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      Is Max Verstappen’s dad Jos fuelling Christian & Geri Horner’s marriage crisis? Inside toxic feud rocking F1

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      AS Max Verstappen triumph­antly held aloft the Bahrain Grand Prix trophy, his team boss Christian Horner might have sighed with relief.Not only had the Red Bull chief tasted victory but Spice Girl wife Geri had been at his side heaping on public displays of affection like treacle.With Christian Horner engulfed in a sexting row that is said to have ‘really hurt’ Spice Girl wife Geri, it seems that Red Bull’s F1 team has become engulfed in a civil warCredit: PAMax Verstappen’s dad Jos has taken a flamethrower to the carefully PRed plot line amid his rivalry with HornerCredit: Rex FeaturesSurely, the sexting row that has swirled around Horner would now slowly deflate like a punctured tyre?Enter stage left Verstappen’s uncompromising dad — known during his own racing days as “Jos the Boss” — to take a flamethrower to the carefully PRed plot line.Verstappen senior insisted Horner is “playing the victim, when he is the one causing the problems”. His barbed comments came after sexually suggestive text messages Horner allegedly sent to a female Red Bull employee were leaked on Thursday.READ MORE ON THE FEUDThe dad of three-times World Champion Max added of Horner: “There is tension here while he remains in position.“The team is in danger of being torn apart. It can’t go on the way it is. It will explode.”A simmering months-long feud between two of Formula One’s big beasts had plunged into the open.And Horner — well acquainted with the rough and tumble of F1 — will know that in Verstappen Snr he has a formidable adversary.Most read in MotorsportBritish ex F1 champion Damon Hill once said of Dutchman Jos, who he competed alongside in the 1990s: “He can, and has, very much looked after himself.”Ruthless mentor Verstappen Snr, 52, has coached and managed 26-year-old son Max to become one of F1’s greatest drivers — and the jewel in Red Bull’s crown.Verstappen breaks silence on Christian Horner ‘sexting’ probe as pressure mounts on Red Bull 3 weeks after shock claimsThough not a Red Bull employee, it has naturally given his dad considerable heft in the team run by Horner.The Red Bull chief had last month tried to quash rumours of friction between himself and the Verstappens.With his usual slick performance before the cameras, he said: “There’s always going to be speculation but we’re together as one team, that’s the way we’ve always been and that’s the way we continue to be.”It became clear that Verstappen Snr and Horner were at loggerheads when they clashed in Bahrain last weekCredit: GettyBy Friday evening it was evident that Verstappen Snr and Horner were in fact at loggerheads. The pair locked horns in Horner’s office at the F1 paddock in Bahrain.What exactly was said between them is unclear. But the pair were said to have had a “blazing row” before Verstappen Snr stormed out.He would later return to shake hands but the relationship appears severed beyond repair.The meeting had come two days after an investigation by Red Bull’s parent company had cleared Horner of “coercive behaviour” towards a woman colleague.He always told her he’d done nothing wrong. This will really hurt Geri, who has put everything into their marriageJust 24 hours after he was cleared, a cache of 79 WhatsApp screenshots and photographs allegedly sent by Horner to the female employee were leaked anonymously to F1 bosses and media outlets.Horner’s wife Geri was said to be “heartbroken and humiliated”.A source added: “He always told her he’d done nothing wrong. This will really hurt Geri, who has put everything into their marriage.”Verstappen Snr has been quick to slam suggestions he was be­hind the WhatsApp trove and that he want­ed Horner ousted from his role.The ex-driver said: “That wouldn’t make sense. Why would I do that when Max is doing so well here?”A Red Bull spokesperson said of the rift between Verstappen Snr and Horner: “There are no issues here. The team are united and we are focused on racing.”Now, as champion of the world, Max has been dragged into his father’s bitter feud with Horner. Asked about the Red Bull civil war four times over the weekend, he failed to back his long-time team manager. The fearless driver said he was “fully focused on the car and the performance”.With the toxic atmosphere damaging the F1 brand, it was claimed that Max was approached by the sport’s president Mohammed Ben Sulayem to publicly back Horner.It’s damaging the sport . . . This is damaging on a human levelMohammed Ben SulayemAfter qualifying drives on Friday the pair had a discussion which they tried to keep secret by covering their mouths with their hands.But a nearby observer heard Ben Sulayem tell the driver: “You must publicly back Christian.”While another source said Max responded by telling Ben Sulayem he should open an investigation into the WhatsApp scandal instead.Ben Sulayem wants to end the Red Bull civil war, admitting it is tarnishing the image of F1.He told the Financial Times: “It’s damaging the sport . . . This is damaging on a human level.”Meanwhile, bullish Verstappen Snr was seen dining with Mercedes team principal Toto Wolff in ­Bahrain.The Dutchman said it was just a meeting of old friends — but could it be a sign his brilliant son is ready to quit Red Bull if the Horner civil war is not resolved?After Sunday’s race Wolff was dismissive of Verstappen switching to Mercedes, saying: “The driver will always choose the quickest car.“At the moment, the Red Bull is the quickest car so that will always be, in my opinion, the priority.”Horner said of last week’s tumult: “There was a full lengthy internal process that was completed by an independent KC [King’s Counsel] and the grievance that was raised was dismissed. End of. Move on.“I’ve always been entirely confident that I would be here. My focus is on the season ahead.”Now a slew of fresh allegations against Horner has emerged in a 19-page investigation by a specialist magazine.The article names and pictures the female staff member he is alleged to have texted and documents the power struggle at the top of Red Bull.READ MORE SUN STORIESSources close to Horner dismiss­ed the piece as “full of inaccuracies”.Now the F1 circus moves to Saudi Arabia at the weekend — with the chance it will be more soap opera than motor race.Jos Verstappen has coached son Max to become the jewel in Red Bull’s crownCredit: Getty More

