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      Max Verstappen’s dad forced to DENY leaking Christian Horner sexts in Red Bull civil war after explosive row in Bahrain

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      MAX Verstappen’s dad denied being behind Christian Horner’s sext leak after the pair’s explosive paddock row at the Bahrain Grand Prix.Jos Verstappen, 51, also made bombshell comments just as Horner and wife Geri Halliwell put up a strong and united front on Saturday.Jos Verstappen (right) pictured with his son Max as they arrive at the Bahrain Grand Prix on SaturdayCredit: GettyWorld champion Max brought the first GP home to Red Bull in a great start for the 2024 F1 seasonCredit: GettyRed Bull boss Christian Horner and his wife Geri Halliwell put on a united front as the pair was rocked by Horner’s sext leakCredit: GettyHorner embraces his wife Geri as he talks to Red Bull key shareholder Chalerm YoovidhyaCredit: SplashJos, a former team-mate of Michael Schumacher, reportedly had a blazing row in Horner’s paddock office after the qualifying race on Friday night.He is said to have left the office before returning to shake the Red Bull principal’s hand, the Mail reported.When asked if he was involved behind Horner’s sext leak, Jos strongly denied the claims, saying: “That wouldn’t make sense.”Why would I do that when Max is doing so well here?”Read more on Christian hornerVerstappen Snr previously said Red Bull Racing will “explode” if Horner remains team principal.He said: “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.Most read in Motorsport”He is playing the victim, when he is causing the problems.”Christian Horner gives defiant seven-word statment amid sext leak storm after Bahrain Grand Prix winAnd now Max Verstappen could be forced to turn into Mercedes after his dad’s explosive row with Christian Horner.It threatens to rip Red Bull apart as Max has to choose between his father or the boss of his team.And paddock sources believe Jos Verstappen’s friendship with Mercedes boss Toto Wolff could see the F1 star jump ship and take the seat left vacant by Ferrari-bound Lewis Hamilton.Wolff also stoked fires over Horner’s scandal, calling for more transparency as the F1 must “set their compass right”.Wolff questioned Red Bull Racing’s handling of the probe and sext scandal and called on the FIA to act on it, the Mail reported.That includes FIA president Mohammad ben Sulayem and F1 chief executive Stefano Domenicali, who were both among the 149 recipients of Horner’s sext messages.Speaking after Saturday’s Bahrain Grand Prix, Toto said: “Let’s see where it goes in the next few days.”I would very much hope that the governing body and the commercial rights’ holder set the compass right.”But the moment I continue to question how this has been handled, I am probably not doing any good to the whole issue, because then it could be seen as this just being about a power fight within F1.”That’s why it should not be in the team’s [Red Bull’s] hands.The Mercedes boss added: “It’s a much bigger topic than that and I don’t want to diminish the whole situation by making it seem like the Mercedes guy is talking about the Red Bull guys.”Jos Verstappen, former team-mate of Michael Schumacher, said Red Bull Racing will ‘explode’ if Horner remains as team principalCredit: GettyMercedes team boss Toto Wolff is calling the FIA to take matters into their own handsCredit: GettyHorner and his colleague Dr Helmut Marko at a Grand PrixCredit: GettyThe scandal surrounding Christian Horner comes amid long-term tensions at Red Bull Racing.Rumours of an unrelated power struggle within the team’s leadership have swirled since the death of co-founder Dietrich Mateschitz in 2022.After the billionaire’s death, Red Bull drafted in a new board of directors to oversee the business.Former RB Leipzig CEO Oliver Mintzlaff was appointed chief executive.Despite Red Bull enjoying its most successful season in F1 history in 2023, there was speculation of a rift between Horner and Helmut Marko – Red Bull GmBH’s motorsport advisor.Rumours even went as far as to suggest Horner was determined to get rid of Marko, 80, from the team, reports the Telegraph.The former professional driver has overseen the Red Bull driver development programme since 2005 and was a driving force in bringing Max Verstappen to the team.But speculation was played down, with