Motorsport

Subterms

    More stories

    • 200 Shares139 Views

      in Motorsport

      Christian Horner and Geri Halliwell face ‘being shunned by celeb pals’ over Red Bull sext scandal

      by

      RED Bull chief Christian Horner and his Spice Girl wife Geri face being shunned by their celebrity friends over the humiliating sext scandal, a source has claimed.The pair may have appeared united in Bahrain over the weekend, but the bombshell sexts storm has been an embarrassing blow for Geri, 51, a pal said.The couple put on a show of a united front in BahrainCredit: GettyHorner and Geri were pictured sharing a kiss after the sexts scandal brokeCredit: BackGridThe Spice Girls are said to be conflicted over HornerCredit: GettyGeri’s former bandmates are reportedly very sympatheticCredit: Rex FeaturesThe team principal, who is currently preparing for this weekend’s Grand Prix in Saudi Arabia, is embroiled in an alleged “sexting” scandal after his private conversations were leaked online.The messages were revealed right after the F1 chief was cleared of misconduct by an internal probe – a claim he always denied.While Geri was seemingly supported by her Spice Girls pals over the course of the investigation, they now seem to be “conflicted” over her scandal-hit husband.An F1 source told the Daily Mail: “The humiliation is very hard for Geri.READ MORE ON HORNER”I think that will be the main problem. The other Spice Girls are very sympathetic and all feel really conflicted about Christian now.”All those celebrity friends of hers who were happy to hang out with him will also be steering very clear. It’s a bad mess.”When Horner was hit by the “sexually suggestive” messages allegations, Mel B, Mel C, Emma Bunton and Victoria Beckham were said to be rallying around Geri.A source said at the time they were all quietly supporting her behind the scenes making sure she was okay.Most read in MotorsportDespite staging a public show of support in Bahrain hugging and kissing, the Spice Girl is still trying to come to terms with the situation.Another pal said: “Geri is wondering how on earth this all happened.”She very much believes that things happen for a reason and so she can’t understand why this has been thrown her way and what it all means.”Geri has reportedly laid down ground rules over her husband’s future behaviour and has demanded he cut contact with the employee.However, the Red Bull chief is said to still be in contact with his accuser as she still works at Red Bull’s HQ in Milton Keynes, Bucks.For the Red Bull boss it’s business as usual as he’s currently preparing for this week’s raceBut he did meet with Max Verstappen’s rep on Monday in a bid to calm soaring tensions after the driver’s dad warned the team will “explode” if Horner stays.Horner was pictured in tense talks with Jos Verstappen in BahrainCredit: GettyThe Spice Girls supported Geri during Red Bull’s investigationCredit: Rex More

    • 200 Shares159 Views

      in Motorsport

      Christian Horner ‘holds face-to-face meeting’ with Max Verstappen’s agent after ‘heated’ exchange with F1 champ’s dad

      by

      RED Bull chief Christian Horner met with Max Verstappen’s rep on Monday in a bid to calm soaring tensions in his F1 team.The crisis talks in Dubai came just 48 hours after the Dutch driver’s dad, Jos, said Red Bull would “explode” if Horner remained in his job.Christian Horner (L) held crisis talks with reps from the Verstappen camp in Dubai on Monday, he is pictured here with Jos Verstappen at the Bahrain GP on SundayCredit: GettySpeaking after his son won this weekend’s Bahrain Grand Prix, Verstappen senior hinted ‘victim’ Horner should resignCredit: GettyMax’s manager Raymond Vermeulen is understood to have acted on behalf of the Verstappens, who weren’t in attendance.A source said the summit – reportedly attended by senior Red Bull figures – “went well”.Horner has faced intense scrutiny in recent weeks following “sext” and harassment allegations made against him by a female colleague.An internal investigation by Red Bull cleared the 50-year-old who always denied the claims.Read More on Christian HornerSpeaking after his son won this weekend’s Bahrain Grand Prix, Verstappen senior hinted “victim” Horner should resign.He told the Daily Mail: “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 the one causing the problems.”Most read in MotorsportThe comments came as a video emerged of Jos locked in a “heated” exchange with Horner before the start of Sunday’s race.Following the race Horner said he was “absolutely confident” he would stay on as Red Bull boss for the remainder of the season after overseeing Verstappen lead a one-two finish from team-mate Sergio Perez.Verstappen breaks silence on Christian Horner ‘sexting’ probe as pressure mounts on Red Bull 3 weeks after shock claimsResponding to Jos Verstappen’s comments, a Red Bull Racing spokesperson said: “There are no issues here. The team are united and we are focused on racing.”The next grand prix takes place in Saudi Arabia on Saturday. More

    • 213 Shares109 Views

      in Motorsport

      Christian Horner ‘still in contact with accuser’ despite wife Geri Halliwell wanting her ‘out of the picture’

      by

      SEXT probe F1 boss Christian Horner’s accuser is apparently still in contact with him at work.The unidentified woman’s complaint that Red Bull Racing boss Horner, 50, sent her “sexually suggestive” messages threatens to wreck his marriage and career.Geri Horner is said to want Christian’s accuser ‘out of the picture’ amid news she is still in contact with him at workCredit: GettyBut she has stayed at work at Red Bull’s HQ in Milton Keynes, Bucks, despite being locked in an explosive dispute with her boss.And embattled Horner is having to carry on daily “business as usual” with the staff member who detonated the scandal.Sources told The Sun today the attractive employee even asked to fly to the Bahrain Grand Prix to support the team last weekend.Geri — who staged a toe-curling public show of support for Horner in Bahrain — is said to want the woman “out of the picture”.READ MORE ON CHRISTIAN HORNERThe heartbroken Spice Girl, 51, is also understood to have read her hubby the riot act over his behaviour and messages he sends on his phone.But she was left frustrated today after learning the woman at the centre of the storm was staying put and has engaged high-powered lawyers to fight her corner.A source told The Sun: “It’s frustrating for everyone and ridiculous to try to maintain business as usual in the circumstances.“The woman’s role involves continuing contact with Christian and they are having to get on with day-to-day work as though nothing has happened. But something has to give.Most read in Motorsport“She wanted to fly to Bahrain in her work role but that would have created a circus which no one wants and would be good for no one.“Everyone at Red Bull and the wider world of F1 knows the identity of the woman at the centre of this.Christian Horner gives defiant seven-word statment amid sext leak storm after Bahrain Grand Prix win“She has also acquired very expensive lawyers who have been advising her since the scandal blew up — but no one knows who’s paying for them.“It all plays into claims that there’s a conspiracy to unseat Christian.”The woman — one of 1,400 Red Bull Racing staff based in the team’s state-of-the-art Milton Keynes HQ — was at her desk earlier today while Horner was in Saudi Arabia preparing for this weekend’s F1 race.Tensions mounted after Jos Verstappen, father of Red Bull’s world champ and top driver Max, warned the team will “explode” if Horner stays in his £8million-a-year role.The two men were seen locked in what looked like a fiery argument during the Formula One season opener at the weekend — in which Red Bull stormed to first and second places thanks to Max and team-mate Sergio Perez.Sky Sports footage showed Horner and Jos Verstappen app­ar­ently arguing, following reports they have previously clashed in a rift that has lasted for months. More

    • 213 Shares99 Views

      in Motorsport

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

      by

      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

    • 225 Shares129 Views

      in Motorsport

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

      by

      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

    • 250 Shares109 Views

      in Motorsport

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

      by

      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

    • 225 Shares139 Views

      in Motorsport

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

      by

      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

    • 238 Shares159 Views

      in Motorsport

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

      by

      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