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      Who is FIA president Mohammed Ben Sulayem, what his is net worth, and why is he being investigated?

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      MOHAMMED BEN SULAYEM is the current Federation Internationale de l’Automobile (FIA) president.Though the former rally driver is being investigated for allegedly tampering with a race result last season.Mohammed Ben Sulayem at the recent Bahrain Grand PrixCredit: RexWho is Mohammed Ben Sulayem?Mohammed Ben Sulayem was born in the Dubai on 12 November 1961, making him 62 years old.He is a former rally driver and the current president of the FIA.Ben Sulayem won 14 Middle East Rally Championship titles during his career.He retired as a driver in 2002 and has since been an instrumental figure in Formula 1’s growth in the Middle East, including organising the first Abu Dhabi Grand Prix in 2009.Ben Sulayem was elected as the FIA President in December 2021, succeeding Jean Todt.Though he suffered a family tragedy in 2023, when his son, Saif Ben Sulayem, was killed in a car accident in Dubai.Mohammed Ben Sulayem has been the FIA president since 2021Credit: PAWhat is Mohammed Ben Sulayem’s net worth?Ben Sulayem’s net worth is not widely reported.However he owns a supercar collection worth over $75m (£59m).Most read in MotorsportThese cars include a Mercedes-Benz AMG CLK GTR and a Bugatti Chiron Super Sport.Why is Mohammed Ben Sulayem being investigated?FIA president Mohammed Ben Sulayem is under investigation for allegedly interfering with an F1 race result last season.Ben Sulayem reportedly intervened to overturn a penalty given to Aston Martin’s Fernando Alonso at the 2023 Saudi Arabian Grand Prix.The allegation was made in a report by an FIA compliance officer to its ethics committee, which was seen by BBC Sport.Fernando Alonso on the podium at the Saudi Arabian Grand Prix last yearCredit: ReutersFIA have been asked for a comment.The BBC report said: “BBC Sport has verified the information with several senior figures at high levels in F1 and close to the FIA.”None would go on the record, but all said they had the same information.”During the 2023 Saudi Arabia Grand Prix Alonso was given a 10-second penalty for work done on his car while he was serving a previous five-second penalty.The report by the compliance officer said Ben Sulaymen “pretended the stewards to overturn their decision to issue” the penalty to Alonso.READ MORE SUN STORIESThe penalty under investigation moved Alonso from the third spot behind Red Bull drivers Sergio Perez and Max Verstappen and Mercedes’ George Russell to fourth.Overturning the penalty meant Alonso was reinstated onto the podium. More

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      Michael Schumacher’s pal reveals agony over crash as he says F1 star ‘never took risks’ & ski trip was ‘harmless’

