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      Mystery as Geri Halliwell briefly UNFOLLOWS Max Verstappen on Instagram amid shock Christian Horner ‘sexting’ claims

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      GERI Halliwell briefly unfollowed Max Verstappen on Instagram after her Red Bull chief husband Christian Horner was accused of sending “sexual messages” to a colleague.Horner’s future of running the all-conquering team of world champion Verstappen has been thrown into doubt following the bombshell claims.
      (L-R) Max Verstappen, Sergio Perez, David Beckham, Christian Horner and Geri Halliwell at the Grand Prix of Miami in May 2022Credit: Getty
      Horner with wife Geri, who he married in 2015Credit: Getty
      Verstappen and Horner the F1 Grand Prix of Qatar in October 2023Credit: Getty
      The Red Bull Racing boss, 50, has vehemently denied all claims threatening his position.
      Horner was initially only under investigation over alleged controlling behaviour at work towards a female worker.
      But in recent days, fresh claims allege Horner also sent her “sexually suggestive” texts.
      Geri – who was reduced to tears as news broke of the scandal but has privately insisted he did nothing wrong – was on Sunday pictured standing by her husband at a horse racing event at Badbury Rings, Dorset.
      More on Christian Horner
      But amid reports of infighting at Red Bull and accusations against Horner, ex-Spice Girl Geri unfollowed Verstappen on Instagram today.
      Mysteriously, she later refollowed his account – seeing the number of pages she follows go from 30 to 33.
      Red Bull Racing, Horner and Verstappen’s partner Kelly Piquet are among the accounts she follows.
      Geri is being supported by her former bandmates following the launch of a probe by Red Bull’s Austrian HQ.
      Most read in Motorsport
      The Sun exclusively revealed Horner – who married Geri in 2015 – was 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.
      “Geri has been left ­broken by the ordeal, but is grateful for the kindness being shown to her by friends.”
      Geri Halliwell ‘leaning on Victoria Beckham’s support’ amid ‘inappropriate behaviour’ probe into hubby Christian Horner
      Last week, both Horner and Verstappen were at the launch of Red Bull Racing’s season launch event at the team’s Milton Keynes HQ.
      But tensions are claimed to have been running high among the team before accusations were made against Horner.
      Rumours of issues between the team’s leadership have swirled since the death of billionaire co-founder Dietrich Mateschitz in 2022 and the team drafted a new board of directors.
      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.
      Horner publicly addressed the allegations against him for the first time at the launch of the RB20 last week.

      It comes as…

      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.
      “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.”
      Ford were said to have put pressure on their future partners at Red Bull Racing to investigate the outcome “seriously but quickly”.
      Reports say this could mean Horner could find out his fate much sooner than originally expected.
      Horner has said to be hoping the investigation is resolved within the next week — when the team will fly to Bahrain for pre-season testing.
      READ MORE SUN STORIES
      He would be expected to fly out as team manager.
      Christian Horner, Max Verstappen and Sergio Perez unveil the new RB20Credit: ReutersWhat has been 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 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. More

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      Frankie Muniz’s Nascar Xfinity debut labeled ‘disappointing’ after big crash in Daytona – but it’s ‘only the beginning’

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      FRANKIE Muniz’s Nascar Xfinity Series debut has been labeled disappointing after it ended in a big crash.The Malcolm In The Middle and Agent Cody Banks star, 38, made his series debut at Daytona on Monday in the heavily delayed United Rentals 300.
      Frankie Muniz got caught up toward the rear of a large crash on lap 37Credit: FOX nascar
      Muniz said on Instragram prior to the race, ‘This is still only the beginning’Credit: Getty
      Unfortunately for Muniz, who qualified 42nd and ran as high as 13th during the race, a crash on lap 37 ended his evening.
      Running toward the back of the pack, Muniz was an innocent bystander caught up in a mass crash including Jesse Love, A.J. Allmendinger, Austin Hill, and others.
      Shortly afterward, Muniz’s No. 35 Joey Gase Racing Ford was pictured in the pit lane having suffered damage to the front right.
      USA Today’s Austin Koneski wrote, “Frankie Muniz is done for the night.

