Motorsport

F1 fans have already written the 2024 season off after Max Verstappen blitzed this year’s first pre-season testing session.The Dutchman, 26, is vying for his fourth successive world title after dominating 2023 in an unprecedented manner.
Max Verstappen has made a superb start to 2024Credit: Getty
The Dutchman dominated the first testing session in BahrainCredit: AP
And he has started off the new year in the same vein by crushing his opposition in the opening pre-season testing session on Wednesday.
Verstappen finished day one a seismic 1.14 seconds quicker than McLaren’s Lando Norris in second, with Ferrari’s Carlos Sainz a further 0.1 seconds back in third.
And while lap times in testing are not necessarily a reliable indicator of performance, fans are already handing Verstappen another world title.
F1 pundit Matt Gallagher tweeted: “Max P1. See you in 2025 everyone.”
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To which one fan replied: “Not even gonna waste my time/energy watching this season. 2025 we will be there 🔥.”
Another added: “Boooorriiinnnggg, bring on 2025 already.”
A third said: “Max Four-stappen or Max 4-stappen. I imagine this is the convo happening at Red Bull currently.”
While a fourth responded: “But who will be second in the drivers championship? And can Max also win the constructors championship by himself?”
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Verstappen won 19 of the 22 races last season, with Red Bull team-mate Sergio Perez claiming two of the other three.
Ferrari’s Sainz was the only non-Red Bull driver to win a race in 2023.

The Bahrain Grand Prix, which kicks off the 2024 season, takes place on March 2.
It will be seven-time champion Lewis Hamilton’s final season at Mercedes before he leaves for Ferrari in 2025.
However, the Brit did not drive on the opening day of testing, while team-mate George Russell finished 12th. More

MERCEDES boss Toto Wolff says F1 has to “learn from” Red Bull’s investigation into boss Christian Horner following accusations of inappropriate behaviour.Horner, 50, is the subject of an internal investigation by Red Bull Racing’s parent company based in Austria.
Toto Wolff has called on F1 to learn from the Christian Horner investigationCredit: EPA
Horner is under investigation by Red BullCredit: Getty
It follows a complaint raised by a member of staff about the F1 boss, who denies the allegations made against him.
Red Bull are yet to reveal details of their investigation, with Horner quizzed for his side of the events some 12 days ago.
Wolff was asked about his thoughts on how the investigation was being handled by Red Bull and the length of time it was taking.
He was also quizzed as to what message that had on F1’s “attitude to sexual equality”.
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Wolff said: “It’s clear. Formula One and what the teams do, we stand for inclusion, equality, fairness, diversity. And it’s not only talking about it, but living it day in day out.
“These are the standards that we’re setting ourselves. We live in a global sport, one of the most important sport’s platforms in the world. And we are role models.
“But having said that, there’s a lot of speculation that’s been happening over the last few weeks. Speculation that we’ve heard of, and lots of things that are going on.
“What Red Bull has started, with an independent investigation, if this is done in the right way with transparency then it will be something we will talk about.
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“When we know what the outcomes are, and what it means for Formula One and how we can learn from that, because we want to talk about racing cars, and we want to talk about the sport rather than these kinds of very, very critical topics.
“It is more or just the team’s issue. It’s an issue for all of Formula One and in general for every individual that works out there.”
Christian Horner breaks silence on ‘inappropriate behaviour’ allegation at Red Bull F1 launch
Horner is currently in Bahrain for F1’s pre-season testing and is due to face the media on Thursday in a usual press conference as scheduled.
The F1 season kicks off in Bahrain on Saturday March 2nd.

🏁 Complete F1 2024 race calendar – details on every Grand Prix and start time this year 🏁  More