Horner only acknowledging there had been a “small difference of opinion” between himself and Marko.He even suggested rumours may have been fanned by opponents, adding: “As we’ve tied up both championships, there’s not a lot to be talking about, so it’s very easy for others to wind the situation up.”But Marko hinted at an internal wrangle when he commented: “I have a contract until the end of 2024 and in the end it’s the shareholders’ decision, not Christian Horner’s, and in the end it’s me who decides.”Formula 1 reporter Erik van Haren said the power struggle appears to be coming to a “climax now”.He told De Telegraaf: “[Horner and Marko] become more and more like water and fire.”Although, of course, in the publicity they pretend that nothing is wrong.”Horner is, of course, the team principal and the CEO of Red Bull Racing. More than a thousand people work there. Super important for the operational side of the whole story.”However, it is of course known to all Formula 1 connoisseurs that Helmut Marko, the Austrian, pulls the big picture. So he decides who sits in those seats.”And yes, Horner might be the guy who would like to do that too, but Helmut is the guy who makes the big decisions.”So if you were to ask Max Verstappen, the most important man in that team, with a knife to your throat, if you had to choose between Christian Horner and Helmut Marko, you would always choose Helmut.”Horner was appointed Team Principal of Red Bull’s F1 team in 2005, and has bagged 13 world titles along the way.It comes asOn Saturday, Geri Halliwell shared an ­awkward hug and a cringey kiss with hubby Christian Horner amid the sexts leak.The Spice Girl, 51, presented a united front with the under-fire F1 Red Bull boss before and after ­yesterday’s Bahrain Grand Prix.She had landed in the Middle East on Thursday night, as a torrent of sexually suggestive WhatsApp messages and ­pictures between Horner, 50, and a female employee began to circulate worldwide.Sources said furious Geri “read the riot act” to him but put on a brave face for the cameras — to her husband’s “relief”.Ginger Spice — in high heels, a white designer dress and clutching a Hermes bag — strode hand-in-hand with her ­husband to a hospitality area ahead of the race yesterday.Horner then leaned in to plant an ­awkward kiss on his wife’s cheek while putting his arm around her back.After Red Bull’s world champ Max Verstappen stormed to victory in the season opener yesterday, Geri was clasped tightly by her husband as she flashed a forced-looking smile for the cameras.Horner gushed: “It’s been the best ­possible start to the season, very clinical and well-executed. The perfect start.”The public displays of affection came as showbiz sources said Geri had considered the future of her nine-year marriage to Horner, father of her seven-year-old son.One close to the singer said: “A lot of people who know her are astonished by this show of support. There is absolutely no doubt she is furious and has read him the riot act over what has happened.”Meanwhile, Horner took to Instagram to express his gratitude to the Red Bull Racing team.He hailed the “perfect start to the season” after his team won at the Bahrain Grand Prix on Saturday.Boss Horner congratulated driver Max Verstappen following his win.The victory was secured despite the build up to the race being dominated by one topic – the internal investigation into Horner surrounding claims of inappropriate behaviour towards a female colleague.In a post on Saturday night, Horner thanked his “hard working team” and their support.He wrote: “What a weekend. The perfect start to the season.READ MORE SUN STORIES”A big thank you to all the hard working team back in Milton Keynes for all their work over the winter to produce another great and very competitive car.”To our stakeholders, illustrious partners and everyone here in Bahrain, thank you for your unending support and commitment to get us off to the best possible start.”Pictures showed Geri Horner and her husband sharing an intimate moment before the opening race of the seasonCredit: GettyHorner and Geri seen holding hands yesterday at the Bahrain GPCredit: GettyThe couple was seen together and smiling at the Bahrain Grand PrixHorner and Geri pictured together after the race smilingCredit: PAA 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, pipping 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