      “A disappointing NASCAR Xfinity Series debut for Muniz.”
      Later, Nascar tweeted that Muniz had been released from the care center after being checked over.
      This marked the end of what will have likely been an emotional day for Muniz.
      “I began my venture into stock car racing a year-and-half ago because I wanted to show my son to always follow his dreams,” he wrote on Instagram a few hours before the race.
      Most read in Sport
      “I brought him on stage with me during the driver lineup announcements because I wouldn’t be making the biggest start of my career in my first NASCAR race if it wasn’t for the motivation he gives me.
      “This is still only the beginning.”
      Inside former NBA star Anderson Varejo’s visit to Daytona 500 to promote Nascar and Cavaliers’ push to Brazil
      Muniz spent last season racing in the ARCA Series with Rette Jones Racing.
      There, he finished within the top 10 on 11 occasions, including a high of fifth at the Henry Ford Health 200.
      Muniz’s plans for 2024 had remained secret until February 9, when he announced he would be making his Xfinity debut at Daytona.
      “It was a really interesting offseason,” he recently told The Associated Press.
      “Everything was done a long time ago and then it wasn’t and then it was and then it wasn’t, and then something else was done and it wasn’t.
      “All things out of our control.”
      Ahead of this next step, Muniz remained seemingly level-headed in his expectations for Daytona.
      “Obviously I’m competitive and you want to go,” he admitted.
      “But at the same time, I need to learn.”
      Later, Muniz said he was excited to prove that he could race in the series.
      “I know it is not going to be easy,” he said.
      “ARCA is a great series. There’s some really good cars, some really good competition.
      “This is a whole different level.”
      Fans had shared their support for Muniz during the race before he crashed out.
      “GO FRANKIE GOOOOOOOOO!!!! Rooting for ya bud!” one person wrote on X, formerly Twitter.
      “Kinda can’t believe Frankie Muniz is a Nascar driver now,” someone else said.
      Others were sad for Muniz that his race got cut short.
      “I was really rooting for @frankiemuniz. Tough break,” a fan wrote.
      “I only started watching racing last season because of Frankie,” another viewer said with a crying emoji.
      “[The crash] was fairly early on in the race so just a really sucky way to start the season.”
      Muniz is expected to hit the racetrack again on February 19.
      READ MORE SUN STORIES
      “We’ll be doing a lot of racing this year,” he told FrontStretch after the crash in Daytona.
      “Next on the schedule is Phoenix.”
      Muniz ran as high as thirteenth in the No. 35 Joey Gase Racing FordCredit: Getty More

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      Christian Horner seen for first time since bombshell Red Bull sexting claims…but did wife Geri give the day out a miss?

      by

      CHRISTIAN Horner has been seen for the first time since bombshell claims he sent “sexual messages” to a colleague were made.The Red Bull boss, 50, is under investigation following the shock claims made by a female employee.
      Christian Horner at Badbury Rings Point to Point in DorsetCredit: Splash
      He walked about with his hands in his pocketsCredit: Splash
      Horner clutched binoculars as he stood on top of a carCredit: Splash
      Geri and Horner pictured at a Point to Point on January 27Credit: gerihalliwellhorner/Instagram
      He has vehemently denied all allegations and was initially only under investigation over alleged controlling behaviour at work.
      But in recent days, fresh claims allege Horner also sent her “sexually suggestive” texts.
      Horner was yesterday pictured watching the racehorse he owns with wife Geri Halliwell, Lift Me Up, come second.
      He was seen strolling through Badbury Rings Point to Point in Dorset alone.
      More on Horner
      The F1 chief wore striped wellies and a bag as he walked over the grass with his hands stuffed in his pockets.
      It is unclear whether Geri, who he usually attends horseracing events with, was there.
      The Sun exclusively revealed Horner – who married Geri in 2015 – was being supported 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.
      Most read in Motorsport
      “Geri has been left ­broken by the ordeal, but is grateful for the kindness being shown to her by friends.”
      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.”
      Christian Horner praises Red Bull’s ‘very inclusive team culture’ in first public appearance since ‘behaviour’ probe
      It comes after F1 yesterday released a statement on the allegations.
      F1 said in a statement today: “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.”
      A final decision on the probe into the accusations could come out as early as next week, reports claim.

