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      ‘Disappointed’ Christian Horner sexts accuser ‘feels let down’ by Red Bull team after her shock suspension over scandal

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      CHRISTIAN Horner’s accuser says she ‘feels let down’ by the Red Bull team after the F1 chief was cleared by an independent investigation. The woman at the centre of the sexting storm who was suspended by the Milton Keynes-based company last week is said to be left disappointed by how Red Bull has dealt with the scandal.Horner and Geri put on a united front in Saudi Arabia over the weekendCredit: RexHorner has been cleared by an independent investigationCredit: RexThe Spice Girl has been standing by her husband throughout the dramaCredit: The Mega AgencyThe F1 chief was cleared of accusations of controlling behaviour but the following day a dossier of text messages allegedly between Horner and the female staffer was leaked.The woman was suspended from Red Bull Racing HQ amid claims her “honesty was called into question.”A friend of the staffer, told MailOnline: “She is so disappointed with how it’s all gone, especially as she did everything by the book.”She raised her concerns in private and did everything right, but she feels very let down by the company.READ MORE ON HORNER”They have suspended her when she followed the proper process diligently and correctly.”But for all that, she was suspended from the job she loves and from a sport that she is highly regarded in.”The lack of support is noted and she’s just so disappointed with the treatment from her employer.”Look at what happened. She complained there was a supposedly transparent, independent investigation, Horner was cleared, and she was then suspended.”Most read in MotorsportThe staffer’s friend continued by casting doubt on Red Bull’s investigation adding: “Questions need to be asked of the Red Bull investigation, transparency would bring confidence in what is happening to her.”Who at Red Bull was tasked with establishing the facts? Who at Red Bull had access to all the confidential material that was used?”Who at Red Bull is making all these decisions and who at Red Bull is making efforts to establish the source of these leaks?”She just can’t get over the fact that she made a complaint and was suspended – all she wants is transparency in the process.”They added that the staffer has had lots of supporting messages from friends and family and even though she has been inundated with offers to share her side of the story, she has chosen to remain silent for the time being.The comment comes amid claims the employee is reportedly preparing to appeal.An F1 source told the outlet the way the sext storm has been handled will “discourage other women, who may have had similar issues in F1 from coming forward.”They told the outlet: “She didn’t seek any of this and now she has been suspend and the message is quite clear, it implies to women stay quiet and don’t speak out or you will lose your job.”It comes after former F1 driver Christijan Albers has warned a “lot more will surface” as he noted the Red Bull chief has a “terrifying amount of power.”Speaking to the Dutch outlet De Telegraaf he said it was “terrifying” Horner holds so much power despite the bombshell allegations against him.He said: “Because by the way it’s all being picked up and it’s just being waved away, then you make someone on the other side extra angry. I think a lot more will surface. “Then, still, [Horner has] this drive and envy to still be able to get that number one position and just chop everyone’s head off.”Meanwhile, Max Verstappen’s dad Jos has backed the woman and has called for £8million-a-year Horner to be axed, accusing him of ripping the team apart.Horner and his wife Geri put on a united front over the weekend in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia where they watched Max Verstappen claim another victory.READ MORE SUN STORIESSpeaking at the press conference the F1 chief said he was keen to “draw a line” under the scandal and that it was time to “focus on what is going on on track.”Despite seemingly standing by her man throughout the drama, Geri is said to be “in turmoil” over the sexting storm.Horner said it was time to “focus on what is going on on track”Credit: The Mega Agency More

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      Christian Horner has ‘terrifying’ amount of power at Red Bull & ‘more will surface’ after sext scandal, ex-F1 ace warns