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      Geri Halliwell ‘read Christian the riot act’ behind scenes in Bahrain as friends are ‘astonished’ at show of support

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      GERI Halliwell shared an ­awkward hug and a cringey kiss with hubby Christian Horner amid the sexts leak — but there were “fireworks” behind the scenes, sources said last night.The Spice Girl, 51, presented a united front with the under-fire F1 Red Bull boss before and after ­yesterday’s Bahrain Grand Prix.Geri Halliwell shared an ­awkward hug and a cringey kiss with hubby Christian Horner amid the sexts leakCredit: GettyThe Spice Gir presented a united front with the under-fire F1 Red Bull boss before and after ­yesterday’s Bahrain Grand PrixCredit: GettyBut sources said last night there were ‘fireworks’ behind the scenesCredit: EPAShe had landed in the Middle East on Thursday night, as a torrent of sexually suggestive WhatsApp messages and ­pictures between Horner, 50, and a female employee began to circulate worldwide.Sources said furious Geri “read the riot act” to him but put on a brave face for the cameras — to her husband’s “relief”.Ginger Spice — in high heels, a white designer dress and clutching a Hermes bag — strode hand-in-hand with her ­husband to a hospitality area ahead of the race yesterday.Horner then leaned in to plant an ­awkward kiss on his wife’s cheek while putting his arm around her back.Read More on SportAfter Red Bull’s world champ Max Verstappen stormed to victory in the season opener yesterday, Geri was clasped tightly by her husband as she flashed a forced-looking smile for the cameras.Horner gushed: “It’s been the best ­possible start to the season, very clinical and well-executed. The perfect start.”The public displays of affection came as showbiz sources said Geri had considered the future of her nine-year marriage to Horner, father of her seven-year-old son.One close to the singer said: “A lot of people who know her are astonished by this show of support. There is absolutely no doubt she is furious and has read him the riot act over what has happened.Most read in Motorsport“There are questions about her future with him and she let him know in no uncertain terms. It’s uncertain whether their marriage will survive but she is ­giving it a good chance by showing him support, at least in public.“But deep down she must be hurt, humiliated and very, very angry. However, this does at least show she hasn’t gone nuclear and run to the first expensive divorce lawyer she can find.”Christian Horner gives defiant seven-word statment amid sext leak storm after Bahrain Grand Prix winThe messages were leaked after Horner was cleared last week in a Red Bull probe. Some of them seemed to show him asking the woman for pictures and in others he appears to discuss a solo sex act in a plane toilet.The source continued: “The texts leak moved the goalposts — and Geri was furious about it. “When Christian first told her about the situation, he said he had fallen out with a woman who wanted promotion and more responsibility in Red Bull. “So he sold it to Geri as a workplace row and she accepted that. So Geri is now fuming that there appears to be more to this.”An F1 paddock source said: “Christian is relieved and thrilled by Geri’s show of support. “He was really happy she had flown out and was with him. “They had time to discuss everything and she must have accepted his explanations to a point to turn out to support him.”The public displays of affection came as showbiz sources said Geri had considered the future of her nine-year marriage to HornerCredit: PAGeri reportedly knew the staffer at the centre of the sexts storm, and sources said she had visited the couple’s London homeCredit: PAHowever, last night Jos Verstappen, 51, dad of star Red Bull driver Max, told the Mail: “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. He is playing the victim, when he is causing the problems.”Verstappen Snr reportedly had a blazing row in Horner’s paddock office after the qualifying race on Friday night. He is said to have left the office before returning to shake the Red Bull principal’s hand.Geri reportedly knew the staffer at the centre of the sexts storm, and sources said she had visited the couple’s London home.However, showbiz insiders said the Spice Girl’s spirituality and religious beliefs have helped to edge her towards forgiving her husband. Geri, who often wears a crucifix around her neck, turned to Christianity in 2001 when she went on a ten-week Alpha course on the Bible.She previously told The Sun that she conceived in her mid-40s after praying to God to get pregnant naturally.Our source added: “Her Christianity is helping Christian because — although angry — she believes in forgiveness and wants to keep her family together.”READ MORE SUN STORIESHorner — cleared of “coercive behaviour” in a three-week probe — has not commented on the leaked messages.On Thursday, he said: “I won’t comment on anonymous speculation but have always denied the allegations.” BECKS’ SHOW IN THE SNOW
      By Jane Atkinson
      GERI Halliwell has followed in the footsteps of her fellow Spice Girl Victoria Beckham who famously put on a stage-managed display of affection with husband David while their marriage was in trouble.
      In 2004, the Beckhams went to the French Alps after he was accused of cheating with Rebecca Loos.
      They hit the slopes, had a playfight then — like Christian Horner yesterday — David kissed his wife.
      In their Netflix documentary last year, Victoria said it was their “hardest period”, adding: “It felt like the world was against us. And here’s the thing — we were against each other.”
      David added: “We needed to fight for our family. And what we had was worth fighting for.” More

