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      Owners of F1 buy new sport for £3.6bn but fans say ‘RIP’ and say it’ll be ‘ruined’ with major change predicted

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      FORMULA 1’s owners have horrified many MotoGP fans with a £3.6billion takeover of two-wheeled sport’s main series.Some bike lovers even said “RIP” to the global competition after Liberty Media stepped in – as they fear changes making it “boring” like F1.MotoGP fans appear to fear their sport becoming more predictable like F1Credit: RexOne motorbike-racing enthusiast is worried overtaking might be greatly reduced if MotoGP faced any changes similar to F1Credit: ReutersThe US conglomerate promised to “grow” MotoGP – but their statement also worried fans with its regular mention of financial advantages.”Ruining another series,” posted one observer, and “RIP. Just look at F1,” said another.A third fan pleaded: “Please stay far away. Don’t want a boring MotoGP like Formula 1 is.”And a fourth enthusiast of motorbike racing claimed: “More overtaking in one MotoGP lap than an entire F1 season.”READ MORE TOP STORIESMany fans offered “deepest condolences” to their favourite sport.However, a few blamed what they see as F1’s predictable racing on its rulers the FIA rather than its owners Liberty Media.The company has bought MotoGP from Dorna Sports, who have owned it since 1992.Liberty are expected to complete  a deal for about 86 per cent of Dorna by the end of 2024, with the Spanish firm’s management keeping the remaining 14 per cent.Most read in MotorsportThe new owners’ president Greg Maffei said: “MotoGP is a global league with a loyal, enthusiastic fan base, captivating racing and a highly cash flow generative financial profile.”The business has significant upside, and we intend to grow the sport for MotoGP fans, teams, commercial partners and our shareholders.”The Spice & Speed Empire: Christian and Geri Horner’s £50M JourneyDorna chief executive officer Carmelo Ezpeleta noted Liberty’s “incredible track record in developing sports assets”. More

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      Lewis Hamilton admits regret at turning down role in £1.3bn mega blockbuster – as he opens up on step into Hollywood