      It comes as…

      Ford were said to have put pressure on their future partners at Red Bull Racing to investigate the outcome “seriously but quickly”.
      Reports say this could mean Horner could find out his fate much sooner than originally expected.
      Horner has said to be hoping the investigation is resolved within the next week — when the team will fly to Bahrain for pre-season testing.
      He would be expected to fly out as team manager.
      Dutch newspaper De Telegraaf, claimed to have seen ­messages at the heart of the probe and have alleged they were “sexually orientated”.
      The paper reported that Horner allegedly sent sex messages to the woman 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.
      Horner publicly addressed the allegations against him for the first time at the launch of the RB20 this week.
      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.
      READ MORE SUN STORIES
      “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.”
      What has been 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 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.

      Horner pictured talking to one of the jockeys at the eventCredit: Splash
      The Red Bull chief watched the races as a probe into his alleged behaviour continuesCredit: Splash
      Horner is being investigated by Red BullCredit: Getty
      Geri and Horner married in May 2015Credit: AFP
      Horner this week said everything was still ‘business as ususal’ at Red Bull RacingCredit: YouTube More

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      F1 breaks silence on Christian Horner allegations – as Red Bull boss is probed over ‘inappropriate behaviour’

      by

      FORMULA 1 has today released a statement on the allegations of “inappropriate behaviour” by Christian Horner. The Red Bull boss, 50, is currently under investigation following the shock allegations by a female employee two weeks ago.
      Christian Horner has repeatedly denied claims of ‘inappropriate behaviour’ against himCredit: Getty
      Wife and former Spice Girl Geri Halliwell is strongly standing by his side, sources sayCredit: Getty
      Horner this week said everything was still ‘business as ususal’ at Red Bull RacingCredit: YouTube
      He has vehemently denied all allegations and was originally only under investigation over alleged controlling behaviour at work.
      But in recent days, fresh claims allege Horner also sent her “sexually suggestive” texts.
      F1 said in a statement today: “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.
      Read more on motorsport
      “We will not comment further at this time.”
      The Sun last night exclusively revealed Horner – who is married to star Geri Halliwell – was being supported 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.
      “Geri has been left ­broken by the ordeal, but is grateful for the kindness being shown to her by friends.”
      Most read in Motorsport
      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.
      Christian Horner praises Red Bull’s ‘very inclusive team culture’ in first public appearance since ‘behaviour’ probe
      She has told pals: “Christian has done nothing wrong.”
      A final decision on Rebbill’s probe into the accusations could come out as early as next week, reports claim.
      Ford were said to have put pressure on their future partners at Red Bull Racing to investigate the outcome “seriously but quickly”.
      Reports say this could mean Horner could find out his fate much sooner than originally expected.
      Horner has said to be hoping the investigation is resolved within the next week — when the team will fly to Bahrain for pre-season testing.
      Dutch newspaper De Telegraaf, claimed to have seen ­messages at the heart of the probe and have alleged they were “sexually orientated”.

      It comes as…

      The paper reported that Horner allegedly sent sex messages to the woman 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.
      Horner publicly addressed the allegations against him for the first time at the launch of the RB20 this week.
      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.
      READ MORE SUN STORIES
      “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.”
      What has been 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 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. More

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      Lewis Hamilton ‘ran me over’ in go kart aged 7 – neighbours love him but one of his remarks went down like lead balloon