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      MICHAEL Schumacher’s pal has told of his agony over the racing star’s near-fatal ski accident because he never took risks on the slopes.Ex-Mercedes chief Norbert Haug, 71, revealed that the seven-time world champion was on a “harmless trip” and had everything “under control” when he crashed.Schumacher is pictured next to long-term friend and former Mercedes boss Norbert Haug in 2010Credit: GettyThe German racing superstar suffered a life-altering injury while skiing in 2013Credit: AFPHaug revealed that Schumacher took no risks when he was skiing and the accident was a ‘real misfortune’Credit: GettyHaug, a long-term companion of Schumacher and the head of Mercedes-Benz racing from 1990-2012, has spoken out about his absolute shock that his ski trip ended in such a tragedy.The Formal One legend told German outlet Bild: “Of course it’s a shame what happened on a really harmless ski trip.”I can promise that Michael was not a risk-taking skier. He was particularly careful when skiing and, in my opinion, had things under control very, very well.”That was a real misfortune. Unfortunately, unfortunately.”read more on schumacherSchumacher, 55, considered by many to be the greatest driver in F1 history, hasn’t been seen in public since his life-changing skiing accident over a decade ago.An accomplished skier, the king of speed, aged 44 at the time, and son Mick, then aged 14, set off for the skin run in the exclusive French resort of Meribel.Footage from Schumacher’s camera revealed he was not travelling at excessive speed for his abilities yet, moments later, his skis struck a concealed rock which catapulted him 3.5 m head first on to a second boulder.Doctors later said if it had not been for his headgear, he would have died instantly.Most read in MotorsportThe collision left him in a coma for 250 days and ever since any information about the state of his condition has been tightly controlled by his privacy-focused family led by wife Corinna, 54.Haug said that Schmacher’s wife Corinna, 54, has been able to hold the family together, which demands the “greatest respect”.The Sun’s Ben Hunt reveals his five greatest Formula One Drivers Ever – with Michael Schumacher in between two Brits”There are no words,” he added.Haug also weighed in on his “wonderful” memories with the party-mad German racing legend.The ex-Mercedes boss said: “There are so many beautiful memories, so many private and human ones away from the racetrack.”We were fierce rivals… Michael was always really tough on the track, but really friendly and funny off the track and also liked to party. I have wonderful memories of him.”Ahead of the 10-year anniversary of Schumacher’s accident last December, his younger brother Ralf admitted he may never completely recover.Despite receiving advanced medical treatment, he told Bild that: “Nothing is like it used to be.”Ralf, who also raced and won six F1 Grands Prix, said: “Life is unfair at times.”That day held a lot of bad luck. This fate has changed our family.”Michael’s F1 pal Perry McCarthy, the man behind Top Gear’s original mystery character The Stig, said his fate was “desperately cruel”.He told OLBG in December that: “It’s incredible that someone so special can be so badly hurt while skiing.“It’s so cruel that Michael happened to be in the wrong place at the wrong time.”Last month, Schumacher’s former racing opponent opened up about how a return to the world of F1 would “not be possible” for the stricken star.Ex-Benetton driver Giancarlo Fisichella also told The Sun that he could have gone on to become a team principal for a top team.In 2021, Corinna broke her silence to talk about her husband in a Netflix documentary, called Schumacher.She revealed during an emotional interview: “I miss Michael every day. It’s not just me who misses him, everybody misses Michael.”But Michael is here — different, but here.“He still shows me how strong he is, every day.”Corinna revealed of her husband: “We are getting on with our lives — ‘Private is private’, as he always said.“Michael always protected us, now we are protecting Michael.”However, in a glimmer of hope, it has been reported Schumacher could attend his daughter’s wedding.READ MORE SUN STORIESGina-Maria Schumacher, 26, and her boyfriend, Iain Bethke, 27, are set to tie the knot later this summer in a huge celebration.The wedding is reportedly due to take place at a luxury £27million mansion owned by the Schumacher family over in Majorca, Spain.Dressed in Ferrari’s colours, Schumacher and wife Corinna are pictured on the slopes in 2005Credit: EPACorinna has kept the state of Schumacher’s health hush hush to protect his privacyCredit: RexSchumacher is widely believed to be the best driver in the worldCredit: AlamySchumacher and Mika Haekkinen pour champagne over Haug at the Silverstone GP in 2000Credit: GettyHaug said he has deep respect for Corinna for holding the family together post her husband’s ski crashCredit: GettySchumacher’s son Mick, the spitting image of his father, was skiing with his father when the racing legend suffered his near-fatal crashCredit: Getty More

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      FIA chief being investigated for interfering with F1 race result with Ben Sulayem intervening to overturn Alonso penalty