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      LEWIS HAMILTON has opened up on his regret of turning down a role in Hollywood blockbuster Top Gun: Maverick.Back in 2018, Hamilton was invited to star in the second instalment of Tom Cruise’s Top Gun series, having previously expressed a desire to be in a movie.Lewis Hamilton has revealed his regret at not being able to star in Top Gun: MaverickCredit: Campbell Addy/ GQTom Cruise offered Hamilton a chance to star as a pilot in the blockbuster during filming in 2018Credit: GettyHowever, despite his eagerness to be part of the action Hamilton was unable to take on the role due to his own dogfight with Ferrari’s Sebastian Vettel for the 2018 Formula One title.Speaking to GQ Magazine, the 39-year-old F1 maverick has admitted he wishes he was able to be part of the film but did not want to let the movie down.The seven-time F1 champion explained how he had unexpectedly been invited to the set of 2014 movie Edge of Tomorrow by Cruise before pleading for a role in Top Gun 2 if one was ever made over dinner.Hamilton said: “I said, ‘Dude, if you ever do Top Gun 2… I will even be a janitor – just let me be in it’.”READ MORE IN F1However, when a chance to star in the film – which made £1.3billion at the box office in 2022 – as a pilot actually cropped up, Hamilton could not take it due to his F1 commitments. He explained: “Firstly, I hadn’t even had, like, an acting lesson. And I don’t want to be the one that lets this movie down. And then secondly, I just really didn’t have the time to dedicate to it. “I remember having to tell Joe [Kosinski] and Tom – and it broke my heart. And then I regretted it, naturally, when they show me the movie and it’s, ‘It could’ve been me’!”Hamilton did not let that setback stop him from entering the film industry, revealing how he found himself on a Zoom call with Top Gun director and producer duo Joe Kosinski and Jerry Bruckheimer a couple of years later.Most read in MotorsportBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERIn 2022, Hamilton launched his own film and TV company – Dawn Apollo Films – with two huge projects, the first being an F1 flick with Brad Pitt and the second a documentary about Hamilton’s life.The F1 blockbuster Hamilton is producing is being directed by Top Gun: Maverick director Kosinski and some of it was filmed during last season’s British Grand Prix at Silverstone.The richest Wags in F1 revealed with some earning thousands from InstagramHowever, Hamilton revealed he was more than aware of the potential problems with such projects.He said: “My point was: Guys, this movie needs to be so authentic.”There’s two different fan groups that we have – like, the old originals, who from the day they’re born hear the [BBC] Grand Prix music every weekend and watch with their families, and the new generation that just learned about it today through Netflix.”I felt my job really has been to try to call BS. ‘This would never happen. This is how it would be. This is how it could happen.’ “Just giving them advice about what racing is really about and what, as a racing fan, would appeal and what would not.”Hamilton added he does not feel a need to be competitive with other motorsport movies such as “Le Mans”, “Ford v Ferrari”, “Rush” or most recently “Ferrari”.He said: “I do watch all of them. But one thing I think you’ll learn about me is I don’t like to – we live in such a judgemental world, and having seen how, for everything, building something from scratch and creating takes so much time and commitment from so many people.”So I never like to be someone to dog anything…Hamilton has since started a film and TV company which will see Brad Pitt star in an F1 movieCredit: Getty”Capturing racing is really, really difficult, and I don’t think anyone’s been able to really capture it in a way that brings the adrenaline you have as a racing driver. “If you look at the old movies, with [Steve] McQueen, the big camera on the helmet and the guy lying on the front of the car to capture the shot?”You should see some of the cameras that Joe is able to use. He’s a visionary.”I don’t feel competitive with these movies. But I guess we probably will be.”Hamilton’s interview with the fashion mag also saw him talk about the controversial conclusion to the otherwise thrilling 2021 F1 title fight.In the final lap of the season in Abu Dhabi, Max Verstappen overtook Hamilton after “human error” from race director Michael Masi in implementing the rules for a safety car restart.This season is Hamilton’s final year with Mercedes after announcing he would join Ferrari for the 2025 season.READ MORE SUN STORIESBut he has struggled on track with his highest finish so far being seventh in the opening weekend, though he will hope to improve at this weekend’s Japanese Grand Prix.The Global Creativity Issue of GQ is available via digital download and on newsstands on April 9th. 🏁 Complete F1 2024 race calendar – details on every Grand Prix and start time this year 🏁  More

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      Christian Horner sexting accuser left ‘upset & scared’ over scandal but is ‘determined for truth to come out’, pal says

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      CHRISITAN Horner’s accuser has been left “upset, scared and intimidated” over the sexting scandal, according to a family friend.The unnamed woman, who accused the Red Bull Racing chief of abusive behaviour and sexual harassment, is said to be “determined for the truth to come out”.Horner looks on in the pits during Free Practice Two at the Albert Park Grand Prix Circuit in Melbourne, Australia, on March 22Credit: EPAThe F1 boss pictured with wife Geri HalliwellCredit: GettyHorner, 50, was cleared of misconduct by a Red Bull investigation back in February.But the scandal was taken to a new level when sexually suggestive texts appearing to be sent by the F1 boss were leaked.Horner’s accuser – a female colleague – has since been suspended by Red Bull and has appealed the decision.She has been left feeling “very upset, angry, scared, intimidated and lonely” following the saga, a family friend told BBC Sport.More on Christian HornerThe insider added: “Every time I have asked her something, she breaks down in tears and says she’s got no-one to talk to because she’s not allowed to talk.”The woman lodged a complaint with Red Bull in December and now “struggles to understand” how it was dismissed following an investigation, the pal said.She plans to take her case to an employment tribunal as she wants to return to work for the championship-winning team, it is understood.The friend added: “She is determined for the truth to come out.Most read in Motorsport”She just wants to work in the sport and is very concerned about her reputation and ability to get hired by anyone.”Horner has always denied any wrongdoing over the allegations and blasted the infamous text leak as “anonymous speculation”.Christian Horner should QUIT Red Bull after sexting scandal – this is the Max Verstappen show now, ex-F1 star saysHe has demanded an end to the drama which he described as a “very trying period” for his family.His wife Geri has stood by him – appearing at his side at the races in Saudi Arabia and Bahrain, both won by Red Bull.At the weekend, the pair – who wed in 2015 – put on a united front at a Point to Point in Buckinghamshire.But there is set to be more heartache for the Ginger Spice star as Horner’s sexting scandal is set to be covered in the next season of the hit Netflix show Drive to Survive.Show chief James Gay-Rees has revealed his team plans to include the saga that rocked F1 in the documentary’s seventh season.It will potentially reopen wounds for Horner and his wife as they attempt to move on from the drama.Horner has previously raged against the scrutiny over the scandal – but now it will be the focus of the Netflix show watched by millions.Brit filmmaker Gay-Rees revealed he has spoken to the Red Bull chief since the scandal broke before the start of the F1 season.He claims the ex-racing driver told him: “This is all your fault.”READ MORE SUN STORIESHorner appears to have been referencing the new focus Drive to Survive has put on F1 – especially drama and scandal behind the scenes of the Grand Prix circus.Horner and wife Geri after the Formula One Saudi Arabian Grand Prix at the Jeddah Corniche Circuit, Saudi Arabia, on March 9Credit: APHorner and his driver Max Verstappen have already won two races in 2024Credit: GettySCANDAL… 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 15: Horner’s accuser allegedly launches an appeal against the investigation that saw the Red Bull chief cleared.
      MAR 16: The female employee lodges a complaint against Horner with the FIA.
      MAR 17: Horner reportedly agrees to ‘public ceasefire’ with senior Red Bull Racing management to quell the drama More

