More stories

  • in

    Geri Halliwell faces awkward reunion with Christian Horner after sexts leak as she was ‘due to fly to Bahrain for GP’

    SPICE Girl Geri Halliwell is facing an awkward reunion with Christian Horner after a string of texts and photos sent by him to a female colleague were leaked. The private messages were leaked just hours after Geri was reportedly due to fly to Bahrain and join her husband for the F1 season opener.Geri Halliwell was reportedly due to fly to Bahrain to join her husbandCredit: GettyThe Red Bull boss pictured in Bahrain on Thursday ahead of the start of the seasonCredit: RexThe Red Bull boss, 50, was cleared after an internal investigation concludedCredit: GettyHorner was pictured hugging Verstappen in BahrainCredit: GettyThe pop star was said to be “relieved and elated” as her husband was cleared of any wrongdoing following a three-week internal probe for inappropriate behaviour.But in a dramatic twist a string of WhatsApp messages, which also mention Geri, were leaked to journalists from an anonymous email. The messages contain private conversations between the Red Bull chief and a staffer who appears to be a woman.While there doesn’t appear to be any explicit images in the messages, some of the texts are sexually suggestive in nature.READ MORE ON HORNERIn response to the leak, Horner said: “I won’t comment on anonymous speculation but to reiterate I have always denied the allegations, I respected the integrity of the independent investigation and fully co-operated with it every step of the way. “It was a thorough and fair investigation conducted by an independent specialist barrister and it has concluded dismissing the complaint made. I remain fully focused on the start of the season.”Geri, 51, has stood firmly by her husband throughout the three-week-long probe.A source close to Geri said she has been a “rock” for Christian but the last few weeks have been “hell” for the family.Most read in Motorsport“This has been weeks of hell for Christian and his family. As he has said all along, these claims are ‘nuts’,” they said.“An exhaustive investigation has been carried out and the allegations have proven to be nonsense.Christian Horner cleared following investigation into ‘inappropriate behaviour’“Geri has been rock solid behind Christian — and his whole family is relieved and elated that it’s over.”Those feelings are there but no one close to Christian feels like celebrating much after what he’s been through.“For the time being his focus is back fully on winning races.”Horner was cleared after the three-week internal investigation into alleged inappropriate behaviour was concluded.Red Bull Racing’s Austrian parent company yesterday confirmed the woman’s claims had been thrown out.A statement said: “Red Bull can confirm that the grievance has been ­dismissed. Red Bull is confident that the investigation has been fair, rigorous and impartial.“The investigation report is ­confidential and contains the ­private information of the parties and third parties who assisted in the investigation, and therefore we will not be commenting further out of respect for all concerned.“Red Bull will continue striving to meet the highest workplace standards.”The team’s parent company confirmed the complainant, who is understood to still be working at the team’s Milton Keynes HQ, “has a right of appeal”.Horner, who is paid £8million a year, vehemently denied all claims throughout the probe.The Red Bull chief was pictured smiling as he arrived in Bahrain this morning for the F1 season opener.He grinned as the team got to work at the Bahrain International Circuit and hugged star Max Verstappen as they greeted each other.Speaking to press he said he was “pleased” that the investigation had come to an end.He told Sky Sports: “I’m just pleased that the process is over, I can’t comment about it.”The focus is very much now on the Grand Prix and the season ahead and trying to defend both of our titles.READ MORE SUN STORIES”I’m pleased to be here in Bahrain and with the team, focussed on the season ahead.”The team has never been stronger.”Geri has stood by her husband and insisted he had done nothing wrongCredit: Instagram/gerihalliwellhornerHorner and Geri pictured at a horse racing event in Badbury Rings, DorsetCredit: Instagram/gerihalliwellhornerA look at Christian Horner’s life and careerCHRISTIAN Horner is among the most well-known names in Formula One having helped build Red Bull into one of the biggest teams in the sport.
    1973 – Born in Leamington Spa, Warwickshire
    1991 – Wins a Formula Renault scholarship after impressing in karting races
    1993-1997 – Competed in a host of competitions including British Formula Three, British Formula Two, and Formula 3000
    1997 – Founded and developed the F3000 team Arden
    1999 – Retired from driving and continued developing the Arden team
    2005 – Appointed head of Red Bull team, becoming the youngest ever team principal at that time
    2009 – Wins his first races as team principal with Sebastian Vettel and Mark Webber
    2010 – Wins the Constructors’ Championship and Drivers’ Championship with Vettel – the first of four doubles in a row
    2013 – Has a daughter with ex-wife Beverly Allen shortly before the couple split
    2014 – Gets engaged to Spice Girls member Geri Halliwell
    2015 – Marries Halliwell in Woburn, Bedfordshire
    2017 – Horner and Halliwell welcome their son
    2021 – Wins another Drivers’ Championship with Max Verstappen, beating Lewis Hamilton on the final lap of the season
    2022-23 – Red Bull win the Drivers’ Championship and Constructors’ Championship two years in a row More