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      FORMULA ONE has been plunged into another major crisis after the FIA President, Mohammed Ben Sulayem, was placed under investigation for allegedly fudging a race result.The race in question was the 2023 Saudi Arabian Grand Prix where Ben Sulayem has been accused of interfering to overturn a penalty given to Aston Martin’s Fernando Alonso.Mohammed Ben Sulayem is under investigation for allegedly interfering with an F1 race resultCredit: RexThe overturned penalty meant Fernando Alonso (R) was returned to the podiumCredit: ReutersA whistleblower has told the sport’s governing body, the FIA, that Ben Sulayem called Sheikh Abdullah bin Hamas bin Isa Al Khalifa – the FIA’s vice-president for sport for the Middle East and North Africa region – who was officiating in Saudi Arabia for the race.The whistleblower claims Ben Sulayem made it clear that Alonso’s penalty should be revoked.The Aston Martin driver was given a 10-second penalty when his mechanics worked on his car while he was serving a five-second penalty for being out of position on the grid.F1 rules stated at the time that mechanics must not work on any car while it is stationary and serving a penalty and in this instance a jack was placed underneath his car.READ MORE IN F1According to the BBC, compliance officer Paolo Basarri, says the informant reported that Ben Sulayem “pretended the stewards to overturn their decision to issue” the penalty to Alonso.However, the word “pretendere” translated from Italian means to require or expect.The penalty had initially dropped Alonso behind Mercedes’ George Russell, who inherited third place.But in a confusing switch the penalty was reversed and Alonso was promoted to third on the podium where he received the trophy from CEO of Aramco, Amin Hassan Nasser.Most read in MotorsportWHAT HAPPENED IN THE 2023 SAUDI GP?

      Fernando Alonso lined up on the grid in second place but with his car slightly outside of the markings that signify the grid slot for the race.
      It was picked up by race officials during the race and he was given a five second time penalty, which is served when a driver makes their next pitstop.
      With an in-race pitstop, mechanics are not allowed to work on a driver’s car but in this incident, his Aston Martin team had placed a rear jack under his car and lifted it before serving the penalty.
      The incident was noticed by the FIA’s VAR system in Geneva but the investigation was not completed until well AFTER the race had finished.
      Of course by then, Alonso had completed the podium ceremony but the stewards decided that any item touching the car was the same as working on it and issued the penalty.
      Alonso’s team appealed the decision and finally the FIA performed a U-turn on their initial decision and at 01:15 in the morning local time his third place was reinstalled at George Russell’s expense.

      The Saudi state-owned oil and gas company has a long-term global sponsorship deal with Aramco, who are also strategic partners with Alsono’s Aston Martin team.The FIA ethics committee will now start their report and comes after the Red Bull bombshell involving Christian Horner.Christian Horner gives defiant seven-word statment amid sext leak storm after Bahrain Grand Prix winLast week, Horner was cleared of inappropriate behaviour following an internal investigation only to have a smear campaign waged on his private life.And in a bitter fall out, Max Verstappen’s father Jos has called for the Red Bull chief’s head.Meanwhile, the pressure has been ramped up on Ben Sulayem, who is having a disastrous tenure as FIA President since he was elected in 2021.He has overseen a bungled investigation into Toto and Susie Wolff’s relationship on the claim of a conflict of interest.His handling of the Abu Dhabi GP fallout and weak report into Michael Masi stewardship of the race, which resulted in Lewis Hamilton losing his crown to Max Verstappen.He has also fallen out with F1 after stalling on their plans to host sprint races and received a “cease-and-desist” letter from F1’s lawyers after commenting on the value of the sport.And finally, he was heavily criticised for some sexist remarks on a historical website.READ MORE SUN STORIESUnder his leadership the organisation has lost several key figures in recent months.Sun Sport has asked the FIA for comment. More

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      Jos Verstappen dodged jail for assault before running Max’s F1 career with iron fist, now he’s fighting Christian Horner

