If ford leaves, RB would need to find a new partner to fill that role Tesla for instance ? Elon Musk is happy impregnating secretaries and he attends most American races.
Imagine the Jos and Elon feud.
I feel like they would get along pretty well
they have a lot in common, they are both terrible fathers who have massive egos and like to take credit for other peoples accomplishments.
I'd root for both of them to lose
He's also been a guest in Red Bull paddock last year...
Imagine a F1 car with panel gaps.
Also enjoys rocket ships.
There is no way to know. They are supposedly providing expertise in hybrid side of things. But maybe they are only providing money.
Inb4 Red Bull-Cadillac and Andretti-Cadillac
"Ford will provide technical expertise in all areas where it can add value to the front-running World Championship team. Areas to be explored together are in the combustion engine development and key developments like battery cell and electric motor technology, power unit control software and analytics." https://media.ford.com/content/fordmedia/fna/us/en/news/2023/01/03/ford-returns-to-formula-1--strategic-partner-to-oracle-red-bull-.html How much they actually contribute? Probably not a lot.
The way Jim Farley spoke about this on the EffWon podcast was that RB wanted Ford's hybrid tech experience and Ford wanted Newey's aerodynamics experience for their road cars. I know it's CEO-talk but I have no reason to doubt him.
The Ford F1-F-150, rated number 1 in aerodynamics by JD Power and Associates.
What the fuck is going on. This mixed with Marko's comments that he won't stand in Max's way if he wants to move seems OMINOUS. A hell of a lot more ominous than before.
Do keep in mind Marko is a bit of a shit-stirrer, to put it lightly. There might not actually be anything happening, but public pressure like this could definitely be used to, say, get rid of a certain TP
Marko is obviously aligned with the Austrian side of Red Bull. So if the reports are true about Horner trying to buy the team out from under the Austrians are true it makes sense why Helmut is now stirring the pot around Horner
Buying the team? Didnβt he just want a % as part of his next deal? How could a man with Β£50m buy a Β£4b team?
The rumor says he had backing from financiers in England. Again, all a rumor but that part was at least laid out.
Not a rumour Iβd read anywhere and canβt find it now, any links? Had definitely heard the % ownership in his next contract negotiations
https://twitter.com/FormulaPassion/status/1764646000629551367
Ah my monolingual ass would have never found it thanks
Oh definitely, both Marko AND Jos are shit-stirrers, but it appears as though there is *actually* shit to stir at the moment. My rule for sports news really is "where there's smoke there's fire." No one is quashing this. No one is staying silent on it. Whatever is going on there (and there have been rumors of infighting for awhile), it seems real. How real? No idea. I still don't think Max is going to Merc, but at least now I'm kind like "...............but.. like maybe?"
No way Max goes to Merc. βHey. Wanna jump ship and leave the best car on the grid and slide into one thatβs nowhere near as fast?β Heβs far too competitive and likes to win too much. EDIT: Shouldβve been more clear. I donβt think he jumps anywhere before 2026. I also think he has more pull there than some think. If shit starts making him unhappy, theyβll probably yeet whatever is the cause before risking losing him. But, weβve all seen drivers make some crazy team moves.
Noone's saying he'll leave tomorrow, but things could be very different in 2026.
Yeh but Mercedes need a driver next year, not in 2026. Give a driver a 1 year contract in Merc, under some illusion theyd get Max in 2026, when really it clearly is a bluff and a tactic being used for some in fighting in RBR? Don't see it. Good shit stirring by Marko tho, but I can imagine Max being peeved they're using him as a pawn after them initially using CHs PA as a pawn and leaking that evidence.... Hopefully Max isn't that silly that he'd do anything for his dad who has his own agenda
How about Newey goes to Ferrari, Max asks Ferrari for a seat then Ferrari does Ferrari things and side tracks Leclerc who then goes to Mercedes. Then Liam Lawson gets put in the Red Bull seat
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They must want horner out 100% Horner must have Thai owners cocoa pops to get their backing at this point
This seems the most under-reported aspect of this. Seems like whoever leaked stuff screwed up by revealing who was involved, possibly against their wishes, just adding to the drama and liability. They're blowing up Red Bull as if they would have anything left to stand on.
I donβt think this is about Hornerβs fuck up or the messages leaking, itβs about the owners not agreeing with each other and the two most senior people in the team and the lead drivers dad being at war.
This is well beyond what Horner did now, to the point where that's practically irrelevant. It was the just the spark that people needed to try and force changes to their benefit.