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      FORMER neighbours of Sir Lewis Hamilton have fondly remembered his time in their town but said one of his remarks went down “like a lead balloon”.Locals said they knew the Formula One ace was destined for greatness when he hurtled round their council estate on a go-kart at the age of seven.
      Lewis Hamilton’s first home in StevenageCredit: Andrew Styczynski
      Trevor Lugmayer pointing to where a Blue Plaque use to hang saying ‘Lewis Hamilton Racing Driver lived here 1997-2001’Credit: Andrew Styczynski
      Trevor has bought the house next door where Hamilton’s mother Carmen livedCredit: Andrew Styczynski
      Lewis Hamilton is joining Ferrari from next yearCredit: Alamy
      And the local postman revealed exclusively how Lewis had his first crash, when he ran slap-bang into his legs as he delivered mail in Stevenage, Hertfordshire.
      “I shouted ‘Hey, look out, you little bugger’,” said the postie, who asked not to be named. 
      “Then he whacked into me, going like the clappers on his little cart.
      “But Lewis did say ‘sorry’. He was a lovely lad and his family were very nice people too. I often used to chat to his dad.
      Read More in F1
      “I’m not at all surprised he ended up as world champion.
      “And there’s not many postmen can say they were once run over by Lewis Hamilton!”
      Former engineer Peter Fuller, 80, who lived just down the road from the Hamilton family, told how he would often “straighten out” Lewis’s go-kart after he’d had “a bump”.
      “He used to play with my kids,” said Peter.
      Most read in Motorsport
      Inside Lewis Hamilton’s £13m collection of supercars including £4m classic and £1.6m ride made entirely for him
      “He could be a bit mischievous, but he was a nice lad. Everybody liked him.
      “I’m not at all surprised he became the world champion – even as a kid he was very competitive and never frightened to have a go.”
      Shopworker Tia Brown, 25, whose parents moved into the Hamilton family’s old house after they left, told how he occasionally popped back to look at his childhood home.
      “Once he came round on my birthday and brought me some cake,” she said.
      “Another time when I was in secondary school he visited with his girlfriend.
      “I think Lewis is great. Despite his wealth, he is a really lovely down-to-earth lad.”
      ‘LOVELY LAD’
      The house in Stevenage, where the youngster started racing model cars and go-karts, has since changed hands several times.
      When the Hamilton family left the home, they moved into two detached houses just a couple of miles away.
      Lewis lived in one with his father and stepmother, while his mum lived in the one next door.
      Both are reckoned to be worth well over a million pounds.
      Lewis Hamilton, 39, recently signed a £100million mega deal to join Ferrari in a switch that has shocked F1.
      The seven-time world champion has agreed to drive for F1’s most famous team in 2025 and 2026.
      But the multi-millionaire upset many locals a few years ago during the BBC Sports Personality of the Year contest when he slagged off Stevenage.
      He told host Gabby Logan: “It really was a dream for us all as a family to do something different;  for us to get out of the slums.”
      The then leader of Stevenage Council described his comment as “disappointing” and said local people felt “very offended”.
      Kerry Gray lives near to Lewis Hamilton’s first homeCredit: Andrew Styczynski
      Peter Fuller used to fix Hamilton’s broken go kartsCredit: Andrew Styczynski
      Hamilton’s former home down a leafy Hertfordshire laneCredit: Andrew Styczynski
      Retired businessman Trevor Lugmayer and his wife Valerie now live in one, while their daughter Sherry and her family are next door.
      “This is certainly no slum,” said grandfather Trevor, 78, who was once a professional DJ.
      “I don’t think Lewis could have been serious when he made that remark.
      “On the contrary, it’s an extremely desirable area. One house down the road sold the other year for more than a million.
      “And at one time there was a covenant which meant the houses could only be sold to professional people like doctors, lawyers and accountants.”
      There used to be a blue and white plaque on the side of Trevor’s house saying that Lewis Hamilton once lived there.
      But light-fingered souvenir-hunters unscrewed it in the middle of the night .
      Trevor added: “We still get fans coming round from time to time. But they’re not much of a problem
      “Lewis’s brother also pops back occasionally in his yellow Lamborghini car.
      “But he doesn’t hang about afterwards – when he’s ready to go, he just puts his foot down and ‘whoosh’ his car has vanished.”
      Once this Formula One season is over, six-times world champion Hamilton plans to leave his Mercedes team and join rivals Ferrari in a multi-million pound deal.
      “Who can blame him for that?” asked Mr Fuller. 
      “Who wouldn’t switch teams with that sort of money being offered?
      “His slum remark the other year did go down like a lead balloon but if was off-the-cuff  and I don’t think he meant it the way it came across.
      “Although compared to where he now lives in Monaco, virtually anywhere else in the world would be considered a slum!”
      WHO COULD REPLACE HAMILTON AT MERCEDES?Mercedes will have a vacant seat for 2025.
      Here, SunSport’s F1 correspondent Ben Hunt looks at FIVE potential candidates who could replace him and partner George Russell in the Silver Arrows.
      Oscar Piastri – McLaren have sewn up Lando Norris to a new long-term contract that should (in theory) put him out of Mercedes’ reach. However, they are yet to tie down his teammate Piastri, 22. The Aussie has an excellent record and won the Formula 3 and Formula 2 titles before spending a year on the sidelines with Alpine and getting his chance in F1 with McLaren. He impressed on his debut season last year and has the potential to be a world champion.
      Daniel Ricciardo – The experienced driver’s future remains in doubt as he bides his time at Red Bull’s B-team. Ricciardo would be low-hassle and offer some stability but by that time he would be 35. It seems unlikely that they would opt for him at this point in his career, but if he has a good season this year, he could come into the reckoning.
      Kimi Antonelli – You may not have heard of the Italian, but he is mustard. Still only 17, he has won at all the junior categories and has been part of the Mercedes young driver programme since 2019. This season he has been promoted from F4 to F2, where he has been tipped to shine. A good debut season in F2 could sway Mercedes into taking a risk on him for 2025. Antonelli and his family are close to Mercedes boss Toto Wolff.
      Mick Schumacher – Wolff has always been so incredibly supportive of Schumacher and spoken highly of him, that you’d at least expect him to come into consideration. He knows the team from his role as reserve driver and consequently would get up to speed. But speed is also the problem. He was shocking at Haas and if he really was THAT good, he’d still be driving in F1.
      Alex Albon – A more-sensible choice would be the London-born Albon. A great guy who is also very quick. He has a fantastic relationship with Russell and would be the low-maintenance quick partnership similar to Hamilton and Valtteri Bottas that swept to successive titles. Albon would take little convincing to join from Williams and Mercedes would not need to pay him half of the £50million they were dishing out to Hamilton.