CHRISTIAN Horner appeared carefree as he was spotted smiling and chatting to his team in Bahrain on the first day of testing for the 2024/25 Formula One season.The Red Bull chief was pictured laughing as he had lunch with Sergio Perez despite bombshell allegations of “sexual messages” and “inappropriate behaviour” hanging over his head.
The Red Bull boss was seen in Bahrain for the first day of testing todayCredit: AP
The 50-year-old was seen laughing with driver Sergio PerezCredit: AP
Horner previously said he plans to continue with “business as usual”Credit: AP
He previously said he plans to continue with “business as usual.”
Horner, 50, is under investigation over the shock allegations of “inappropriate behaviour” by a female colleague – with the results expected in a matter of days.
He has categorically denied the claims, as Red Bull continue to investigate following an initial eight hour grilling.
Horner arrived in the Gulf kingdom overnight to watch star driver Max Verstappen test out an RB20 for the first time on an F1 track.
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He is also expected to attend a press conference at the testing event alongside other F1 bosses.
Horner has already been present at secret Red Bull test runs and when he made an appearance at the recent RB20 launch event he spoke publicly about the allegations for the first time.
He said: “Inevitably there has been a distraction, but the team are very together.
“Everybody’s focused on the season ahead, so it’s been very much business as ­normal and the support has been fantastic.
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“In situations like these, you see where the strengths are, and it’s been overwhelming the support that I’ve had from within the team.
“There have been some allegations made, which I fully deny, so that the investigation is very much going on in the background whilst preparing for the season ahead, and hopefully it will be concluded in the near future.”
And in one interview, he praised wife Geri Halliwell and said: “I have a very supportive family and a very supportive wife.
Christian Horner seen in Bahrain this morning ahead of Red Bull testing
Horner is seen biting his fingernails at the event in BahrainCredit: Rex
Max Verstappen with Christian Horner on day one of F1 Testing at Bahrain Circuit todayCredit: Getty
Horner (centre) looking at his phone intently on the team’s first testing dayCredit: AFP
“My focus has been on the job and the season ahead. I’m not going to talk about private matters, but my family have been hugely supportive.”
Geri was reportedly reduced to tears as news broke of the scandal just days ago – but privately insisted he did nothing wrong.
On Sunday she was seen standing by her husband at a horse racing event in Badbury Rings, Dorset.
F1 released a statement on Sunday saying: “We hope that the matter will be clarified at the earliest opportunity after a fair and thorough process.
“We have noted Red Bull has instigated an independent investigation into internal allegations at Red Bull Racing.
“We will not comment further at this time.”
The final decision on the Red Bull probe could come out this week – and it remains unclear whether Horner will be able to return to Bahrain for the F1 season opener on March 2.
Horner has overseen a huge period of success for the racing team – winning multiple F1 championships with Sebastian Vettel and Verstappen.
And Ford have apparently ramped up pressure on their future partners at Red Bull Racing to investigate the outcome “seriously but quickly”.
Horner previously pictured with his wife – former Spice Girl Geri HalliwellCredit: Getty
Christian Horner watching from the sidelines during the first day of testing in BahrainCredit: Rex
Horner surrounded by the Red Bull team and engineersCredit: RexThe bombshell claims that have rocked F1F1 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 last week.
Most recently however, more allegations have come out as the De Telegraaf reported that Horner allegedly sent sex messages to his employee “over an extended period of time”.
Messages were said 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.
An F1 source told The Sun last week that “Christian has not been sacked or asked to resign and he is not going to resign”.
The investigation raises the question of who could take over the helm of the all-conquering racing team of world champion Max Verstappen.
His wife Geri Halliwell is also said to be “terrified her life will 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, fears the drama will drag on for years, a source has claimed. 
But Geri, 51, is understood to be standing by her husband.
She has 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.

Ford are set to become partners with Red Bull Racing from 2026 as the team’s engine supplier – but sources say they could walk away from the deal if things aren’t dealt with soon.
It has been seen as a distraction at Red Bull as the company looks to retain their constructors title for 2024/25 and help World Champion Max Verstappen break more racing records.
And Horner is reportedly happy to cooperate fully and is hoping the investigation is resolved within the next week.
Yesterday, Horner’s wife former Spice Girl Geri, briefly unfollowed Max Verstappen on Instagram before later following him again.
Geri also unfollowed the Beckhams – including former Posh Spice Victoria, her husband David, and their son Brooklyn.
The Sun had just exclusively revealed that the couple – who married in 2015 – were being helped by all the Spice Girls.
A source said: “They are quietly supporting her behind the scenes and checking in to make sure she is OK.
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“Geri has been left ­broken by the ordeal, but is grateful for the kindness being shown to her by friends.”
She is said to be “terrified her life will unravel” amid the accusations of “sexual messages” and “inappropriate behaviour”.
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