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      Meet Christian Horner’s boss and Red Bull owner worth nearly 27 times more than Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo combined

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      ALLEGED “leaked texts” have put Christian Horner’s position as Team Principal of Red Bull into doubt – but he does still have the support of the most powerful man at Red Bull.The British boss was cleared of wrongdoing by his team’s internal investigation on Wednesday, but less than 24 hours later was hit by a dossier of texts being leaked to journalists and F1 team principals.Chalerm Yoovidhya and wife Daranee, were pictured alongside Christian and Geri HornerCredit: GettyIt’s a clear indication that Red Bull’s most important man is standing by his team principalCredit: AFPThe investigation into Horner, relating to accusations of “inappropriate behaviour” began in February, and has seen his previously untouchable position at Red Bull put into doubt.Crucially for Horner, though, he has the support of majority Red Bull shareholder Chalerm Yoovidhya, 73.The Thai businessman is estimated by Forbes to have a net worth of £26.8billion.That’s almost 27 times the net worth of Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo, thought to be worth nearly £1bn between them.READ MORE ON CHRISTIAN HORNERYoovidhya inherited much of his wealth when his father, Chaleo died in 2012 – although he was involved in running the Red Bull conglomerate before that.He owns 51 per cent of the Red Bull company and has the power of veto on shareholder decisions, making him a very important ally for Horner to have.Although not a great deal is known about the Thai businessman’s personal life, he lives in Bangkok and has three children – all potential heirs in the Red Bull dynasty.According to the Daily Mail, he is thought to be incredibly loyal to Horner, and has put down any attempts from within the team to get rid of him.Most read in MotorsportThe businessman has been pictured with both Christian and Geri Horner several times and is thought to have a good personal relationship with the couple.A power vacuum has been present at Red Bull since the death of Dietrich Mateschtiz who passed away in 2022.Motor racing world in ‘disbelief’ at Christian Horner alleged leaked messagesMateschitz founded Red Bull alongside Chaleo Yoovidhya in 1984 in a joint Austrian and Thai venture.Dietrich’s death saw his son Mark, 31, inherit his 49 per cent of shares and while Dietrich was an avid supporter of Horner, Mark is not thought to be.He is allegedly joined in the power struggle against Horner by Oliver Mintzlaff, who oversees Red Bull’s other sporting operations as well as F1, Helmut Marko and Max Verstappen’s father Jos, according to The Mail.They claim that Mark, along with the Austrian faction of Red Bull wanted Horner to be dispatched “quickly” while the investigation was still ongoing.But the support of Chalern Yoovidhya and the Thai branch of Red Bull has seen Horner remain as Red Bull’s team principal. More

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      Christian Horner makes first Instagram post since sext leak storm & hails ‘perfect start to season’ after Bahrain GP win