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      Mercedes drop huge hint over Ferrari-bound Lewis Hamilton replacement as they offer 17-year-old wonderkid first F1 drive

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      MERCEDES have dropped a major hint that teenage sensation Andrea Kimi Antonelli could be set to replace Lewis Hamilton.Seven-time world champion Hamilton, 39, is leaving the Silver Arrows for Ferrari in 2025 as he seeks a record-breaking eighth title.Lewis Hamilton will leave Mercedes for Ferrari in 2025Credit: GettyAndrea Kimi Antonelli is being linked as Hamilton’s replacement at MercedesCredit: GettyIt leaves a vacancy alongside George Russell, with a host of names being linked to the seat.McLaren’s Oscar Piastri, RB’s Daniel Ricciardo, ex-Haas driver Mick Schumacher, and Williams’ Alex Albon have all been mooted as possible options.But Italian Antonelli, 17, is now set to be given the opportunity to prove himself as the best suitor when he gets behind the wheel of the Mercedes W12.He will spend two days driving Mercedes’ 2021 constructors’ championship-winning car at the Austria’s Red Bull Ring on April 16 and 17.READ MORE IN F1According to The Mirror, it will be the first of several auditions for Antonelli to prove he has the ability to succeed Hamilton.After impressing in F4 last year, Antonelli has been promoted straight to F2 for the 2024 season.He also has a personal relationship with Mercedes boss Toto Wolff as his family are close to the Austrian businessman.An impressive debut year in F2 could convince Mercedes to take a chance on him in 2025.Most read in MotorsportCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSHe is racing for Prema this year alongside Oliver Bearman – who finished seventh at the Saudi Grand Prix after he replaced the absent Carlos Sainz.Antonelli is down in ninth in the F2 standings after three races, but did finish fourth in Melbourne last month.Ultimate F1 team principal’s rich list including Red Bull’s Christian Horner and Mercedes boss Toto WolffSpeaking previously about Antonelli, Mercedes boss Wolff said: “We got Kimi under the wings in 2012 and he was a great kid already then.”You could see the character [and] he was strong. We had him in the garage and there was a lot of confidence.”In go-karting his track record was immense and then you put him in the junior formulas and he wins every single season in his rookie year.”But we’ve got to be careful because there’s a lot of hype around him.”Putting him into F2 is a big step because those cars are heavier and much more powerful.”If we give him his time and don’t expect him to be killing it in his first season, I think he can be a really great one in this sport.”He’s 17 – this is so young.” More

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      Lewis Hamilton fumes at F1 moment ‘that hurt the most’ when he was ‘robbed’ and consoled by his dad