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      CHRISTIAN Horner has a ‘terrifying’ amount of power and a ‘lot more will surface’ after the sexting scandal, a former F1 driver has warned.The Red Bull boss has been under intense pressure amid the ongoing sexting storm after he was cleared of accusations of controlling behaviour by a female staffer.The Red Bull boss was cleared by an independent investigationCredit: RexHorner and Geri pictured in Saudi Arabia over the weekendCredit: GettyChristijan Albers has warned ” a lot more will surface”Credit: GettyHorner, 50, who has always denied any wrongdoing, was cleared by an independent investigation at Red Bull.But the following day a dossier of seedy text messages allegedly between the dad-of-two and the female staffer was leaked.As a result of the internal probe, his accuser was suspended last week and is reportedly preparing to appeal.Now ex-F1 driver Christijan Albers has hit out at Horner and warned that more will come to light.READ MORE ON HORNERSpeaking to the Dutch outlet De Telegraaf he said it was “terrifying” Horner holds so much power despite the bombshell allegations against him.He said: “Because by the way it’s all being picked up and it’s just being waved away, then you make someone on the other side extra angry. I think a lot more will surface. “Then, still, [Horner has] this drive and envy to still be able to get that number one position and just chop everyone’s head off.”He continued by pinning Red Bull’s success on the team’s advisor Helmut Marko adding: “If you start looking very realistically, which drivers did he put in the car and which drivers did Dr Marko put in the car?’Most read in Motorsport”Looking at success. With all due respect, all success formulas come from Marko. “So if you really start looking at who has a view on talent, there is absolutely no debate on that. That’s just Dr Marko, who has always made the right choices.”Once again Horner and his wife Geri put on a united front over the weekend in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia  where they watched Max Verstappen claim another victory.Speaking at the press conference the F1 chief said he was keen to “draw a line” under the scandal and that it was time to “focus on what is going on on track.”Despite seemingly standing by her man throughout the drama,  Geri is said to be “in turmoil” over the sexting storm.The Spice Girl was pictured at the Commonwealth Day service at Westminster Abbey on Monday, in her trademark all-white ensemble.Meanwhile, the team was forced to respond after claims a key shareholder was looking at axing Horner.It was reported Chalerm Yoodivhya, an ally of Horner and 51 per cent owner of Red Bull, had changed his mind on keeping the Brit in post at the Milton Keynes-based team.Red Bull was forced to respond to the claims that they were looking at axing the Formula One boss.Erik van Haren, the journalist who broke the story, reported that a spokesperson for the racing camp was forced to respond and quell rumours of a firing following the bombshell claims.READ MORE SUN STORIESThey said: “As Christian has said, he is grateful for the full support of the shareholders and that remains the case.”While Max Verstappen’s dad Jos has backed Horner’s accuser and has called for £8million-a-year Horner to be axed, accusing him of ripping the team apart.The Red Bull chief congratulated Verstappen for his winCredit: The Mega AgencyThe Spice Girl has stood by her husband throughout the sexting scandalCredit: GettySCANDAL… LAP BY LAPFEBRUARY 5: A Dutch newspaper reports a female Red Bull employee has made serious allegations of “inappropriate, controlling behaviour” about Horner to parent company Red Bull GmbH.
      FEB 9: Horner is quizzed for nine hours by the lawyer hired by Red Bull to investigate.
      FEB 15: He denies the allegations and says they are a distraction for the team.
      FEB 15: F1 says it hopes the matter will be clarified at the earliest opportunity after a fair and thorough process.
      FEB 26: Red Bull’s engine partner Ford says it is increasingly frustrated by the team’s handling of the complaint.
      FEB 28: Horner is cleared of all wrongdoing. The employee is said to have the right of appeal.
      FEB 29: Horner says he is pleased the investigation is over.
      FEB 29: WhatsApp texts and pictures claimed to be between Horner and the employee are sent to journalists and F1.
      MARCH 1: Horner refuses to comment on what he calls “anonymous speculation from unknown sources”.
      MAR 2: Horner and wife Geri are pictured hand-in-hand, as Red Bull’s Max Verstappen wins the Bahrain Grand Prix. Horner says before the race: “It’s been very testing for my family but we are very strong and our focus is on this race.”
      MAR 3: Verstappen’s dad Jos, claims Red Bull is in “danger of being torn apart” if Horner stays in the job. He denies being the source of the WhatsApp leak, saying: “It can’t go on the way it is. It will explode. He is playing the victim, when he is the one causing the problems.”
      MAR 6: Max Verstappen sides with his dad in the row.
      MAR 7: Horner says he wants to draw a line under the scandal and hails Geri’s support — as Red Bull suspends the employee. More

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      Ex-Playboy model Brittny Button wears some top gear as she celebrates two years wed to ex F1 champ Jenson