  • in

    Max Verstappen ‘given parking ticket’ as Red Bull’s chaotic week takes bizarre new twist ahead of F1 Bahrain GP

    MAX VERSTAPPEN’S old Red Bull car received a PARKING TICKET in Bosnia earlier this week.The car was placed out in the middle of the street in Sarajevo as members of the public took photos with the prize possession.Max Verstappen’s world championship-winning Red Bull car was given a parking ticketCredit: GettyYet not long after it was put there, a parking ticket appeared on the side of it.The pink and yellow form could be seen near the Halo of the car – which Verstappen claimed his 2022 world title in.It is not known whether the ticket was a joke or a mistake.It is the latest in a string of headlines involving Red Bull ahead of the opening weekend of the 2024 season in Bahrain.READ MORE IN F1On Wednesday, team principal Christian Horner was cleared of any wrongdoing after bombshell claims were made by a female colleague about his behaviour.The 50-year-old will remain at the helm of Red Bull after an internal three-week investigation dismissed the grievance.Meanwhile, Verstappen was left furious after the first practice session in Bahrain as he posted just the sixth fastest time – more than three tenths of a second off the pace.Daniel Ricciardo, driving for Red Bull’s junior team, RB, topped the standings in the first session.Most read in MotorsportCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSAnd Verstappen, bidding to claim a fourth successive world title, was livid as he addressed his team over the radio.He could be heard furiously saying: “Everything is s***. Like miles off.”The Sun’s Ben Hunt reveals his five greatest Formula One Drivers Ever – with Michael Schumacher in between two BritsSeven-time world champion Lewis Hamilton finished the second practice session at the head of the pack, followed by Mercedes team-mate George Russell.Once again, Verstappen finished sixth, nearly half a second down on Hamilton. More