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      IT can be hard to stand up to family.But that’s exactly what Max Verstappen has to do.Ex-F1 star Jos Verstappen has managed his son’s careerCredit: PABut Max Verstappen has a decision to make about his futureCredit: GettyHis father Jos has ruled over his son’s career with an iron fist.A former F1 driver himself, his private life has also been the subject of some scrutiny.After an incident in 1998 at a karting track where another man suffered a fractured skull, he avoided a suspended jail sentence after agreeing an out-of-court settlement with the victim.In 2008 he appeared in court, charged with assaulting his wife, Sophie Kumpen and while he was found not guilty of assault, he was found guilty of threatening Kumpen in text messages and of violating a previously-issued restraining order.READ MORE IN F1And in January 2012, he was arrested following accusations that he drove a car into his ex-girlfriend but was released two weeks later after the charge was withdrawn.Verstappen Snr had been plotting his son’s rise to the top alongside his chum Raymond Vermeulen, who acts as the F1 star’s manager.Assisted in no small part by his son’s skill behind the wheel, Verstappen became the youngest ever F1 driver when he made his debut in 2015 at the age of 17 years and 166 days old.Integrated in the Red Bull family who control four seats in F1, together they accelerated his career path.Most read in MotorsportThere are growing tensions between Horner and Verstappen SnrCredit: SplashBut now, though, as a three time world champion – perhaps four by the end of this season – the 26-year-old simply must now go it alone.He’s become embroiled in the toxic battle between his father and his team boss Christian Horner after his dad told reporters his son would quit the all-conquering team if he had to.Geri Halliwell breaks cover to stand by her scandal-hit husband Christian Horner at F1 as couple rocked by sext stormThe row comes after Horner was cleared of inappropriate behaviour following an internal investigation by Red Bull.And then a smear campaign of leaked WhatsApp messages designed to take him down.It’s not known if Verstappen Snr had a role in the murky plot to force Horner to quit. Or indeed why he decided to call for his head in the first place.Toppling Horner, who has the support of the race team, also threatens the position of his close ally, F1’s greatest-ever car designer, Adrian Newey.Insiders say that Max has privately offered his support to Horner but is unwilling to do so in public given his father’s stance.This week he will face a grilling in Jeddah about his position, putting him awkwardly in the spotlight, when incidentally his dad won’t be there to front up to his own words, having scurried back home.Like others before him, most notably Lewis Hamilton, who famously cut paternal ties with his dad Anthony in 2010, now is the time for Max to go it alone. Be his own man and make his own decisions.Whatever you think of Horner, his alleged behaviour, or Red Bull HQ’s failure to disclose the report, Max has been thrust into a difficult choice.Whether he stays with Red Bull – against his father’s wishes, or choses to jump ship – presumably to Mercedes.It is the biggest decision of his career however, he must be allowed to make it on his own.***TALK about being tone deaf. Amid all the accusations of inappropriate behaviour in the workplace, FIA president Mohammed Ben Sulayem posted an image on his Instagram account during the Bahrain GP weekend. It was taken in 2004 at the inauguration of the Bahrain circuit where he sat next to Prince Andrew and with Max Mosely. The caption read: “Bahrain GP memories”.***F1 Academy launches in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia this weekCredit: GettyF1 will launch their F1 Academy this week at the Saudi GP, aimed at helping young women racers reach F1.I think the series is a brilliant idea and has the backing of all the F1 teams and F2 and F3 team, Rodin.A total of 15 drivers will race  in identical cars powered by a 165-horsepower turbocharged four-cylinder engine.Brits Abbi Pulling and Jessica Edgar will drive for Rodin while the daughter of motorsport legend Ken Block, Lia Block, also stars.The series comes after the excellent W Series ran into financial troubles and went into administration.***THE leaked messages claiming to be evidence from the Horner investigation were all sent via WhatsApp. Ironically, the social media app owned by Meta – which was formerly named as Facebook – have recently started sponsoring Red Bull’s rivals, Mercedes, with the logo plastered across their race car.***FIA chiefs have urged F1 staff not to post images of their accreditation on social media through fear it could be used by counterfeiters to make bogus paddock passes***Alpine struggled badly in BahrainCredit: RexIT was not just Red Bull going into a meltdown in Bahrain. Alpine – the former Renault team – saw their drivers Esteban Ocon and Pierre Gasly finish in 19th and 20th place respectively.A dreadful start to the season and to make matters worse, it emerged that technical director, Matt Harman, and head of aerodynamics, Dirk de Beer, both resigned before the race team flew out to Bahrain.***NOT to be out-done by their bigger-brother, the drivers at the Red Bull B-term – Racing Bulls (formerly AlphaTauri) also had a spat in Bahrain.Daniel Ricciardo took issue with his teammate Yuki Tusnoda at one point and said over the team’s radio: “What the f***! I’ll save it… he’s a f***ing helmet!”The Aussie later said: “I came on the radio and was trying to stay cool. READ MORE SUN STORIES”A bit of immaturity, let’s say. I’m being very sensible right out but let’s call it immaturity.”Meow.🏁 Complete F1 2024 race calendar – details on every Grand Prix and start time this year 🏁  More

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      Max Verstappen’s dad Jos ‘to SKIP Saudi Grand Prix’ after bombshell row with sexting boss Christian Horner