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      EX-Playboy model Brittny Button looks racy in silk as she celebrates two years wed to former F1 ace Jenson.In an online post to his 33-year-old wife, the racing star said: “I love you Brittny Button.Stunning model Brittny Button poses in sexy silk gownCredit: Capture Media AgencyThe ex-playboy model is celebrating two years wed to former F1 ace Jenson ButtonCredit: INSTAGRAMI’m looking forward to the amazing journey ahead for us and our little family.”The couple live in Los Angeles in a home Jenson reportedly splashed £5million on.That’s after he flipped another property in the City of Angels for £4.7million, as well as a Palm Springs mansion for £2million.And did we mention he drives TWO cars worth £2million…READ MORE F1 NEWSButton has made a pastime out of buying homes over the years.At the turn of 2023, he purchased a stunning Santa Monica pad costing around £5million.The Spanish Revival bungalow boasts four bedrooms and three bathrooms, and is the perfect spot for Brittny and their two children, Hendrix and Lenny.That came 12 months after he bought a fixer-upper in California’s mountainous region between Calabasas and Malibu for £4million.Most read in MotorsportIn 2020, they reportedly sold a massive six-bedroom home in Bel Air for around £9million.Showing their love of flipping homes, his incredible Brentwood home, which featured five bedrooms, a pool and spa was also flogged for £4.7million.‘We’re always grateful’, says Christian Horner as he hails wife Geri Halliwell in Mother’s Day post amid sexting scandalThe couple also listed their four-bedroomed Palm Springs house for £2million, while Button’s wife Brittny said they have another home in the Californian desert.Brittney, who has recently turned her hand to interior design, said: “Between my design career and Jenson’s busy work schedule, on top of our family life, we don’t have time to manage two homes in Palm Springs. “We are so sad to say goodbye, but we know whoever is lucky enough to purchase the property will be very happy there.” More

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      Geri Halliwell’s secret signals to husband Christian Horner reveal need for ‘calm & peace’ amid sext storm, expert says