  • in

    Christian Horner breaks silence after ‘sexts to female colleague’ LEAKED

    CHRISTIAN Horner has broken his silence after a string of shock texts to a female colleague were leaked.A tranche of messages and photos showing details of private conversations between Horner and an unknown staffer – who appears to be a woman – have been released.The messages were leaked as the Red Bull chief is in Bahrain. pictured yesterdayCredit: RexChristian Horner was cleared of any wrongdoingCredit: GettyHorner and wife Geri married in 2015Credit: gettyThe WhatsApp messages appeared to suggest that the F1 boss pestered the woman for pictures and engaged in secret flirty chat behind his wife’s back.While there doesn’t appear to be any explicit images in the messages, some of the texts are sexually suggestive in nature.Following the leak Horner released a statement that read: “I won’t comment on anonymous speculation, but to reiterate, I have always denied the allegations.”I respected the integrity of the independent investigation and fully cooperated with it every step of the way. “It was a thorough and fair investigation conducted by an independent specialist barrister and it has concluded, dismissing the complaint made.”This comes just 24 hours after the three-week internal investigation by Red Bull into alleged inappropriate behaviour was concluded and Horner was cleared.The F1 boss was told he could keep his post at Max Verstappen’s all-conquering Red Bull team yesterday.Horner, who has a six-year-old son with wife Geri and two children from a previous marriage, has always denied any wrongdoing. Most read in MotorsportRed Bull Racing’s Austrian parent company yesterday confirmed the woman’s claims had been thrown out – and a statement was released just minutes after Horner landed in the Gulf kingdom.It said: “Red Bull can confirm that the grievance has been ­dismissed. Red Bull is confident that the investigation has been fair, rigorous and impartial.“The investigation report is ­confidential and contains the ­private information of the parties and third parties who assisted in the investigation, and therefore we will not be commenting further out of respect for all concerned.“Red Bull will continue striving to meet the highest workplace standards.”The team’s parent company confirmed the complainant, who is understood to still be working at the team’s Milton Keynes HQ, “has a right of appeal”.Horner told press today he was “pleased” that the investigation had come to an end.And Geri was reportedly “relieved and elated” as her husband was cleared of any wrongdoing.She has been described as her husband’s rock throughout the process and was said to have insisted behind closed doors that he did nothing wrong.The text messages were leaked just hours after she was reportedly due to fly to Bahrain to join her husband.The Red Bull Racing boss arrived smiling there this morning for the F1 season opener – just two days before the first race.He looked relaxed this morning as he arrived at the F1 paddock with chief technical officer, Adrian Newey.He beamed as the team got to work at the Bahrain International Circuit and hugged star Max Verstappen as they greeted each other.Horner told Sky Sports today: “I’m just pleased that the process is over, I can’t comment about it.”The focus is very much now on the Grand Prix and the season ahead and trying to defend both of our titles.READ MORE SUN STORIES”I’m pleased to be here in Bahrain and with the team, focussed on the season ahead.”The team has never been stronger.”A look at Christian Horner’s life and careerCHRISTIAN Horner is among the most well-known names in Formula One having helped build Red Bull into one of the biggest teams in the sport.
    1973 – Born in Leamington Spa, Warwickshire
    1991 – Wins a Formula Renault scholarship after impressing in karting races
    1993-1997 – Competed in a host of competitions including British Formula Three, British Formula Two, and Formula 3000
    1997 – Founded and developed the F3000 team Arden
    1999 – Retired from driving and continued developing the Arden team
    2005 – Appointed head of Red Bull team, becoming the youngest ever team principal at that time
    2009 – Wins his first races as team principal with Sebastian Vettel and Mark Webber
    2010 – Wins the Constructors’ Championship and Drivers’ Championship with Vettel – the first of four doubles in a row
    2013 – Has a daughter with ex-wife Beverly Allen shortly before the couple split
    2014 – Gets engaged to Spice Girls member Geri Halliwell
    2015 – Marries Halliwell in Woburn, Bedfordshire
    2017 – Horner and Halliwell welcome their son
    2021 – Wins another Drivers’ Championship with Max Verstappen, beating Lewis Hamilton on the final lap of the season
    2022-23 – Red Bull win the Drivers’ Championship and Constructors’ Championship two years in a row

    Statement released on X this eveningThe Red Bull boss was pictured smiling this morning in Bahrain after flying in for the F1 season openerCredit: PAVerstappen and Horner hugging each other at the F1 paddock in Bahrain today More

  • in

    F1 fans are just realising the five major changes coming to Sky Sports’ coverage ahead of Bahrain Grand Prix

    FORMULA ONE fans are set to experience a number of changes to their viewing this season.Sky Sports F1 are introducing some major changes to the how they show races for the 2024 season.Sky Sports F1 are bringing in some major changes to their broadcast’s this seasonCredit: EPAThe first of these changes implements a better team radio system.There will be a new system to speed up the process of picking out the team radio and broadcasting it out on the international feed and therefore helping fans to not miss key moments. A second change to broadcasting will see an increase in the use of the gyroscopic camera which was used sparingly last season.A new rear-facing camera fitted into the rear light is also set to be introduced.READ MORE IN F1The third major change Sky Sports F1 will be bringing will be a new look to their graphics and replays.There will be an increased use of alerts for significant developments such as weather changes or the race leader.More picture-in-picture footage will also be used to show track or pitlane incidents. Sky will also be implementing an increased use of augmented reality.Most read in MotorsportCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSIn the 2024 season in-race information such as the number of laps remaining will be more heavily used during broadcasts.Another major change will see lead commentator David Croft stepping back from three races this season.F1 Correspondent Ben Hunt on Red Bull and Christian Horner and the Formula One testing in BahrainIt will be the first time he has missed a race in 16 years, citing workload management amid a record-breaking schedule as his reason for stepping back.Daniel Ricciardo and Lewis Hamilton topped the first two Practice sessions in Bahrain before the race on Saturday.Meanwhile, world champion Max Verstappen complained that “everything’s s***” with his Red Bull car.🏁 Complete F1 2024 race calendar – details on every Grand Prix and start time this year 🏁  More