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      LEWIS HAMILTON has opened up about the moment he was “robbed” of the drivers’ title in 2021 in a new interview.The infamous moment saw him lose the title on the final lap of the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix.Lewis Hamilton has said the support of his dad got him through the day that ‘hurt him most’Credit: GettyHamilton had a healthy lead but a safety car was called after Nicholas Latifi crashed with five laps to go.Controversially, race director Michael Masi allowed the likes of Max Verstappen to overtake lapped cars separating him from Hamilton.With Verstappen on soft tyres, he was able to easily overtake Hamilton on the final lap of the race.Speaking to GQ, he said that it was the day in his life that “hurt him the most” and that the only consolation was that he had his father there for support.READ MORE ON F1The Brit ace said: “Was I robbed? Obviously.”I mean, you know the story. But I think what was really beautiful in that moment, which I take away from it, was my dad was with me.”And we’d gone through this huge roller coaster of life together, ups and downs.”And the day that it hurt the most, he was there, and the way he raised me was to always stand up, keep your head high.Most read in MotorsportCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERS”And I obviously went to congratulate Max, and not realizing the impact that that would have, but also I was really conscious of, like, there’s a mini-me watching. “This is the defining moment of my life. And I think it really was. I felt it.Inside Lewis Hamilton’s £13m collection of supercars including £4m classic and £1.6m ride made entirely for him”I didn’t know how it was going to be perceived. I hadn’t, like, visualised it. “But I was definitely conscious of: These next 50 metres that I walk is where I fall to the ground and die – or I rise up.”Hamilton, 39, also opened up about his plans for life after retiring.The driver will finish his career at Ferrari, after agreeing a shock deal to join them earlier this year.Asked what he plans to replace racing with in his life Hamilton answered: “Well, I think it’s going to be film and fashion.”🏁 Complete F1 2024 race calendar – details on every Grand Prix and start time this year 🏁  More

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      Tragedy hits famous F1 race circuit as 21-year-old dies in accident during 1000km motorcycle event

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      A MOTORCYCLIST has died after a fatal crash while competing in the Racefoxx 1000 Kilometers at the Hockenheimring in Germany.The unnamed 21-year-old fell and died from “serious injuries” obtained on Saturday.A young driver has died after a crash at the Hockenheimring trackCredit: Getty Images – GettyAccording to German media, police are not yet able to reveal the cause of the accident.The Mannheim traffic service have started an investigation as they look to “reconstruct the fall with the involvement of an expert”.A rescue helicopter was deployed immediately after the accident, along with police and emergency services.The 271-lap race was immediately cancelled.READ MORE IN MOTORSPORTAll remaining races on Saturday were also abandoned.The race is a part of the German Endurance Cup and widely considered to be the start of the motorcycle racing season.The Hockenheimring is a legendary Formula One circuit that played host to the German Grand Prix between 1977 and 2006.The only time it did not host the race during that 29-year period was in 1985 when it was held at the Nurburgring.Most read in MotorsportIn 2007 it then began alternating with the Nurburgring, meaning the race was hosted at the Hockenheimring in 2008, 2010, 2012, 2014, 2016, 2018 and 2019.But a German Grand Prix has not taken place at all since Max Verstappen’s triumph five years ago.Inside abandoned F1 track that was £300m ‘spectacular flop’ with just four races held and rubbish left rotting in bins The next German Endurance Cup race is scheduled to take place at the Nurburgring in May.Lewis Hamilton is among the most famous drivers to have won at the HockenheimringCredit: ReutersMax Verstappen won the last German Grand Prix in 2019Credit: Getty Images – GettyMichael Schumacher also won the German GP at the HockenheimringCredit: Getty More

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      Christian Horner and wife Geri put up united front at Point to Point races after ‘sexting scandal’