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      GERI Halliwell has been showing her unwavering support for husband Christian Horner through secret signals amid the sext storm, an expert says.The beloved former Spice Girl, 51, is thought to be motioning a “desire for calm and peace” through her lavish outfits in recent public appearances.Geri Halliwell wore a full white outfit to the Commonwealth Day Service at Westminster AbbeyCredit: SplashGeri and husband Christian Horner at the Bahrain Grand Prix in a white dressCredit: GettyGeri again in all white at the Saudi Arabia Grand Prix earlier this monthCredit: The Mega AgencySince the initial allegations of inappropriate behaviour by a female colleague of Horner’s at Red Bull Racing, Geri has loyally stood by her man. And she has seemingly always done so wearing cream or white outfits – something experts believe is a clever trick to show the world the pair are ‘innocent and pure’.The colour white has always been regarded as an elegant and peaceful shade for its strong links to angels and weddings.In colour psychology, cream has similar connotations signifying comfort and humility.read more in HornerShe’s projecting a neutral stance that could be a reassuring statement of support for her husband, and a non-confrontational way of displaying their innocence to the worldJules StandishColour expertColour expert at the London College of Style, Jules Standish told The Telegraph: “Geri’s decision to wear all cream and white represents a sense of balance and optimism, as well as a liking for order and clarity.”By wearing these colours, she’s projecting a neutral stance that could be a reassuring statement of support for her husband, and a non-confrontational way of displaying their innocence to the world.”“She’s signalling a desire for calm and peace.”“It gives an image of being a naturally open-minded person who has a clear and direct approach to life, and likes to be respected for her opinions. Most read in Motorsport”She may want to be seen as someone who can make her own decisions, and not be swayed by others.”At the Commonwealth Day service at Westminster Abbey on Monday, Geri rocked up in a long white dress covered in an elegant floral print.Geri Halliwell appears WITHOUT Red Bull F1 boss husband Christian Horner at Commonwealth Day Service amid sexting stormShe paired this with a white Jane Taylor pillbox hat. It was the first time she has been seen at a public event without her husband since the scandal broke last month.Then at the most recent Formula One Grand Prix event in Saudi Arabia the ex-Spice Girl wore a belted cream dress with luxury cape sleeves.Many even made the comparison Princess Leia in Star Wars as the pop icon was in the spotlight all weekend as she continues to face pressure over her husband’s alleged behaviour.Horner and Geri put on a united front in Jeddah as they watched Rec Bull’s all-conquering Max Verstappen claim another victory despite the internal drama.Horner saluted his “phenomenally supportive” wife after the race and insisted it was time to “draw a line” under the scandal.And even a week earlier, in scorching Bahrain Geri once again turned up in a white dress.Making her grand yet surprising entrance in a sleeveless frock and nude heels. Geri is said to be still in ‘turmoil’ over the accusations against her husbandCredit: AFPHalliwell has been a fan of bolder fashion choices in the pastCredit: GettyGeri at Horner’s birthday bash last year in a complete white outfitCredit: blitz picturesGeri has vowed to stand by her man in wake of the accusations and leaked textsCredit: PAPictures also showed Geri wearing a red string bracelet on her left wrist.Many believe the spiritual bracelet was worn to “ward off evil”.Sources close to the pop icon suggest Geri has become increasingly spiritual over the years and has been mediating lately to help deal with the pressure her husband brought on their marriage.Her husband is usually in [his Red Bull] uniform, but Geri’s clothes function in a similar way, endorsing a supportive message of innocence and purity.Jules StandishColour expertDespite the show of support, it has been reported Geri is still “in turmoil” over the sext row.Standish continued the analysis by saying: “Her husband is usually in [his Red Bull] uniform, but Geri’s clothes function in a similar way, endorsing a supportive message of innocence and purity.” Geri has previously described her outfits as uniform-like in an interview last year.She said the choice to only wear white, cream or neutral colours when going out to public events is similar to how CEOs wear suits of similar shades at important meetings.The idea of cream or white signifying calm, innocence and clarity has been around for a while in celebrity outfits.Kate Moss has frequently been snapped wearing cream at big events and movie star Gwyneth Paltrow’s favourite looks all contain neutral shades.Even Meghan Markle has cracked the colour code as she is often seen head to toe in cream when doing humanitarian work.But a source close to Geri said the colour scheme isn’t down to her emotions but rather a conscious fashion decision. They said: “Geri had her colours done a few years ago and was told that cream is the most flattering shade for her.“Ever since, she’s been very strict about only ever wearing white or cream.”Back in 2019, another source said white and cream outfits lined up with Geri’s attempt to create a new “clean and ladylike” look.This comes after the pop icon was regarded as the wild dresser among the Spice Girls and was most well-known globally for her legendary Union Jack dress.While Horner was cleared of the colleague’s initial accusations of controlling behaviour on February 28 – the company turmoil did not end there.Just 24 hours later a dossier of the father-of-two’s embarrassing and seedy text messages were leaked.The intimate texts raised questions about Red Bull’s international investigation and put the spotlight firmly on his wife’s appearance in Bahrain days later.While the couple put on a public – if awkward – display of support for the F1 opener, reports suggest things behind the scenes are rocky.The former Spice Girl reportedly laid down the law for his behaviour moving forwards and demanded he cut off contact with the unnamed woman.She was later suspended from Red Bull.Tensions within the team itself have also been steadily increasing for weeks.The biggest rift so far has sprung up between Horner and his star driver – Max Verstappen’s – father Jos.Jos, 52, has backed Horner’s accuser and has called for £8million-a-year Horner to be axed, accusing the boss of ripping the team apart.A source told The Sun said over the weekend: “Christian’s enemies are making it clear they will not give up.READ MORE SUN STORIES“But he and Geri are staying strong and will face them down.”Christian will be back at work at Red Bull’s HQ first thing on Monday to get on with the business of running his team and winning races.”SCANDAL… LAP BY LAP
      FEBRUARY 5: A Dutch newspaper reports a female Red Bull employee has made serious allegations of “inappropriate, controlling behaviour” about Horner to parent company Red Bull GmbH.
      FEB 9: Horner is quizzed for nine hours by the lawyer hired by Red Bull to investigate.
      FEB 15: He denies the allegations and says they are a distraction for the team.
      FEB 15: F1 says it hopes the matter will be clarified at the earliest opportunity after a fair and thorough process.
      FEB 26: Red Bull’s engine partner Ford says it is increasingly frustrated by the team’s handling of the complaint.
      FEB 28: Horner is cleared of all wrongdoing. The employee is said to have the right of appeal.
      FEB 29: Horner says he is pleased the investigation is over.
      FEB 29: WhatsApp texts and pictures claimed to be between Horner and the employee are sent to journalists and F1.
      MARCH 1: Horner refuses to comment on what he calls “anonymous speculation from unknown sources”.
      MAR 2: Horner and wife Geri are pictured hand-in-hand, as Red Bull’s Max Verstappen wins the Bahrain Grand Prix. Horner says before the race: “It’s been very testing for my family but we are very strong and our focus is on this race.”
      MAR 3: Verstappen’s dad Jos, claims Red Bull is in “danger of being torn apart” if Horner stays in the job. He denies being the source of the WhatsApp leak, saying: “It can’t go on the way it is. It will explode. He is playing the victim, when he is the one causing the problems.”
      MAR 6: Max Verstappen sides with his dad in the row.
      MAR 7: Horner says he wants to draw a line under the scandal and hails Geri’s support — as Red Bull suspends the employee.
      MAR 10: The unidentified woman at the heart of the scandal has switched lawyers and is reportedly poised to appeal the verdict