  • in

    Shock as Christian Horner sexts to female colleague are LEAKED after Red Bull cleared F1 boss in behaviour probe

    A STRING of shock sexts sent by Christian Horner to a female colleague has been leaked after he was cleared by Red Bull of sexually inappropriate behaviour.The tranche of messages and photos show details of private conversations between the F1 boss and an unknown staffer who appears to be a woman.Christian Horner was cleared of the shocking allegations yesterday and flew to Bahrain this morningHorner’s wife Spice Girl Geri Halliwell was reportedly due to fly to Bahrain just hours before the online leakCredit: GettyHorner looks at his phone intently from the sidelines of the F1 Paddock during day two of testing in Bahrain last FridayChristian Horner told a reporter today he was ‘pleased’ the investigation had been concludedCredit: PAThe series of WhatsApp messages, which also mention Horner’s wife Geri Halliwell, were sent from an anonymous email to hundreds of journalists.While there doesn’t appear to be any explicit images in the messages, some of the texts are sexually suggestive in nature.The leak is another major blow for Red Bull as the messages were revealed just 24 hours after the three-week internal investigation into alleged inappropriate behaviour was concluded.In response to the leak, Horner released a statement that read: “I won’t comment on anonymous speculation but to reiterate I have always denied the allegations, I respected the integrity of the independent investigation and fully co-operated with it every step of the way. READ MORE ON CHRISTIAN HORNER”It was a thorough and fair investigation conducted by an independent specialist barrister and it has concluded dismissing the complaint made. I remain fully focused on the start of the season.”The Red Bull Racing boss, 50, arrived smiling in Bahrain this morning for the F1 season opener – just two days before the first race.Horner, married to Spice Girl Geri Halliwell, was told he could keep his post at Max Verstappen’s all-conquering Red Bull team yesterday.And he told press today he was “pleased” that the investigation had come to an end.Most read in Motorsport Geri, who he married in 2015, was reportedly “relieved and elated” as her husband was cleared of any wrongdoing.And the messages were leaked just hours after Geri was reportedly due to fly to Bahrain to join her husband.The former popstar, 51, has stood firmly by his side throughout the three-week-long probe.Horner has always vehemently denied allegations that he sent inappropriate messages to a woman at work.He told Sky Sports today: “I’m just pleased that the process is over, I can’t comment about it.”The focus is very much now on the Grand Prix and the season ahead and trying to defend both of our titles.Inside Christian Horner’s 4-week fight for his career from 8hr grilling to Geri Halliwell’s agony…& why saga may go on “I’m pleased to be here in Bahrain and with the team, focussed on the season ahead.”The team has never been stronger.”The F1 boss looked relaxed this morning as he arrived at the F1 paddock with chief technical officer, Adrian Newey.He grinned as the team got to work at the Bahrain International Circuit and hugged star Max Verstappen as they greeted each other.Red Bull Racing’s Austrian parent company yesterday confirmed the woman’s claims had been thrown out – and a statement was released just minutes after Horner landed in the Gulf kingdom.It said: “Red Bull can confirm that the grievance has been ­dismissed. Red Bull is confident that the investigation has been fair, rigorous and impartial.“The investigation report is ­confidential and contains the ­private information of the parties and third parties who assisted in the investigation, and therefore we will not be commenting further out of respect for all concerned.“Red Bull will continue striving to meet the highest workplace standards.”The team’s parent company confirmed the complainant, who is understood to still be working at the team’s Milton Keynes HQ, “has a right of appeal”.But other team principals expressed doubt on Red Bull’s investigation as they called on more transparency amid calls for an FIA probe.Mercedes boss Toto Wolff said: “There is a lady in the organisation who indicated that there was a problem, it was investigated and yesterday we all received the message that it was okay. “I believe that a major sport needs more transparency on such dangerous topics. “I wonder what the position of the leadership is. I don’t think it should remain vague as it is now. “We are outsiders and, of course, we don’t know exactly what is going on. “But, looking at just a statement, it doesn’t seem to me how things should go in today’s time. “Although, in Formula 1, we may be in our own bubble and others are satisfied with that.”And McLaren chief Zak Brown said: “There are still many rumours and also many questions. “I think those who run this sport have a responsibility towards the entire sport and all our fans, to make it clear that everything has been clear and transparent for them.”That they come to the same conclusion as Red Bull and they agree with the outcome.”Until then, I think there will continue to be speculation and many unanswered questions about the whole process. That is not healthy for the sport. “It is up to the FIA and Formula 1 whether they can clarify whether they have the clarity that is needed.”A source close to Geri said she has been a “rock” for Christian but the last few weeks have been “hell” for the family.“This has been weeks of hell for Christian and his family. As he has said all along, these claims are ‘nuts’,” they said.“An exhaustive investigation has been carried out and the allegations have proven to be nonsense.“Geri has been rock solid behind Christian — and his whole family is relieved and elated that it’s over. “Those feelings are there but no one close to Christian feels like celebrating much after what he’s been through.“For the time being his focus is back fully on winning races.”Geri was apparently devastated when the news broke earlier this month, left in “floods of tears” and turned to her fellow Spice Girls for support.READ MORE SUN STORIESAnd she was said to have insisted behind closed doors that he had done nothing wrong. The Red Bull boss pictured smiling this morning in Bahrain after flying in for the F1 season openerCredit: PAChristian Horner pictured arriving at the circuit with Adrian Newey, the chief technical officerCredit: GettyVerstappen and Horner hugging each other at the F1 paddock in Bahrain todayHorner with wife Geri Halliwell during the F1 Grand Prix of Monaco at Circuit de Monaco in May 2023Credit: GettyA look at Christian Horner’s life and careerCHRISTIAN Horner is among the most well-known names in Formula One having helped build Red Bull into one of the biggest teams in the sport.
    1973 – Born in Leamington Spa, Warwickshire
    1991 – Wins a Formula Renault scholarship after impressing in karting races
    1993-1997 – Competed in a host of competitions including British Formula Three, British Formula Two, and Formula 3000
    1997 – Founded and developed the F3000 team Arden
    1999 – Retired from driving and continued developing the Arden team
    2005 – Appointed head of Red Bull team, becoming the youngest ever team principal at that time
    2009 – Wins his first races as team principal with Sebastian Vettel and Mark Webber
    2010 – Wins the Constructors’ Championship and Drivers’ Championship with Vettel – the first of four doubles in a row
    2013 – Has a daughter with ex-wife Beverly Allen shortly before the couple split
    2014 – Gets engaged to Spice Girls member Geri Halliwell
    2015 – Marries Halliwell in Woburn, Bedfordshire
    2017 – Horner and Halliwell welcome their son
    2021 – Wins another Drivers’ Championship with Max Verstappen, beating Lewis Hamilton on the final lap of the season
    2022-23 – Red Bull win the Drivers’ Championship and Constructors’ Championship two years in a row More