      Grandmother Kerry Gray, 51, who lives a couple of doors away, moved into the street after the Hamilton family had left.
      But she said: “No way is this a slum. I came here from Harlow and it’s much better than there. I love Stevenage and we have some really good neighbours.”
      READ MORE SUN STORIES
      Another neighbour Enrique Camilleri, a 20-year-old support worker, said: “I think Lewis was exaggerating to call this a slum. I really like living here, there’s never any trouble.”
      Lewis Hamilton’s reps have been contacted for comment.
      The seven-time Drivers Championship winner will join Ferrari in 2025 More

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      Christian Horner’s wait to be over as Red Bull probe set to have a decision as early as ‘this week’ after Ford pressure

      by

      THE final decision on Christian Horner’s Red Bull probe could be set to come out as early as next week.Ford have put pressure on their future partners at Red Bull Racing to investigate the outcome “seriously but quickly”, meaning Horner could find out his fate much sooner than originally expected, say reports.
      The final decision on Christian Horner’s Red Bull probe could be set to come out as early as next weekCredit: Getty
      Red Bull have reportedly been feeling the pressure by future partners Ford to make a decision soonCredit: Getty
      The Red Bull Racing Team Principal has been under investigation for allegations made against him by a female employee over his conduct – all of which he deniesCredit: AFP
      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.
      They claim Ford didn’t apply any pressure for a certain outcome to be reached but did stress that it expects the investigation to be done seriously but quickly.
      But 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.
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      Meaning the outcome could be revealed as early as “this week”.
      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 media 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.
      Horner – who is married to Spice Girl Geri Halliwell – has said to be hoping the investigation is resolved within the next week — when the team will fly to Bahrain for pre-season testing.
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      He is said to be happy to cooperate with the investigation for as long as necessary, including answering more questions from an independent lawyer which could include another long grilling.
      Mark Rushbrook, head of Ford Motorsport released a statement on Friday to the Associated Press saying: “As a family company, and a company that holds itself to very high standards of behaviour and integrity, we do expect the same from our partners.
      Red Bull Racing boss Christian Horner investigated by F1 team over ‘serious allegations’ of ‘inappropriate behaviour’
      “It appears to us, and what we’ve been told, was that Red Bull is taking the situation very seriously. And of course, they’re worried about their brand, as well.
      “And that’s why they’ve got an independent investigation and until we see what truth comes out of that, it’s too early for us to comment on it all.”
      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 this week.
      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.
      “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.”
      Many felt the probe would drag on for weeks as Red Bull conducted a thorough investigation.
      One source even claimed the investigation is nowhere near its end – with it potentially dragging into the new F1 season on March 2.
      The insider said: “This is not a trial and we are not going to have an answer and an outcome by the end of the day.
      “This is not something that is going to be rectified that quickly.
      “People are expecting this to be over before the start of the F1 season, but that just isn’t going to happen.”