      The former pop star, in 2014, wearing a much bolder coloured outfitCredit: Nikos PicturesGeri has been wearing neutral outfits for the last few years to reportedly create a ‘ladylike’ feel around herCredit: GettyGeri in the F1 paddock at Bahrain last year again sporting whiteCredit: GettyGeri was even seen wearing a red bracelet said to be used to warn off evil during an F1 race this seasonCredit: SplashHalliwell has worn white at most of her big events including a book launch last yearCredit: Alamy More

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      Who was Dan ‘Lionheart’ Wheldon and what was his cause of death?

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      HBO is set to premiere its latest documentary entitled The Lionheart on 12 March 2024.Here, we take a closer look at the main subject of the program, professional racer Dan ‘Lionheart’ Wheldon.IndyCar driver Dan Wheldon wins his second Indianapolis 500 on 30 May 2011Credit: AP Photo/Michael Conroy, FileWho was Dan ‘Lionheart’ Wheldon?Daniel Clive Wheldon was born in Buckinghamshire, England on 22 June 1978.He began go-kart racing at age four, but joined competitive racing when he was eight.After finding success early in the United Kingdom, he flew to the United States to further his racing career in 1999.There, he won the US F2000 and was named Rookie of the Year. Read more on sportsIn 2002, he began competing in the IndyCar Series with Panther Racing, and by 2005 he conquered the Indianappolis 500.He broke the record for the most victories in one season, with six.The following year, he drove for Chip Ganassi Racing, and ended the season in a tie for first place in points with Sam Hornish Jr.Hornish had more wins than Wheldon, and was crowned the 2006 Indy Car Champion.Most read in MotorsportHe raced in the 2011 Indianapolis 500 with Bryan Herta Autosport and finished in first place.What was Dan Wheldon’s cause of death?Dan Wheldon was part of a 15-car wreck in 11th lap of the IndyCar World Championship on 16 October 2011.His car went over another vehicle and hit the catch fence at the Las Vegas Motor Speedway.He was brought to the hospital by helicopter, where he was declared dead.CBS reports that Wheldon suffered a “non-survivable injury” and the official cause of death was listed as blunt force trauma to the head.He was 33.Dan Wheldon is survived by his wife and their two sonsCredit: Nick Laham via Getty ImagesHow can I watch Lionhheart?The Lionheart is a documentary that will follow Dan Wheldon’s sons as they embark on their own professional racing journeys.The program premieres on HBO on 12 March 2024, at 9 p.m.It was will also be available to stream on Max. More

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      Brit F1 sensation Oliver Bearman FAILED his first driving test by faulting at lights leaving him asking ‘what the hell?’

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      TEEN F1 star Oliver Bearman flunked his first driving test by messing up at lights.The 18-year-old pipped idol Lewis Hamilton in a stunning debut race in Saudi Arabia on Saturday.F1 sensation Oliver Bearman at the Saudi Arabian Grand Prix on SaturdayCredit: APDespite joining Ferrari’s academy at 16, he failed his first driving test due to a gaffe at the traffic lightsCredit: UNPIXSBut despite joining Ferrari’s academy at 16, he needed a second test attempt before being allowed on UK roads.Oliver is said to have failed over “response to traffic lights”, which probably means he pulled away too quickly.He enlisted the help of David Currey for a two-hour lesson before passing in October 2022.David, 52, who lives near Chelmsford, Essex, said: “He got in touch over Instagram because I live in his family’s village. READ MORE ON FORMULA ONEI could see from his pictures that he was an F3 driver at the time.“We did the lesson in his BMW. I felt totally safe even though I didn’t have my foot controls. “He had failed his test before on a traffic-light fault. I am not sure if it was for running an amber. Maybe he didn’t stop.“Or it could have been how he was positioned at the lights. When he failed he was a bit like, ‘What the hell’.Most read in Motorsport“I mean, he has been driving since a kid. But he was so polite and just wanted to learn how to pass.“He asked a lot of questions and seemed very down-to-earth, a great lad. Proud Oliver with his test certificate after passingOliver together with girlfriend Estelle OgilvyCredit: InstagramTikToker Estelle Ogilvy’s glam life as she splits time between jetting to watch F1 boyfriend Oliver Bearman and studying “When he sent me a text saying he had passed with no minors I wrote, ‘Well done lad!’.”David, an instructor for 12 years and who charges £37 an hour, added: “Oliver sent me a picture of him and his pass certificate. I only have two or three students a year that pass with no faults.“His dad and family deserve all the credit. His road test was only a small part but I’m proud I helped him pass it.”Oliver’s F1 chance at Jeddah came when he was drafted in for Spaniard Carlos Sainz.He finished seventh, with seven-time champion Lewis ninth. Asked what he would say to Oliver after his recent success, David said: “I would say, keep going to absolute legend. But if I see him back home then I don’t want to do any racing with him.“I don’t want a burn out at the red lights in the village.” More