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      FORMULA One champion Max Verstappen’s dad Jos is set to skip the Saudi Arabia Grand Prix this week after his explosive row with Christian Horner.The pair fell out over Horner’s bombshell sexting scandal after intimate texts sent by him to a female colleague were leaked online, rupturing the Red Bull team.Jos Verstappen and Christian Horner have come to blows after the recent sexting row – and Verstappen Senior is apparently skipping the Saudi Grand Prix this weekCredit: GettyJos Verstappen pictured in Bahrain over the weekendCredit: GettyMax Verstappen and Christian Horner at training in Bahrain last weekCredit: RexThe pair were filmed in what looked to be a heated argument just days agoHorner, 50, was cleared by an internal investigation after shocking allegations of inappropriate behaviour just weeks ago.But only hours later an anonymous dossier of his seedy and sexually suggestive messages were leaked widely online.Verstappen Senior has made it clear he’s not happy with the F1 boss – telling press the team “is in danger of being torn apart” and things “can’t go on” the way they are. Now as tensions reach a boiling point, the former racer has decided to pull out of attending this weeks races in Jeddah, ESPN reports.READ MORE ON CHRISTIAN HORNERRumours suggest Verstappen Senior and Horner have been clashing for months, and the pair reportedly had an explosive row on Friday evening.Not long after Sky Sports footage of what appeared to be a fresh argument between the pair suggests cracks in Red Bull’s team are widening under rising pressure.Jos even said Horner’s Red Bull Racing team would “explode” if Horner is allowed remained in the top slot.His close friendship with Mercedes boss Toto Wolff could even see Max forced to jump ship and take the seat left vacant by Ferrari-bound Lewis Hamilton.Most read in MotorsportJos bluntly told press after Max bagged a win in the F1 opening race: “There is tension here while he [Horner] remains in position.”The team is in danger of being torn apart. It can’t go on the way it is.”It will explode. He is playing the victim, when he is causing the problems.”The Sun alleged over the weekend that a mole inside the Red Bull camp could have sent the dossier of texts to F1 personnel.And Jos, a former team-mate of Michael Schumacher, was asked if he was involved.He strongly denied the claims, saying: “That wouldn’t make sense.”Why would I do that when Max is doing so well here?”Jos, 51, has overseen his son’s career like a hawk after taking part in 106 races as an F1 driver himself.Now his row with Horner has left son Max, 26, in an awkward position and could drive a bigger wedge through the Red Bull team.And according to the Sunday Telegraph, Jos even told pals his son will “move on from Red Bull Racing if he has to” after the recent drama.Horner did not comment on the leak while in Bahrain for the Grand Prix.While it is not clear yet whether the messages are authentic, and serve as evidence against him – they showcased a series of seedy and sexually suggestive conversations.Horner was joined in Bahrain on Saturday by wife Spice Girl Geri Halliwell, 51, who displayed a clear show of support for her husband.The pair were seen holding hands, tightly embracing and even kissing in the F1 paddock.READ MORE SUN STORIESBut sources said furious Geri “read the riot act” to him before putting on a brave face for the cameras — to her husband’s “relief”.Horner had always denied the allegations of inappropriate behaviour and was cleared by Red Bull to continue in his role on Wednesday after the employee’s claim for grievance was dismissed.Geri putting on a show of support for husband Christian on SaturdayCredit: SplashMax Verstappen with his dad Jos in the paddock ahead of the Bahrain Grand PrixCredit: Getty More

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      Watch moment Christian Horner & Max Verstappen’s dad Jos have ‘heated’ exchange as team ‘torn apart’ by sext row