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      CHRISTIAN Horner has taken to Instagram to express his gratitude to the Red Bull Racing team.He hailed the “perfect start to the season” after his team won at the Bahrain Grand Prix today.Christian Horner hugged Max Verstappen after his win todayCredit: Instagram/@christianhornerHorner posted on Instagram for the first time since his scandalCredit: Instagram/@christianhornerSpice Girl Geri was seen in Bahrain supporting her husbandCredit: PABoss Horner congratulated driver Max Verstappen following his win.The victory was secured despite the build up to the race being dominated by one topic – the internal investigation into Horner surrounding claims of inappropriate behaviour towards a female colleague.In a post on Saturday night, Horner thanked his “hard working team” and their support.He wrote: “What a weekend. The perfect start to the season.read more on horner”A big thank you to all the hard working team back in Milton Keynes for all their work over the winter to produce another great and very competitive car.”To our stakeholders, illustrious partners and everyone here in Bahrain, thank you for your unending support and commitment to get us off to the best possible start.”The post comes after Horner was pictured on his own today walking into the paddock ahead of the race.Geri Halliwell, 51, was later seen standing by her husband despite the shock bombshell leak. Most read in MotorsportThe trove of texts sent anonymously to F1 bosses and media outlets confirmed Horner did send inappropriate messages behind his wife Geri Halliwell’s back, despite being cleared in a Red Bull probe.The team boss refused to comment on the leaked WhatsApp sexts.Christian Horner gives defiant seven-word statment amid sext leak storm after Bahrain Grand Prix winSome of the grubby messages were reported, including a request for a “Santa PJ selfie”.He also regularly joked about Spanx, telling the woman she looks “attractive” in them.In another, Horner starts by asking if he can make a “confession”.He then describes a trip on a private jet to Dubai where he claims that the woman got him “out of control”.It was reported that the Red Bull chief – who has won 13 world titles since heading the team as a 31-year-old in 2005 – had been hauled in for crisis talks with F1 bosses.The tension was palpable down in the paddock, with Red Bull team members avoiding mentioning the simmering scandal, other than the odd whisper.Horner was also seen holding hands with his wife after the race.An emotional Horner had said: “I have the support of an incredible family, an incredible wife, an incredible team and everybody within that team.READ MORE SUN STORIES”And my focus is going racing, winning racing and doing the best I can.”It was a day about starting the season in the best possible way. My focus is on this team, my family, my wife and racing.” More

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      Two F1 chiefs ‘QUIT’ as team part-owned by Hollywood duo suffer nightmare start to the season at Bahrain Grand Prix

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      TWO chiefs at Alpine have quit as the team suffered a horror start to the new F1 season.Both technical director Matt Harman and head of aerodynamics Dirk de Beer have resigned.Technical director Matt Harman has quit Alpine as the team made a horror start to the F1 seasonCredit: AFPThis year’s first race took place in Bahrain today as Red Bull’s Max Verstappen cruised to victory. He lapped both Alpine drivers Esteban Ocon and Pierre Gasly.The French duo finished 17th and 18th in the Bahrain GP.It is understood Harman and De Beer resigned prior to the opening race weekend of the season due to the “uncompetitive” testing of the car.READ MORE IN F1It remains unclear when they will leave as they work out their notice periods.They are the latest chiefs to leave after principal Otmar Szafnauer and sporting director Alan Permane quit halfway through last year’s Belgian GP.Experienced engineer Pat Fry left for rivals Williams and CEO Laurent Rossi also departed last season.CASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSAlpine are part-owned by Hollywood actors Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney.Most read in MotorsportThey joined with Otro Capital and RedBird Capital Partners to take a 24 per cent share of the team that used to be known as Renault.Jeremy Clarkson and Kaleb Cooper deliver beer to Alpine F1 Racing Team headquarters after Esteban Ocon achieved a podium positionTheir latest business move after buying football club Wrexham supposedly cost them £170million.NFL star Travis Kelce, boyfriend of pop sensation Taylor Swift, also owns a small portion of Alpine.Alpine have declined to comment on Harman and De Beer’s resignations. More

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      Christian Horner gives defiant seven-word answer when quizzed about future amid sext leak storm after Bahrain GP win