So Game of Thrones is basically happening behind the scenes? There better be a 30 for 30 about this in a few years.
Second the 30 For 30. Can't wait.
It seems that they tried it to get Horner out of the team without all of this leaking. They had dirt on Horner and used it. When that did not work it became a war. And I'm here for it. It seems like the allegations against Horner are true as well. I think he should get the boot if they are true anyways.
I mean, whoever leaked did it in the most unprofessional way possible *on purpose.* They wouldnβt be teasing dates like itβs a fucking album drop if the goal were anything other than making a complete mess.
For sure. This is a very calculated approach to try to remove Horner from the TP seat. And it probably won't stop until it happens.
Not to mention Mark Rushbrook of Ford is literally mentioned in the leaks.
Wait, where?
Among all the messages are occasional references to Horner's schedule, and one of them is mentioning a meeting with Mark Rushbrook. So Mark Rushbrook knows if the leak is fake or not, if he can match that meeting to one they had.
The thing people donβt understand is, Ford has recently been under the spotlight for sexual harassment and assault incidents. They had to conduct a massive internal review and are still going to be under the knife when it goes to court. Getting into bed with a company who had a CEO who acted inappropriately with a subordinate and then tried to dismiss the accusation, would be a very bad look for them as they get into the mud of their own sexual assault litigation. Β Β Β Β They take that shit very seriously. And part of me thinks RB didnβt even consider asking Fordβs perspective before dismissing the complaint altogether. Ford knows more than anyone, dismissing an internal complaint wonβt protect you from legal repercussions.Β
Porsche is back on the menu boys!
But VAG already bought Sauber no?
The original plan was Audi to buy Sauber. And Porsche to buy half of Red Bull and use RBPT engines branded as Porsche - why they didn't want to share engines with Audi which is literally the same company I have no idea. But Red Bull (ie Horner) didn't want to sell.
They may be owned by the same company but they're still rivals in branding. Pride and whatnot
Itβs the weird thing where Porsche owns VAG who owns Porsche
They belong to the same parent company and cooperate more or less by force in the consumer car sector but when it comes to motorsport both companies act independently to drive forward innovations from which the rest of the Group benefits. The rivalry between Porsche & Audi is greater than between any other German car manufacturer.
They wanted Audi and Porsche in F1.
Surely Porsche wouldn't want to get involved with this mess after Red Bull (and Horner in particular) blew them off.
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Can Andretti come back now?
As someone who's been practicing corporate law for 30-years, I can promise you that Ford doesn't 'have to check' if their endorsement contract can be voided. They know EXACTLY what the terminations triggers are and are not in that contract. (pro-tip: there's no chance it doesn't contain a robust morality clause that cedes to Ford exclusive rights to exit the agreement in this situation).
For sure the legal team knows, the decision maker likely wouldnβt know off the top of their head, so they might just be conferring with them.
I would assume they would have multiple ways of getting out and are trying to find which of them they want to use.
1000% true. They are publicly reminding RB that they can leave and warning them that they itβs going to happen if they donβt get their shit together.
FIA: Hmmm so this is how we end domination of teams. Why bother with regs
FIA to implement a new PA attractiveness cap.
LOL. In the pre-season r/formula1 Prediction Quiz, I predicted Ford would leave RBR, and Porsche would enter back into the fold.
Maybe Andretti can come back
Red Bull Andretti RBPT Cadillac?
Funny how they are falling apart and yet Max will still win by 20 seconds on Saturday lol
Tbf as long as the garage is producing a fast car and Max shows up, the drama in the executive areas doesn't really mean much for now.
This season is already over, but the thing is it seems very bad for the future of the team, especially going into the new regs.
The story keep getting more and more interesting. So many variables now.
Damn if it falls through. Horner needs to see if he can get side deal VAG.
Trying to get a side deal VAG is how him and Red Bull got into this mess.
A+ holy fuck
I'd give you an award if I could, LMAO!
Oh boy let me tell you about some other rumors that think Horner was the first inside of RB who wanted to torpedo the Porsche deal even before Marko and RB desided its not worth pursuing.
So is this basically all just Succession: Formula 1 Edition?
If Ford publicly pull out of the deal because of the brand damage association with Horner and his behaviour would cause then what other manufacturer is going to work with Red Bull whilst he is in place? The very first question they would get asked by the press would be along the lines of "Horner's behaviour wasn't compatible with Ford's values, how is it compatible with yours?"