Red Bull boss Horner walks alongside Adrian Newey – Red Bull’s chief technical officer – in Bahrain this morningCredit: Splash
Horner’s wife of nine years Geri Halliwell is apparently standing by him amid the probeCredit: PA
The Red Bull Boss has already been seen at a public event where he spoke about the allegations for the first timeCredit: AFP More

CHRISTIAN Horner is set to lead Red Bull into the first day of testing this week as they gear up for the 2024/25 Formula One season.The 50-year-old is thought to be jetting off to Bahrain in the coming hours despite the bombshell allegations against him still hanging over his head.
Christian Horner is set to lead Red Bull into the first actual tests of the F1 season in Bahrain this weekCredit: AFP
Horner has said he is approaching things like ‘business as usual’ as he and Red Bull gear up for the new F1 seasonCredit: AFP
Horner’s wife Geri Halliwell has made it clear she is standing by her man in light of the allegationsCredit: Getty
Horner is fighting to save his F1 career following shock allegations of “inappropriate behaviour” by a female colleague and claims he sent “sexually suggestive” texts.
Even though Horner has categorically denied the claims, Red Bull are continuing to investigate them and have already put Horner through an eight hour grilling.
Horner is due to arrive in the Gulf kingdom this evening to watch his star driver Max Verstappen take to the wheel of the RB20 for the first time around an F1 track in the coming days.
The successful Red Bull team principal is also expected to attend a press conference at the testing event alongside other F1 bosses.
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Horner, who has previously said everything is “business as usual” has already been present at secret Red Bull test runs and the RB20 launch event.
F1 released a statement on Sunday saying: “We hope that the matter will be clarified at the earliest opportunity after a fair and thorough process.
“We have noted Red Bull has instigated an independent investigation into internal allegations at Red Bull Racing.
“We will not comment further at this time.”
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With Horner’s future reportedly still hanging in the balance it is unsure if he will be back in Bahrain for the F1 season opener on March 2.
Although it was recently announced that the final decision on Christian Horner’s Red Bull probe could be set to come out this week.
Red Bull Racing boss Christian Horner investigated by F1 team over ‘serious allegations’ of ‘inappropriate behaviour’
Ford reportedly put pressure on their future partners at Red Bull Racing to investigate the outcome “seriously but quickly”.
Ford will be partners with Red Bull Racing from 2026 as the team’s engine supplier but sources say they could walk away from the deal in wake of the allegations and if things aren’t dealt with soon.
The Financial Times reported this week that a private letter from the US carmaker to the owner of the F1 team allegedly urged Red Bull to be fully open in its findings, according to two people around Ford.
And it is now believed that the decision around Horner’s future will be settled soon with The Times reporting that Red Bull have a desire to speed up the process and end the disruption around the team.
The media have focused on the allegations since they came out with Horner being quizzed by journalists at the recent Red Bull launch event over his alleged conduct.
The frenzy around Horner has been seen as a distraction at Red Bull as they look to retain their constructors title for 2024/25 and help World Champion Max Verstappen break even more records.

It comes as…

Horner – who is married to Spice Girl Geri Halliwell – has said to be hoping the investigation is resolved within the next week.
He is said to be happy to cooperate with the investigation for as long as necessary, including answering more questions from an independent lawyer.
WHAT HAS BEEN CLAIMED?
Red Bull opened up a serious investigation into the shock allegations by a female employee but fresh claims allege Horner also sent her “sexually suggestive” texts.
Horner — who has denied all of the allegations so far — was originally only under investigation over alleged controlling behaviour at work.
Dutch newspaper De Telegraaf, claimed to have seen ­messages at the heart of the probe and have alleged they were “sexually orientated”.
So far, neither Horner or the woman have been suspended and have continued to work among 1,500 staff at Red Bull Racing’s British HQ in Milton Keynes, Bucks.
Horner publicly addressed the allegations against him for the first time at the launch of the RB20 and categorically denied any wrongdoing.
His wife Geri Halliwell is also said to be “terrified her life will 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, fears the drama will drag on for years, a source has claimed. 
But Geri, 51, is understood to be standing by her husband.
She has 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.
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Horner was awarded a CBE for services to motorsport in the 2024 New Year’s Honours List.
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

Horner has denied all of the claims but the final results of the investigation still loom over his headCredit: Reuters
Red Bill’s investigation into the claims are still ongoingCredit: Alamy Live News More