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      Spice Girls ‘rallying behind’ Geri Halliwell, Mel B says amid sexting scandal plaguing F1 boss husband Christian Horner

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      GERI Halliwell’s Spice Girls bandmates are “rallying behind” her amid her F1 boss husband’s ongoing sexting scandal, Mel B has revealed.The Scary Spice star admitted she felt “really sad” for Geri as her Red Bull Racing chief husband Christian Horner’s reputation remains on the line.Geri, centre, is being supported by her Spice Girls bandmatesCredit: AlamyThe Ginger Spice star put on a united front with husband Horner over the weekendCredit: GettyHorner, 50, has been under intense pressure after a slew of sexually suggestive text messages apparently sent to an employee were leaked.The F1 boss has always denied any wrongdoing – and was cleared by an internal investigation at Red Bull.But Geri is said to be “in turmoil” over the sexting storm.Mel B has now revealed the Spice Girls stars are supporting Geri.More on Geri HalliwellThe singer, 48, told Good Morning Britain: “When you are going through something like that you do need your friends and family and we are all supporting her.”I feel really sad for Geri.”Horner and Geri put on a united front over the weekend in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia.The ex-popstar was on hand to watch Horner’s all-conquering driver Max Verstappen claim another victory despite the internal drama.Most read in MotorsportBut Geri is said to be having “second thoughts” about joining her former bandmates for a rumoured Spice Girls 30th anniversary reunion.A source told the Mail: “Thirty years should be a special moment for her.Geri Halliwell appears WITHOUT Red Bull F1 boss husband Christian Horner at Commonwealth Day Service amid sexting storm”That she’s having second thoughts shows the level of turmoil she is in.”Getting everything back on an even keel is what she will beconcentrating on.”She wants a low-profile existence now.”Addressing rumours of a Spice Girls reunion, Mel B said today: “I’m always the one saying we are getting together and always getting told off for it.”We are doing something – I just can’t say it.”It comes as Geri yesterday stepped out without her embattled husband as she attended the Commonwealth Day Service.She smiled for the cameras as she once again wore a trademark all-white ensemble for the service at Westminister Abbey in London.It was the first time she has been seen at a public event without her husband since the scandal broke last month.What started as Horner’s personal controversy has morphed into a power struggle within Red Bull in recent weeks.While Horner was cleared of the colleague’s initial accusations of controlling behaviour on February 28 – the company turmoil did not end there.Just 24 hours later a dossier of the father-of-two’s embarrassing and seedy text messages were leaked.SCANDAL… LAP BY LAP
      FEBRUARY 5: A Dutch newspaper reports a female Red Bull employee has made serious allegations of “inappropriate, controlling behaviour” about Horner to parent company Red Bull GmbH.
      FEB 9: Horner is quizzed for nine hours by the lawyer hired by Red Bull to investigate.
      FEB 15: He denies the allegations and says they are a distraction for the team.
      FEB 15: F1 says it hopes the matter will be clarified at the earliest opportunity after a fair and thorough process.
      FEB 26: Red Bull’s engine partner Ford says it is increasingly frustrated by the team’s handling of the complaint.
      FEB 28: Horner is cleared of all wrongdoing. The employee is said to have the right of appeal.
      FEB 29: Horner says he is pleased the investigation is over.
      FEB 29: WhatsApp texts and pictures claimed to be between Horner and the employee are sent to journalists and F1.
      MARCH 1: Horner refuses to comment on what he calls “anonymous speculation from unknown sources”.
      MAR 2: Horner and wife Geri are pictured hand-in-hand, as Red Bull’s Max Verstappen wins the Bahrain Grand Prix. Horner says before the race: “It’s been very testing for my family but we are very strong and our focus is on this race.”
      MAR 3: Verstappen’s dad Jos, claims Red Bull is in “danger of being torn apart” if Horner stays in the job. He denies being the source of the WhatsApp leak, saying: “It can’t go on the way it is. It will explode. He is playing the victim, when he is the one causing the problems.”
      MAR 6: Max Verstappen sides with his dad in the row.
      MAR 7: Horner says he wants to draw a line under the scandal and hails Geri’s support — as Red Bull suspends the employee.