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      CHRISTIAN Horner and Max Verstappen’s dad Jos were seen locked in what looked like a fiery argument during the Formula One season opener.Reports of cracks in the Red Bull camp follow Horner’s embarrassing sexting scandal – where intimate text messages sent by him to a female colleague were leaked online.Jos Verstappen and Christian Horner have reportedly come to blows after the recent sexting rowCredit: GettyChristian Horner and Jos Verstappen having what looked like a heated debate on Saturday nightCredit: SKY SPORTSJos with son Max, who won the F1 season opener over the weekendCredit: GettyHorner with wife Geri Halliwell, who put on a show support for her husband at the Grand PrixAnd F1 world champion Verstappen was dragged into the drama when his father, Jos Verstappen, called for Christian Horner’s head.Rumours suggest Verstappen Senior and Horner have been clashing for months, and the pair reportedly had an explosive row on Friday evening.The Sky Sports footage of what appeared to be a fresh argument between the pair on Saturday suggests cracks in Red Bull’s team are widening under rising pressure.Jos even said Horner’s Red Bull Racing team would “explode” if he remained in the top slot and could be “torn apart”.READ MORE ON CHRISTIAN HORNERAnd his close friendship with Mercedes boss Toto Wolff could see Max forced to jump ship and take the seat left vacant by Ferrari-bound Lewis Hamilton.Jos bluntly told press after Max bagged a win in the F1 opening race: “There is tension here while he [Horner] remains in position.”The team is in danger of being torn apart. It can’t go on the way it is.”It will explode. He is playing the victim, when he is causing the problems.”Most read in MotorsportLast week Horner, 50, was cleared in an internal Red Bull investigation of inappropriate behaviour after a complaint was raised by a female colleague. But just 24 hours after the fact – hundreds of messages were leaked on social media via an anonymous email.The racing boss did not comment on the leak while in Bahrain for the Grand Prix.While it is not clear yet whether the messages are authentic, and serve as evidence against him – they showcased a series of seedy and sexually suggestive conversations.Horner was then joined in Bahrain on Saturday by wife Spice Girl Geri Halliwell, 51, who displayed a clear show of support for her husband.The pair were seen holding hands, tightly embracing and even kissing in the F1 paddock.But sources said furious Geri “read the riot act” to him before putting on a brave face for the cameras — to her husband’s “relief”.The Sun alleged over the weekend that a mole inside the Red Bull camp could have sent the dossier of texts to F1 personnel.And Jos, a former team-mate of Michael Schumacher, was asked if he was involved.He strongly denied the claims, saying: “That wouldn’t make sense.”Why would I do that when Max is doing so well here?”Jos, 51, has overseen his son’s career like a hawk after taking part in 106 races as an F1 driver himself.Now his row with Horner has left son Max, 26, in an awkward position and could drive a bigger wedge through the Red Bull team.Max wished Jos happy birthday on Twitter today, posting a picture of him as a youngster in a model racing car with his dad crouched behind him.READ MORE SUN STORIESAnd according to the Sunday Telegraph, Jos even told pals his son will “move on from Red Bull Racing if he has to” after the recent drama.Horner had always denied the allegations of inappropriate behaviour and was cleared by Red Bull to continue in his role on Wednesday after the employee’s claim for grievance was dismissed.Who is Jos Verstappen?A FORMER F1 driver himself, Jos achieved two podiums in 106 races but has recently been better known as the father of world champion Max Verstappen.
      Jos can frequently be seen behind the scenes at Red Bull during the race weekends and takes pride in supporting his son publicly.
      However, he has been the subject of some scrutiny in the past.
      After an incident in 1998 at a karting track where another man suffered a fractured skull, he avoided a suspended jail sentence after agreeing an out-of-court settlement with the victim.
      Ten years later, he appeared in court, charged with assaulting his wife, Sophie Kumpen.
      He was found not guilty of assault, but guilty of threatening Kumpen in text messages and of violating a previously issued restraining order.
      He was fined and sentenced to three months probational, suspended prison sentence.
      And in January 2012, he was arrested following accusations that he drove a car into his ex-girlfriend but was released two weeks later after the charge was withdrawn.
      He has overseen his son’s career like a hawk and now, with a wedge drive between himself and Horner, it leaves Max Verstappen in an awkward position.

      Horner could be seen waving his hands around and gesturing as he talked intently with JosCredit: SKY SPORTSHorner and Verstappen look stressed as they gear up for the race over the weekendCredit: GettyGeri and her husband share sharing an intimate moment before the opening race of the seasonHorner points at Jos during their exchange after the season openerCredit: SKY SPORTSHorner with F1 champ Max Verstappen after he won the season opener in BahrainThe troubled couple stood next to Red Bull key shareholder Chalerm Yoovidhya and his wife as they watched from the paddock More

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      Fuming Geri Halliwell demands husband Christian Horner cut ties with colleague and lays down ground rules over behaviour