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      CHRISTIAN Horner has been spotted at Point to Point races alongside his Spice Girl wife Geri Halliwell.The pair put up a united front in Buckinghamshire as they celebrated Easter with their family by watching some horse racing.Christian Horner at Point to Point races in Buckinghamshire with wife Geri HalliwellCredit: SplashThe pair were enjoying the day out over the Easter weekendCredit: SplashGeri has been standing by her husband throughout the ‘sexting’ scandalCredit: SplashThe Horner clan posing with a trophy after one of Geri’s horses wonCredit: https://www.instagram.com/p/C5LK-oooIVd/?img_index=1The Red Bull Team Principal and CEO is going about his business as usual as Geri continues to stand by her man as the “sexting” scandal continues to loom large over the couple.Pictures show a smiley Geri and her hubby clapping along with hundreds of others at the event as they watch the enthralling races unfold.Horner has swapped the high octane world of F1 for the racing fields at Kimblewick Races.He watched the horse races with a beaming smile as he continues to try and put the turbulent months of allegations and grillings behind him.read more in HornerMore photos show Horner with his children, pals and even dog for Easter Saturday’s event.Geri was in a particularly jolly mood – despite reports of her recently being “in turmoil” – as she took pictures with some of the winning horses – including her own.Lift Me Up – named after one of her solo songs – strode to victory and even earned himself a flashy trophy.The Red Bull Racing chief isn’t expected to be seen again until the start of the F1 race week in Japan.Most read in MotorsportThe race, which takes place at the Suzuka Circuit on Sunday, 7, will be the fourth of the thrilling season that has already seen Red Bull win two out of the three races. Despite Horner seeing success on the track there are still looming questions over his position at Red Bull.F1’s Christian Horner says ‘time to draw a line’ on claims of inappropriate behaviour Horner was cleared by Red Bull over the accusations but many pivotal figures at the constructor have voiced concerns over the way the matter was handled.As what started as Horner’s personal controversy has morphed into an power struggle within Red Bull in recent weeks.Last Sunday, sources alleged that Horner agreed to a “public ceasefire” with senior management after emergency crunch talks.With the internal battles at the sports top constructor set to end after Horner, Jos Verstappen and Helmut Marko seemingly agreeing to stop their disputes, The Mirror reported.Verstappen Sr, 52, had been publicly backing the suspended female employee and called for Horner to be axed, accusing him of ripping the team apart.When asked if it was time to “draw a line” under the situation, as Horner insisted people do, Jos said: “I think it’s a bit too late for that now.”If that’s what he wants, fine, but I don’t think it will be possible.”Geri’s horse Lift Me Up won a race at the eventCredit: https://www.instagram.com/p/C5LK-oooIVd/?img_index=1Horner and Geri hugging it out after a fun family day out in BuckinghamshireCredit: SplashGeri was in a particularly jolly mood at the racesCredit: SplashIt comes as the woman who accused Horner of inappropriate behaviour has now lodged a complaint against him with the sport’s ruling body the FIA.The unnamed woman, who has been suspended from her job at the team’s base in Milton Keynes, has three complaints over Horner’s conduct since the start of February, it is claimed.On March 7, the woman was suspended on full pay from Red Bull HQ amid claims her “honesty was called into question.”The reasons allegedly given to her were that she appeared dishonest owing to inconsistencies in the evidence she had provided.Ex-driver Horner has said he wants to move on from the scandal, with ex-Spice Girl wife Geri Halliwell. 51, standing by him.The F1 chief and Geri have always put on a united – if awkward – front at the Bahrain and Saudi Arabia Grand Prix but Geri was no where to be seen in Australia. Despite Geri’s very visual display of standing by her man, sources claim that the singer is “in turmoil”.It was also confirmed by Drive to Survive chief James Gay-Rees that Netflix was planning on referencing the allegations in next years season. READ MORE SUN STORIESIt will potentially reopen wounds for Horner and his wife Spice Girls star Geri Halliwell as they attempt to move on from the drama.Horner has previously raged against the scrutiny over the scandal – but now it will be the focus of the Netflix show watched by millions.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.
      But 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 15: Horner’s accuser allegedly launches an appeal against the investigation that saw the Red Bull chief cleared.
      MAR 17: Horner, Helmut Marko and Jos Verstappen agree to a ‘public ceasefire’.