  • in

    ‘Everything’s s***’, rants Max Verstappen after disastrous first practice session of new season.. with shock name top

    MAX VERSTAPPEN was left raging after he only posted the sixth fastest time in the first practice session in Bahrain.The 2024 Formula 1 season gets underway this weekend with the opening Grands Prix set for lights out on Saturday.Max Verstappen was left raging after the first practice sessionCredit: ReutersThe defending champion was thoroughly unhappy with his carCredit: AFPDutchman Verstappen, 26, is the overwhelming favourite to clinch a fourth successive drivers’ championship this year.But he made a poor start to the weekend as he finished the opening practice session on Friday more than three tenths of a second off the pace.Former Red Bull driver Daniel Ricciardo, who now races for their junior team, RB, surprised the paddock by posting the fastest time of the session.The Australian, 34, pipped Lando Norris by three hundredths, with Oscar Piastri, Ricciardo’s team-mate Yuki Tsunoda, and Fernando Alonso rounding out the top five.READ MORE IN F1Verstappen came next ahead of George Russell, Charles Leclerc, Lewis Hamilton and Valtteri Bottas.The other Red Bull, Sergio Perez, finished down in 12th.Alpine and Haas propped up the back of the grid, with Nico Hulkenberg a huge five seconds adrift of Ricciardo.But it was Verstappen that was livid as he addressed his team over the radio.Most read in MotorsportBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSThe reigning world champion could be heard furiously saying: “Everything is s***. Like miles off.”Despite the issues, Verstappen is still the huge favourite to win in Bahrain.F1 Correspondent Ben Hunt on Red Bull and Christian Horner and the Formula One testing in BahrainHe enjoyed an unprecedented season in 2023, winning 19 of the 22 races.Meanwhile, Red Bull team principal Christian Horner was cleared of any wrongdoing after bombshell claims were made by a female colleague about his behaviour.A spokesman said: “The independent investigation into the allegations made against Mr Horner is complete, and Red Bull can confirm that the grievance has been dismissed.”The team’s parent company confirmed the complainant “has a right of appeal”.The spokesman added: “Red Bull is confident that the investigation has been fair, rigorous and impartial. “The investigation report is confidential and contains the private information of the parties and third parties who assisted in the investigation, and therefore we will not be commenting further out of respect for all concerned.”Red Bull will continue striving to meet the highest workplace standards.” More