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      CHRISTIAN HORNER gave a defiant response to questions over his Red Bull future following a dominant win at the Bahrain GP.The team principal is caught up in an alleged “sexting” scandal after being cleared of misconduct by an internal probe.Max Verstappen’s win put a smile on Christian Horner’s faceCredit: APHorner shared a kiss with wife GeriCredit: PAThe 50-year-old was allowed to lead Red Bull into the new F1 season that begun today. Max Verstappen cruised to victory as he continued his dominance from last year, with team-mate Sergio Perez second.Afterwards, Horner was asked: “Are you confident you have the full backing of everybody above you and you’ll be leading this team in Jeddah next weekend?”He replied: “Yeah, absolutely – I wouldn’t be here otherwise.”READ MORE IN F1Horner also added: “You don’t achieve this kind of result by not being united.”He continued: “Testimony to the hard work behind-the-scenes – maximum points today. “It’s an aggressive evolution. The design team has done a wonderful job, they’ve pushed hard, you can see there’s innovative ideas. It’s a strong evolution. “It’s a great start, it’s not a one off.Most read in Motorsport”We’re going to have to see four or five races before we see a true pattern. “You can’t base too much on this one race. Inside Christian Horner’s 4-week fight for his career from 8hr grilling to Geri Halliwell’s agony…& why saga may go on “It was a great performance by Max and the perfect start to the season. “He’s got to keep performing like he did today. “He made a couple good passes and drove a strong race. A one-two finish is the optimal.”We have got a tremendous support, tremendous partners and great shareholders behind us as well.”The win put a smile on Horner’s face after a week of intense scrutiny.He appeared in Bahrain alongside his wife Geri Halliwell and they shared a kiss in the paddock.Prior to the race, Horner was also seen pacing around the paddock and hospitality area at the circuit, stopping to check his phone and sign autographs for children.Meanwhile, Geri has been left “heartbroken and humiliated” after sexts sent by her hubby to a female employee were leaked.The Spice Girl, 51, touched down in Bahrain on Thursday night just as the bombshell messages began to spread around the globe.Geri reportedly refused to see her husband after his sext leak but was talked into it by his family.Some of the messages were reported, including a request for a “Santa PJ selfie”.He also regularly joked about Spanx, telling the woman she looks “attractive” in them.In another, Horner starts by asking if he can make a “confession”.He then describes a trip on a private jet to Dubai where he claims that the woman got him “out of control”.The Sun learned that Geri knew of the female employee at the centre of the texting scandal.READ MORE SUN STORIESA Red Bull insider said she even approved of the woman working in Horner’s team.It comes after a mole close to the Red Bull Racing camp allegedly detonated the Christian Horner sexting scandal in a bid to oust the F1 team boss, The Sun revealed. More

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      Max Verstappen easily wins Bahrain Grand Prix as Red Bull 1-2 gives under-fire Christian Horner something to smile about