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      FUMING Geri Halliwell has demanded her scandal-hit husband Christian Horner cut contact with the female colleague he is accused of sexting.The Spice Girl, who staged a public show of support for F1 boss Horner in Bahrain, wants the employee “out of the picture”.Furious Geri Halliwell wants husband Christian Horner to cut contact with the colleague he’s accused of sextingCredit: GettyGinger Spice wants the employee ‘out of the picture’Credit: PADevastated Geri, 51, is also understood to have laid down ground rules over her hubby’s future behaviour — including on messages he sends on his phone.It was also reported that the woman at the centre of the sexts storm has struck up a close friendship with another senior figure in Horner’s Red Bull team.Meanwhile, tensions mounted after top driver Max Verstappen’s dad warned the team will “explode” if Horner, 50, stays.A showbiz source said: “Although she smiled for the cameras at the grand prix, Geri has laid down some strict ground rules.READ MORE ON CHRISTIAN HORNER”One is that Christian cuts or reduces contact with the woman — but that is difficult because of her role at Red Bull.“And she has definitely had her say over what messages he sends. For obvious reasons, Geri would like the female colleague — who she knew before her appointment — to be out of the picture as much as possible.“But they cannot sack her as there are no grounds to do so.”An F1 insider said Geri, mum to Horner’s seven-year-old son, had shown “nothing but support” to her husband.Most read in MotorsportIt comes after the pair shared an awkward hug and kiss for the cameras in the Middle East.The paddock source added: “Christian will be heading to Saudi Arabia for the race next weekend and I doubt Geri will be there — but that is because she is incredibly busy.”A torrent of sexually suggestive messages were leaked after Horner was cleared of “coercive behaviour” towards the female employee in a Red Bull probe.Geri Halliwell breaks cover to stand by her scandal-hit husband Christian Horner at F1 as couple rocked by sext stormSome appeared to show him asking for pics and discussing a solo sex act in a plane toilet.Horner has not commented on the messages, sent anonymously last Thursday to 149 F1 figures including journalists.Meanwhile, Red Bull pulled a promo video over the weekend after trolls targeted Horner’s accuser. The 11-minute Race to Miami film, featuring the team boss, was set to “private” on YouTube after a string of vicious comments aimed at the female employee.A spokesman for Red Bull Racing insisted: “There is no issue and we are focusing on the racing.READ MORE SUN STORIES“The team is united.” A spokeswoman for Geri was approached for comment.Geri is also understood to have laid down ground rules over her hubby’s future behaviourCredit: PAThe pair shared an awkward hug and kiss for the cameras in the Middle EastCredit: PAHow Christian Horner’s shock texts were leakedBy Ben Hunt
      IT was an anonymous email sent and designed for maximum impact.
      It landed in my inbox almost 24 hours to the minute since Christian Horner was cleared of any wrongdoing following Red Bull’s internal investigation.
      Other names included Liberty Media chief Greg Maffei, who owns the rights to F1. The FIA president, Mohammed Ben Sulayem and F1 CEO Stefano Dominacali.
      The F1 team bosses were also included for good measure. As was Max Verstappen’s father, Jos.
      It was from an anonymous sender, the title was simply the date – ‘Feb Twenty Nine’.
      Inside it was a Google Drive link containing 79 files claiming to be the evidence from the independent investigation.
      There is no way of knowing if they were real or fake yet irrespectively it sent another shockwave through the F1 paddock before this season had even started.
      Horner was sitting on the team’s pitwall during second practice in Bahrain when the email dropped.
      After the session, he walked out of the team’s garage and into the hospitality unit where he remained as the nuclear fallout began.
      He’d survived the outcome of the internal investigation into improper conduct following a complaint from a female colleague.
      One wonders whether he will survive this time after this very public humiliation – again, irrespective if they were indeed real or fake.
      Just hours earlier, McLaren’s CEO Zak Brown and Mercedes boss Toto Wolff, called on the sport’s governing body, the FIA, demanding transparency.
      “I just read the statement, which was pretty basic,” said Wolff. “My personal opinion is we can’t really look behind the curtain.
      “There is a lady in an organisation that has spoken to HR and said there was an issue and it was investigated and yesterday the sport has received the message that it’s all fine, we’ve looked at it.
      “I believe with the aspiration as a global sport, on such critical topics, it needs more transparency and I wonder what the sport’s position is?
      “We’re competitors, we’re a team and we can have our own personal opinions or not. But it’s more like a general reaction or action that we as a sport need to assess, what is right in that situation and what is wrong.
      “Are we talking with the right moral approach, with the values based on the speculation that is out there? As a sport, we cannot afford to leave things vague and opaque on critical topics like this, because this is going to catch us out.”
      Brown added: “It’s the responsibility ultimately of the organisers of Formula One, the owners of Formula One, to make sure that all the racing teams and the personnel and the drivers and everyone else involved in the sport are operating in a manner in which we all live by.
      “I don’t think it’s the teams’ roles and responsibilities. That’s up to FIA and Formula One to ultimately decide and ask what they feel gives them the level of transparency they need to ultimately come to their conclusion and we just have to count on them that they fulfil that obligation to all of us.”
      The emailed file will only increase that pressure in the form of scrutiny on Horner – who has always denied the accusations.
      It does also put Red Bull in a tricky position.
      Should the emailed file be legitimate and have made up elements from the initial report, which had been thoroughly examined and presented by the independent KC, then surely this is nothing new to them and their decision to stick with their team principal remains.
      To perform a u-turn on that simply now they have become public would possibly see criticism that they intended to keep their report private to save face.
      Whatever the outcome, it is a mess for the world champions.Reports of a wedge driven between Horner and Verstappen’s father have grown in recent weeks.
      So it was interesting that Jos Verstappen was in the paddock and wearing a team jacket and seemed unmoved to the chaos happening around him More