  • in

    Inside Christian Horner’s 3-week fight for his career from 8hr grilling to Geri Halliwell’s agony…& why saga may go on

    F1 BOSS Christian Horner has been cleared of sending improper messages to a female employee – but the saga could be far from over.The Red Bull team principal must now attempt to rebuild his crisis-hit team after a tumultuous three weeks spent fighting for his career.Red Bull Racing team principal Christian Horner at the Bahrain International Circuit Sakhir ahead of the start of the F1 seasonCredit: AlamyHorner and Red Bull world champ Max Verstappen celebrate on the podium during the F1 Grand Prix of Japan in SeptemberCredit: 2023 Getty ImagesHorner, 50, was revealed on February 5 to be the subject of a formal complaint by a female colleague alleging controlling and coercive behaviour, with the probe later said to involve him allegedly sending improper messages to a woman.He vehemently denied the bombshell claims.Following a gruelling three-week internal investigation, he was yesterday cleared of any wrongdoing and it was confirmed he would keep his £8million-a-year job.A source told The Sun last night: “Christian’s career, his marriage and his reputation were attacked but there are now no question marks over his character.Read more on Christian Horner”There is no shadow. But questions are being asked about how this happened, why it happened, and who was responsible.”The former racing driver returned to the trackside for the first time today – all smiles and with a big task ahead of him.He must now repair the damage and provide assurances that his relationship with Red Bull world champ Max Verstappen, 26, remains strong enough to deliver a fourth consecutive drivers’ title.Some insiders believe Horner and Verstappen’s relationship is sufficiently healthy, The Times reports, despite the young driver choosing not to publicly support his boss yesterday.Most read in MotorsportWhen asked during a press conference if he was completely behind Horner, Verstappen said: “Well, I’m trusting the process, that’s what’s happening right now. I do not want to get into that.”Because it’s not my case anyway and I don’t want to be involved. But as a team, yeah, we do trust that process and we just have to be patient, because there’s no need to start saying things, start screaming things out loud. You have to be patient.”Christian Horner cleared following investigation into ‘inappropriate behaviour’Verstappen’s father, Jos, a former racing driver, is reportedly a friend of the female complainant, who worked at Red Bull’s headquarters in Milton Keynes as recently as Monday.Horner flew to Bahrain yesterday – accompanied by a senior adviser to the team, Helmut Marko – ahead of the F1 season’s opening race on Saturday, where Verstappen is hoped to lead the team to glory.The Red Bull boss told Sky Sports in Bahrain this morning: “I’m just pleased that the process is over.”I’m here very much now to focus on the season ahead and trying to defend both of our titles.He added that unity in the team “has never been stronger”.There is confidence in the Red Bull camp that Horner’s position is secure, even if the female complainant appeals the decision – which she has the right to do.A spokesman for Red Bull GmbH said: “The ­independent investigation into the allegations made against Mr Horner is complete and Red Bull can confirm that the grievance has been dismissed.”Red Bull is confident the investigation has been fair, rigorous and impartial. The investigation report is confidential and contains the private information of the parties and third parties who assisted in the investigation, and therefore we will not be commenting further out of respect for all concerned.”Horner is today seen talking on the phone in BahrainCredit: GettyThe team principal is all smiles as he arrives at the Bahrain International CircuitCredit: AFPHorner talks with Jos Verstappen ahead of the F1 Grand Prix of BahrainCredit: GettyThe report by the King’s Counsel, within which the grievance was dismissed, is understood be about 150 pages and was based on 60 hours of interviews with Horner and other staff members.Horner himself endured an eight-hour grilling over the claims.Spice Girl Geri Halliwell, 51, was said to be “relieved and elated” last night when her F1 boss husband was cleared of wrongdoing.She had stood solidly by Horner, who she married in 2015, from the moment the claims against him were made public.A source said: “This has been weeks of hell for Christian and his family.”As he has said all along, these claims are ‘nuts’.”An exhaustive investigation has been carried out and the allegations have proven to be nonsense.”Geri has been rock solid behind Christian – and his whole family is relieved and elated that it’s over. Those feelings are there but no one close to Christian feels like celebrating much after what he’s been through.”For the time being his focus is back fully on winning races.”The former popstar was reportedly left “in floods of tears” when the scandal broke earlier this month and was supported by pals including her fellow Spice Girls.I’m just pleased that the process is over. I’m here very much now to focus on the season ahead and trying to defend both of our titlesChristian HornerRed Bull Racing team principalShe may join her husband in Bahrain this weekend.What lies ahead for Horner’s career remains unclear, with some reportedly displeased by a lack of transparency in the investigation and others relieved to hear he was exonerated.The team principal’s position has been more precarious since his ally and Red Bull co-founder Dietrich Mateschitz died in October 2022.Horner has reportedly managed to retain support from Chalerm Yoovidhya, who controls 51 per cent of Red Bull and is the eldest son of Chaleo, the Thai businessman who co-created Red Bull in 1984.READ MORE SUN STORIESBut not everyone feels warmly toward him and there have been talks, instigated by Red Bull Austria, of a possible reshuffle in the future.The possibility of such was dismissed – at least in the short term – by sources last night who insisted Horner would remain both team principal and chief executive of the all-conquering F1 team.Christian Horner and Geri Halliwell pose after the F1 Grand Prix of Italy in 2014Credit: GettyHorner looks on on the grid prior to the F1 Grand Prix of Abu Dhabi in 2022Credit: GettyThe saga may not be over yet for Christian HornerCredit: PAThe Red Bull Racing team boss, pictured on May 27, 1992Credit: GettyHorner pictured with an Austin 100 HP Grand Prix Racer in 1994Credit: GettyWhat was claimed?F1 was rocked earlier this month by the sudden news that the sport’s longest-standing team principal had been placed under investigation by Red Bull’s Austria-based parent company.