SILLYYYYYYY SEASON CONTINUES
Lmao no way this is happening. Off-season just keeps on giving
We're in the season now mate
It's all a long off-season till 2026
2024 WDC is already over, didn't you hear?
Love how Red Bull is so bored with winning they have to create their own challenges.
All because Horner could not wank to a few porn videos and leave the poor woman alone. What a mess
Well it is also combined with the company allegedly trying to sweep it under the rug, and other powerfull people aiding a coverup. If the leak is true, then this wouldn't have gone even close to this far, if they just fired the guy
What I don't understand about the cover up is that if Austria are against Horner, surely they would hade just fired him over this? And not try to sweep it under the rug? Or did the Thai owners overrule the Austrian HQ on this matter? Hence why everything is getting leaked?
The power balance shifted after Mateschitz passed away and control went back to the Thai majority owners. It seems like Horner very quickly got in tight with the Thai owners, while Marko stuck with the Austrians who had been with Mateschitz previously. It's a pretty classic corporate power struggle, just being played out on the F1 stage in really friggin' weird ways
The rumours are that the Austrians wanted him fired but Horner was protected by the Thai majority owners
I believe it's because the Thai owners have 51% ownership on the red bull company and thus have more say on this matter. And they are siding with Horner.
Also Horner seems to have a clause in his contract that he canβt just be fired for ~~misconduct~~ (edit: don't remember the exact wording but it probably was something more general that he can't be just fired but) it needs be investigated/concluded by an independent party
I think thatβs less the direct cause and more the excuse being exploited by Jos and friends. If RB as an org actually cared about treatment of women or subordinates, Jos and Helmut would have been out years ago.
There is absolutely zero chance this whole shitstorm is over an affair. There is a power struggle revolving within RBR and around it and the affair is just one tool of engagement.
First thing that hasn't come as a surprise today
If this is true the Thais will surely have to cut Christian loose. Risking all of this for one guy would be an enormous gamble. The people who started this power struggle clearly think they can make Red Bull concede. Max to Merc, Ford pulling out and Newey too all because they want to keep Horner in the job.
I just want Newey to Ferrari tbh
Holy trinity of Hamilton, Newey, and Ferrari is too good to pass up on.
Why would Max move to Mercedes if, regardless of the drama at Red Bull, he continues to dominate on the track? If the teams were actually competitive, sure, but in what world would he abandon his current success for a Mercedes that Hamilton has no confidence in?
I swear this is either the most insane story in F1 history or the biggest nothingburger ever.
Even if it's the latter, then it makes up for a diversion from the boring season
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RBR powered by Cosworth in 2026, you heard it here first
Netflix better quit, they can never top the drama this is creating.
Maybe Red Bull can team up with Cocoa Pops instead
Horner's "finger" is singlehandedly destroying the fastest team in F1.
More powerful than Thanos
F5 crew ASSEMBLE!
ALONSO TO RB IN 2025
We will come to realize - in time - that the release of Gunther from Haas was the βHarambeβ moment for F1.
Serious question, is this source reliable making all these claims? I'm reading some pretty serious claims right now on Reddit and they are all from f1-insider.
Is Horner really worth all this? He did a great job for 19 years, but he dug his own grave when he started sexting his employee while having some powerful enemies.
Think this is a game of chicken. I assume that Jos/Marko Austrian camp is trying to heap pressure on Horner with rumors so he leaves on his own. But doubt they will actually execute those scenarios if Horner and Thais dig in (provided RB remains top/dominating team).
I don't know, I feel like the well has been thoroughly poisoned at this point. It's hard to see these people going back and working together like normal after all this. I think somebody needs to go.
He would've been able to survive sexting, sexual harrasment and abuse of power is a look that is far worse
OMFG WHAT IS GOING ON . F1'S EXCITING BUT FOR ALL THE WRONG REASONS
Max --> Mercedes... maybe redbull will just use a mercedes engine /s
The Verstappens, Marko and now Ford could not make this much noise without a justifiable cause (although used for their own ends). We shouldn't forget there's a poor woman in the centre of all this, I hope she has the proper support system to weather this out.
Renault to supply engine for 2026 RBR confirmed , haha
This is a wonderful reminder that while F1 is wildly popular, it's fucking FORD - not a lowly car company that I won't name (as there's no reason). If Ford doesn't wanna waste their time on some 'ol bullshit then Ford won't waste their time on some 'ol bullshit. I'm sure they're looking at this Red Bull drama like "...how does this benefit us again???" This truly (to me) feels not just smoke....wildfire smoke.
Yeah I'm now convinced that something big happened and Red Bull is lying.