      Geri celebrates as hubby Horner watches onCredit: SplashGeri with jockey Jack Andrews after his big winCredit: https://www.instagram.com/p/C5LK-oooIVd/?img_index=1Horner has asked for a line to be drawn under the allegations against him after Red Bull cleared the investigationCredit: Getty More

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      Christian Horner sext scandal WILL be covered on Netflix’s Drive to Survive – and what Geri’s husband said to show chief

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      CHRISTIAN Horner’s sexting scandal will be covered in the next season of the hit Netflix show Drive to Survive. Show chief James Gay-Rees has revealed his team plans to include the saga that rocked F1 in the documentary’s seventh season.Christian Horner will see his scandal feature in Drive to SurviveCredit: GettyIt will be new agony for him and wife Geri HalliwellCredit: PAHorner and his driver Max Verstappen have already won two races in 2024Credit: GettyIt will potentially reopen wounds for Horner and his wife Spice Girls star Geri Halliwell as they attempt to move on from the drama.Horner has previously raged against the scrutiny over the scandal – but now it will be the focus of the Netflix show watched by millions. Brit filmmaker Gay-Rees revealed he has spoken to the Red Bull chief since the scandal broke before the start of the F1 season.He claims the 50-year-old ex-racing driver told him: “This is all your fault.”Horner appears to have been referencing the new focus Drive to Survive has put on F1 – especially drama and scandal behind the scenes of the Grand Prix circus. Speaking of the scandal, Mr Gay-Rees said: “It will have to be referenced in some capacity, yeah.””And they will all want it to be told in a particular way, so it’s about treading that line to keep everybody happy, and to keep Netflix happy, and us – so we can sleep at night with the decisions we’ve made,” he told The Telegraph.Horner was cleared of misconduct by a Red Bull investigation back in February. Most read in MotorsportBut the scandal was taken to a new level when sexually suggestive texts appearing to be sent by Horner were leaked.Horner’s accuser – a female colleague – has since been suspended by Red Bull and has appealed the decision.‘We’re always grateful’, says Christian Horner as he hails wife Geri Halliwell in Mother’s Day post amid sexting scandalAnd she reportedly plans to take her case to an employment tribunal as she wants to return to work for the championship-winning team.Mr Gay-Rees said: “You have to have balance. I think Horner is looking ok for the time being, but it doesn’t feel like it’s done yet. “It will all depend on how it plays out.” ‘I don’t know what he got up to – and I genuinely don’t have an opinion on it, but he’s been through it and you wouldn’t wish that on anybody.”Horner’s accuser is reportedly “in it for the long haul” as she continues to fight against the decision to clear her boss, reports The Independent. A source said: “She remains resolute and is in it for the long haul. “She’s holding her council for now and wants the matter dealt with privately.”Horner has always denied any wrongdoing over the allegations and blasted the infamous text leak as “anonymous speculation”. He has demanded an end to the drama which he described as a “very trying period” for his family.His wife Geri has stood by him – appearing at his side at the races in Saudi Arabia and Bahrain, both won by Red Bull.Red Bull are first in both the drivers’ and constructors’ championships after a dominant start to the season.Horner’s star driver Max Verstappen will be looking for his fourth world championship in a row – and won the first two races.He was only undone in Australia when his brakes caught fire after he lost first place to Ferrari driver Carlos Sainz.Verstappen however remains the hot favourite for the title.And the Dutchman, 26, has been one of the most vocal critics of Drive to Survive. He had previously boycotted the show, refusing any interviews – claiming it had faked storylines and made the drama “over the top”. Speaking earlier this year, he said: “You don’t see a lot of me on Drive to Survive, which is why I don’t like doing it. “You probably don’t get the right side of me because it is just an interview, I am just sitting down in a dark room and I hate that. “They put a mic in front of you and you have to talk about the season which… just have a casual interaction, have fun.”READ MORE SUN STORIESHe added: “Also, some things are just private, right? People don’t need to know what we are doing and what we are saying.” 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 15: Horner’s accuser allegedly launches an appeal against the investigation that saw the Red Bull chief cleared.
      MAR 16: The female employee lodges a complaint against Horner with the FIA.
      MAR 17: Horner reportedly agrees to ‘public ceasefire’ with senior Red Bull Racing management to quell the drama More