    This was thought to be over a “dossier of incriminating material” regarding “inappropriate and controlling behaviour” towards one female, The Telegraph reported.
    Red Bull’s Austrian parent company flew an independent lawyer to the UK to question the multi-millionaire race ace and his accuser.
    The former racing driver, who runs world champion Max Verstappen’s all-conquering Red Bull team, endured an eight-hour grilling over the claims.
    Most recently, however, more allegations came as the De Telegraaf reported that Horner allegedly sent improper messages to his employee “over an extended period of time”.
    Messages were claimed to have been saved and presented as evidence to the external ­barrister running the inquiry after the woman made a complaint last December.
    Mr Horner categorically denied the new allegations and is thought to be taking legal action against De Telegraaf.
    The investigation raised the question of who could take over the helm of the all-conquering racing team of world champion Max Verstappen.
    His wife Geri Halliwell was also said to be “terrified her life would unravel” amid Horner’s “inappropriate behaviour” probe.
    The ex-Spice Girl, who was “in floods of tears” when the Red Bull boss was hit with the bombshell allegations, feared the drama will drag on for years, a source claimed. 
    But Geri, 51, stood by her husband.
    She told pals: “Christian has done nothing wrong.”
    Horner has overseen a huge period of success for the racing team – winning multiple F1 championships with Sebastian Vettel and Verstappen.
    Red Bull has won seven Formula One world drivers’ championships and six world ­constructors’ titles under Horner’s leadership.
    Last season, the team won 21 of the 22 races on the global F1 tour, and Verstappen, 26, won the drivers’ crown.
    Horner was awarded a CBE for services to motorsport in the 2024 New Year’s Honours List. More