      It comes as…

      WHAT HAS BEEN 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 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.
      De Telegraaf also claimed Horner’s lawyers tried to settle the case with a  payment — and that senior Red Bull management were aware of his offer.
      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.
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      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.
      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 with his wife Geri Halliwell who has vowed to stay by her husband throughout the investigationCredit: Getty
      The Spice Girl is also said to be terrified that her life is set to unravel amid the blockbuster claimsCredit: Getty More

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      Geri Halliwell supported by all the Spice Girls as Red Bull F1 chief husband Christian Horner faces sex text claims

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      GERI Halliwell is being supported by her Spice Girls pals as her F1 chief hubby faces sex text claims.Mel B, Mel C, Emma Bunton and Victoria Beckham are rallying around Geri while Red Bull Racing boss Christian Horner is investigated over his alleged conduct at work.
      The Spice Girls are rallying around Geri HalliwellCredit: PA:Press Association
      Geri’s husband Christian Horner is being investigated over his alleged conduct at workCredit: Getty Images – Getty
      He was thought to have been under investigation for alleged controlling behaviour after a female employee lodged an official complaint last year.
      But Dutch newspaper De Telegraaf claimed to have seen messages at the heart of the probe that were “sexually orientated”.
      Horner, 50, vehemently denies the allegations and has vowed to fight the claims.
      He is said to be hoping for the investigation to be resolved within the next week — when the team will fly to Bahrain for pre-season testing.

      He has already faced an eight-hour grilling but is said to be happy to cooperate with the investigation for as long as necessary, including answering more questions from an independent lawyer.
      In the meantime, the Spice Girls, who had a hit with Say You’ll Be There, have been rallying around Geri, 51.
      A source said: “They are quietly supporting her behind the scenes and checking in to make sure she is OK.
      “Geri has been left ­broken by the ordeal, but is grateful for the kindness being shown to her by friends.”
      Most read in Motorsport
      Christian Horner makes FIRST public appearance since bombshell ‘inappropriate behaviour’ claims at Red Bull F1 launch
      The pair married in May 2015Credit: AFP More

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      Ford urges Red Bull to be ‘transparent’ in Christian Horner probe amid claims he ‘sent sexual messages to employee’

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      FORD has urged Red Bull Racing to be “transparent” with their probe into the blockbuster claims against F1 chief Christian Horner.Red Bull opened up a serious investigation into the shock allegations by a female employee but fresh claims say Horner also sent her “sexually suggestive” texts.
      Ford has urged Red Bull Racing to be ‘transparent’ in Christian Horner probeCredit: AP
      Red Bull were sent a letter by Ford asking them to be fully open in its findings, say sources close to the US carmakerCredit: PA
      Horner has denied any of the claims of ‘inappropriate behaviour’ or ‘sexual texts’ to a female employee
      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”.
      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.
      The Financial Times reports 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.
      read more in Horner
      They claim Ford didn’t apply any pressure for a certain outcome to be reached but did stress that it expects the investigation to be done seriously but quickly.
      Mark Rushbrook, head of Ford Motorsport released a statement on Friday to the Associated Press saying: “As a family company, and a company that holds itself to very high standards of behaviour and integrity, we do expect the same from our partners.
      “It appears to us, and what we’ve been told, was that Red Bull is taking the situation very seriously. And of course, they’re worried about their brand, as well.
      “And that’s why they’ve got an independent investigation and until we see what truth comes out of that, it’s too early for us to comment on it all.”
      Most read in Motorsport
      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 this week.
      Christian Horner makes FIRST public appearance since bombshell ‘inappropriate behaviour’ claims at Red Bull F1 launch
      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.
      “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.”

      It comes as…

      WHAT HAS BEEN 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 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.
      De Telegraaf also claimed Horner’s lawyers tried to settle the case with a  payment — and that senior Red Bull management were aware of his offer.
      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”.
      They also revealed the investigation is nowhere near its end – with it potentially dragging into the new F1 season.
      The insider said: “This is not a trial and we are not going to have an answer and an outcome by the end of the day.
      “This is not something that is going to be rectified that quickly.
      “People are expecting this to be over before the start of the F1 season, but that just isn’t going to happen.”
      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.
      READ MORE SUN STORIES
      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.
      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’s wife Geri Horner has vowed to stand by her husband during the investigationCredit: PA
      Horner was seen for the first time publicly at the launch event for the RB20 More