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      MAX VERSTAPPEN started his F1 title defence with a crushing victory in the Bahrain Grand Prix.The 26-year-old crossed the line with a whopping 22 seconds lead over his team-mate Sergio Perez.The new season got underway in BahrainCredit: RexMax Verstappen carried his dominance into the new seasonCredit: GettyThe win gave Chistian Horner something to smile aboutCredit: APHe was congratulated by his Red Bull boss Christian Horner, who beamed for the first time in a while after being dogged by controversy.The build up to this race had been dominated by one topic – the internal investigation into Horner surrounding claims of inappropriate behaviour towards a female colleague.But he was given the green light to continue in his role after the grievance was dismissed by an independent report only to be plunged into a meltdown when an anonymous email claimed to have leaked contents of WhatsApp exchanges.Horner, who had denied the allegations, would only comment to say that he would not respond to “anonymous speculation”.READ MORE IN F1There had also been more tension with rumours of a simmering feud with Verstappen’s father Jos, potentially driving a wedge between his star driver and Horner.But there was a clear show of support for Horner, who had arrived at the track in Bahrain early.He had remained in his office in the Red Bull hospitality unit until going to the paddock gates to greet his wife Geri Halliwell around 4:15pm.She was wearing an elegant cream dress and they strode through the paddock holding hands as the snappers got their shots before sharing a kiss.Most read in MotorsportThis was a message that shouted loud and clear that their relationship had not been damaged by the anonymous leak.They chatted with Charlene de Carvalho-Heineken, the Dutch billionaire businesswoman who owns 25 per cent of the second-largest brewer in the world bearing her surname, making her the richest person in the Netherlands.Inside Christian Horner’s 4-week fight for his career from 8hr grilling to Geri Halliwell’s agony…& why saga may go on Heineken are just one of the many team partners but perhaps the most significant level of business support came from Chalerm Yoovidhya, the Thai co-owner of Red Bull.He has been in Horner’s corner for a number of years and owns the controlling 51 per cent of the energy drink firm founded by his father.The remaining 49 per cent once owned by Austrian tycoon Dietrich Mateschitz now belongs to his son, Mark.Yoovidhya and his wife had a photo in front of Verstappen’s car on the grid and stood either side of Horner.Before the race, there was still some trepidation that a second salvo of WhatsApp files would drop in yet another anonymous email.The previous day, there had been rumours of the same but they never materialised.Once the grid cleared and we finally got the 2024 season underway it quickly became apparent that Verstappen remained in a class of his own.He thundered away from the lights at a rate that was nearly a second a lap quicker than his rivals.By the 10th lap, he’d stretched his advantage to eight seconds and by the time he made his pitstop on lap 18 it was a terrifying lead of 30.4 seconds.He stopped for tyres and started making his lead back up again. It was impressive and demoralising in equal measure.Last year, Verstappen had been unstoppable, winning 19 of 22 races.There had been some hope based on pre-season testing that Ferrari and even Mercedes, would offer him more of a fight.But on this evidence, it looks all too easy as he coasted to victory ahead of his Perez in second place.As the TV camera cut to Mercedes boss Toto Wolff, his gloomy face told a familiar story now for the Silver Arrows.George Russell, who started in third place, finished in fifth. Lewis Hamilton meanwhile was seventh with McLaren’s British driver Lando Norris ahead of him.READ MORE SUN STORIESThe rest of the grid have their work cut out if they are to stop the Dutchman from making it four titles on the spin.It was a one-two finish for Red Bull and Verstappen, who had started on pole, also set the fastest lap to earn himself a bonus point.Horner and wife Geri shared a kissCredit: PA More

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      F1 fans fume as Man Utd legend walks out on live TV grid interview with Martin Brundle to chat to Neymar

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      FORMULA ONE fans were left fuming after Patrice Evra walked out on a live TV grid interview with Martin Brundle so he could chat with Neymar.Supporters gathered round the box on Saturday afternoon for the opening race of the new season in Bahrain.Fans fumed as Patrice Evra walked out of his interview with Martin BrundleEvra ditched the F1 broadcaster to greet Neymar at the Bahrain GPMax Verstappen qualified in pole position yesterday, with Lewis Hamilton starting in ninth.And before the action kicked off, broadcaster Brundle made his usual way around the paddock to see if there were any celebrities available for interview.As luck would have it, he stumbled upon none other than Manchester United legend Evra.The Frenchman was hard to miss in a dazzling pink suit.READ MORE IN F1And he was more than happy to talk as Brundle engaged him over the stunning choice of clothing.Brundle said: “That’s a wicked suit, I’m impressed with that.”Evra responded: “Thanks, my wife hated it but I love it!”Brundle quipped: “You’ve got to try and stand out on this incredible grid.”Most read in MotorsportCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSHowever, Evra abruptly pulled the plug on the interview when he spotted Brazil icon Neymar strutting by.Apologising to Brundle, he darted away from the camera to embrace the injured Al-Hilal forward.Man Utd legends Patrice Evra and Park Ji-sung reunite… but at the ground of Premier League rivalsEvra said: “It’s Bahrain and I love the race! Oh it’s my brother, hold on!”This saw a bemused Brundle comment: “It’s Neymar, they’re having a football love-in there.”But some fans were not happy with Evra’s behaviour, claiming it was disrespectful towards Brundle.One said: “Not happy with Evra ditching Brundle for Neymar.”Another declared: “No way Evra just left Brundle like that.”One noted: “How dare Evra big time Brundle for Neymar on his grid walk.”Another added: “Bro just showed up and stole Evra from Brundle.”Some supporters felt it was fair game though.One said: “It’s two former players.”READ MORE SUN STORIESAnother boomed: “Love that, he’s my brother.”One added: “Imagine bumping into Neymar AND Evra on the grid walk.” More