      The intimate messages raised questions about Red Bull’s international investigation and put the spotlight firmly on wife Geri’s appearance in Bahrain days later.While the couple put on a public – if awkward – display of support for the F1 opener, reports suggest things behind the scenes are rocky.Geri reportedly laid down the law for his behaviour moving forwards and demanded he cut off contact with the woman.She was later suspended from Red Bull.Tensions within the team itself have also been steadily increasing for weeks.The biggest rift so far has sprung up between Horner and his star driver – Max Verstappen’s – father Jos.Jos, 52, has backed Horner’s accuser and has called for £8million-a-year Horner to be axed, accusing the boss of ripping the team apart.A source told The Sun said over the weekend: “Christian’s enemies are making it clear they will not give up.“But he and Geri are staying strong and will face them down.READ MORE SUN STORIES”Christian will be back at work at Red Bull’s HQ first thing on Monday to get on with the business of running his team and winning races.”Geri was seen without her hubby on MondayCredit: GettyMel B and Geri at a Grand Prix at Silverstone in 2019Credit: Getty Images – Getty More

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      Ferrari ‘want to poach key Red Bull staff for Hamilton’s arrival’ as they take advantage of Horner sexting scandal

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      FERRARI are looking to capitalise on Red Bull’s scandal surrounding Christian Horner by poaching some of their key staff members, according to reports.Red Bull have been rocked by a sexting scandal involving team principal Christian Horner.The scandal surrounding Christian Horner is engulfing Red BullCredit: RexFerrari are eyeing up Red Bull staff members as they prepare to welcome Lewis Hamilton next nextCredit: RexThe Brit, 50, who is married to Spice Girls star Geri Haliwell, was cleared of any wrongdoing following claims made by a female colleague about his behaviour.But fractures within the Red Bull team are still making headlines as world champion Max Verstappen backed advisor Helmut Marko and threatened to quit amid reports Marko could be suspended by the team for allegedly leaking evidence from the investigation.It has also been reported the female colleague that made the accusations against Horner is set to appeal.Now yet more bad news seems to be engulfing the constructors champions as their main rivals look to take advantage of their predicament.READ MORE IN F1According to Gazetta dello Sport, Ferrari have “acted promptly to intensify contacts with various members” of the Red Bull team.The Italians, who will welcome seven-time champion Lewis Hamilton to the team for the 2025 season, are being linked with Red Bull’s on-track aerodynamic development officer David Morgan, head of performance Ben Waterhouse, and leader of their aerodynamic development team Alessandro Germani.They were also previously said to be interested in technical director Pierre Wache and head of aerodynamics Enrico Balbo.If chief technician Adrian Newey ever opted to leave Red Bull, it is also understood Ferrari would seek to snap him up.Most read in MotorsportCHELTENHAM BETTING OFFERS – BEST FREE BET DEALS FOR THE FESTIVAL Brit Morgan, who previously worked with Williams as a track aerodynamicist, has been with Red Bull for six years.Germani joined Red Bull 10 years ago, while Waterhouse has been working in the industry for more than two decades.Spice Girls ‘rallying behind’ Geri Halliwell, Mel B says amid sexting scandal plaguing F1 boss husband Christian HornerMeanwhile, Red Bull were forced to deny reports they were considering sacking Horner on Monday.The claims stated bosses were considering axing the team principal before the Australian Grand Prix on March 24.On the track, Red Bull have made the perfect start to the season, securing one-two finishes in Bahrain and Saudi Arabia.Verstappen, seeking a fourth successive world title, has won both in dominant fashion. More