  • in

    F1 calendar 2024: Hamilton looks to stop Verstappen winning a fourth straight championship as season starts in Bahrain

    FASTEN your seatbelts F1 fans as the 2024 season is round the corner – and this season’s blockbuster calendar starts in Bahrain THIS WEEKEND!Max Verstappen broke all types of records last campaign on his way to winning a third consecutive championship.Max Verstappen won his third consecutive title in 2023Credit: PAAnd the Red Bull racer did it in style by topping the podium in 19 out of the 23 races. The wait for Lewis Hamilton’s first win since December 5, 2021 continues due to Verstappen’s dominance.However, the British mogul finished the season in 3rd which was a big improvement from 2022, and he’ll be itching to remind everyone why he has lifted the championship a record-equalling SEVEN times.F1 calendar 2024🏁 Complete F1 2024 race calendar – details on every Grand Prix and start time this year 🏁 All session and race timings are in UK time.Read more on F1Bahrain Grand PrixTrack: Bahrain International CircuitSaturday, March 2: Bahrain Grand Prix – 3pmSaudi Arabian Grand PrixTrack: Jeddah Corniche CircuitSaturday, March 9: Saudi Arabian Grand Prix – 5pmLewis Hamilton’s last win came in Saudi ArabiaCredit: ReutersAustralian Grand PrixTrack: Melbourne Grand Prix CircuitSunday, March 24: Melbourne Grand Prix – 4amJapanese Grand PrixTrack: Suzuka International Racing CourseSunday, April 7: Japanese Grand Prix – 6amMost read in MotorsportChinese Grand PrixTrack: Shanghai International CircuitTBC: Sprint raceSunday, April 21: Chinese Grand Prix – 8amUnited States Grand PrixTrack: Miami International AutodromeTBC: Sprint raceSunday, May 5: United States Grand Prix – 9pmEmilia Romagna Grand PrixTrack: Autodromo Enzo e Dino FerrariSunday, May 19: Italian Grand Prix – 2pmMonaco Grand Prix Track: Circuit de MonacoSunday, May 26: Monaco Grand Prix – 2pmCanadian Grand Prix Track: Circuit Gilles-VilleneuveSunday, June 9: Canadian Grand Prix – 7pmSpanish Grand PrixTrack: Circuit de Barcelona-CatalunyaSunday, June 23: Spanish Grand Prix – 2pmAustrian Grand PrixTrack: Red Bull RingTBC: Sprint raceSunday, June 30: Austrian Grand Prix – 2pmBritish Grand PrixTrack: Silverstone CircuitSunday, July 7: British Grand Prix – 3pmHungarian Grand Prix Track: HungaroringSunday, July 21: Hungarian Grand Prix – 2pmBelgian Grand PrixTrack: Circuit de Spa-FrancorchampsSunday, July 28: Belgian Grand Prix – 2pmDutch Grand PrixTrack: Circuit ZandvoortSunday, August 25: Dutch Grand Prix – 2pmItalian Grand PrixTrack: Autodromo Nazionale MonzaSunday, September 1: Italian Grand Prix – 2pmAzerbaijan Grand PrixTrack: Baku City CircuitSunday, September 15: Azerbaijan Grand Prix – 12pmSingapore Grand PrixTrack: Marina Bay Street CircuitSunday, September 22: Singapore Grand Prix – 1pmUnited States Grand PrixTrack: Circuit of the AmericasTBC: Sprint raceSunday, October 20: United States Grand Prix – 8pmMexican Grand PrixTrack: Autodromo Hermanos RodriguezSunday, October 27: Mexican City Grand Prix – 8pmBrazilian Grand PrixTrack: Autodromo Jose Carlos PaceTBC: Sprint raceSunday, November 3: Sao Paulo Grand Prix – 5pmUnited States Grand PrixTrack: Las Vegas Strip CircuitTBC: Sprint raceSunday, November 23: Las Vegas Grand Prix – 6amQatar Grand PrixTrack: Lusali International CircuitTBC: Sprint raceSunday, December 1: Qatar Grand Prix – 5pmREAD MORE SUN STORIESMax Verstappen won the 2023 title after a Sprint race in QatarCredit: EPAAbu Dhabi Grand PrixTrack: Yas Marina CircuitSunday, December 8: Abu Dhabi Grand Prix – 1pm More