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      Ex-F1 chief Bernie Ecclestone gives 3 pieces of advice to Red Bull Racing boss Christian Horner amid ‘behaviour’ probe

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      FORMER F1 chief Bernie Ecclestone has given his pal Christian Horner three key pieces of advice amid his “behaviour” probe.The Red Bull Racing boss has been advised to “keep his head down” as Ecclestone warned that Horner has a target on his back.
      Bernie Ecclestone has given Christian Horner three pieces of advice amid his “behaviour” probeCredit: Getty Images – Getty
      Ecclestone advised Horner to ‘keep his head down’Credit: Reuters
      Horner is still thought to be getting probed by Red Bull Racing over allegations made against him regarding ‘inappropriate and controlling behaviour’ towards one femaleCredit: Getty
      Ecclestone – who has been friends with the successful team principle since 2005 – made it clear that Horner should focus on trying to shut out the bombshell allegations from his mind.
      He said: “My advice to Christian, apart from keeping his head down, is to do nothing, wait and see what happens.”
      Ecclestone, 93, spoke to AFP and told them that he still stays “in close contact” with Horner over the phone.
      The pair grew close in Horner’s first season at Red Bull almost two decades ago when he joined the Formula One pitlane as the youngest team principal at just 31-years-old.
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      At the time Ecclestone was thriving in his role as F1’s top boss – a job that made him a billionaire.
      In the interview, Ecclestone also suggested that Horner had “made a lot of enemies” in the sport and claimed this could play a part in his potential downfall.
      He said: “The trouble is once you are successful you make a lot of enemies and this is a case in point.
      “Effectively they want to oust him.”
      Most read in Motorsport
      Ahead of the probe into Horner’s conduct, there were reports of an unrelated internal power struggle waging within Red Bull.
      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.
      Red Bull Racing boss Christian Horner investigated by F1 team over ‘serious allegations’ of ‘inappropriate behaviour’
      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.
      Ecclestone ended his interview saying: “I hope Christian keeps his head down and that someone talks individually to him and the woman and it is sorted out.”
      Ecclestone has shown his support for Horner despite the claims prompting a big response from Red Bull Racing as they investigate a female staff members claims against Horner.
      The 93-year-old billionaire former chief previously advised Horner to step down as Red Bull team principal, according to sources.
      F1 Insider were told that Ecclestone warned his long-term friend that resigning would save him and his family from further damage caused by the fallout of the scandal.
      WHAT HAS BEEN CLAIMED?
      F1 was rocked over a week ago 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.
      It has allegedly compiled a “dossier of incriminating material” regarding “inappropriate and controlling behaviour” towards one female, The Telegraph reported.
      Horner has reportedly referred to the allegations as “nuts” and said publicly: “I completely deny these claims.”
      The Red Bull Racing boss, who has led the Austrian team since its formation in 2005, was quizzed by an independent barrister in a private location late into the afternoon last Friday.
      The F1 chief was grilled for eight hours over his alleged “controlling behaviour” and is currently awaiting a decision – even though insiders reckon it could take months.
      Horner forced a smile as he was picked up in a chauffeur-driven car from his North London home ahead of the critical hearing.
      But 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 it’s 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 50-year-old – who strongly denies all the claims – was seen yesterday with the team at Silverstone where Red Bull’s new car was unveiled.
      His wife Geri Halliwell is also said to be “terrified her life will unravel” amid Horner’s “inappropriate behaviour” probe.
      READ MORE SUN STORIES
      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. 
      Horner will attend Red Bull Racing’s season launch event tomorrow as planned in his first public appearance since facing the accusations.
      A look at Christian Horner’s life and careerCHRISTIAN Horner is among the most well-known names in Formula One having helped build Red Bull into one of the biggest teams in the sport.
      1973 – Born in Leamington Spa, Warwickshire
      1991 – Wins a Formula Renault scholarship after impressing in karting races
      1993-1997 – Competed in a host of competitions including British Formula Three, British Formula Two, and Formula 3000
      1997 – Founded and developed the F3000 team Arden
      1999 – Retired from driving and continued developing the Arden team
      2005 – Appointed head of Red Bull team, becoming the youngest ever team principal at that time
      2009 – Wins his first races as team principal with Sebastian Vettel and Mark Webber
      2010 – Wins the Constructors’ Championship and Drivers’ Championship with Vettel – the first of four doubles in a row
      2013 – Has a daughter with ex-wife Beverly Allen shortly before the couple split
      2014 – Gets engaged to Spice Girls member Geri Halliwell
      2015 – Marries Halliwell in Woburn, Bedfordshire
      2017 – Horner and Halliwell welcome their son
      2021 – Wins another Drivers’ Championship with Max Verstappen, beating Lewis Hamilton on the final lap of the season
      2022-23 – Red Bull win the Drivers’ Championship and Constructors’ Championship two years in a row

      Ecclestone and Horner have been pals since 2005Credit: Getty Images – Getty
      Red Bull Racing are yet to announce anything regarding the results of their investigation into the bombshell allegationsCredit: PA More

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      Christian Horner WILL be at Red Bull launch tomorrow in first public appearance since ‘inappropriate behaviour’ probe

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      CHRISTIAN HORNER will attend Red Bull Racing’s season launch event tomorrow as planned.It will be Horner’s first public appearance since facing accusations of “inappropriate behaviour” by a female colleague and facing an eight-hour grilling last Friday.
      Red Bull Racing boss Christian Horner has been accused of ‘inappropriate behaviour’Credit: Reuters
      Horner was all smiles at a Red Bull event at Silverstone
      Horner with world champion Max VerstappenCredit: Getty
      Horner is expected to attend the Red Bull’s launch event at their HQ in Milton KeynesCredit: Reuters
      The 50-year-old Red Bull racing boss pictured with Spice Girl wife Geri HalliwellCredit: PA
      The results of the crunch talks have not been made public – meaning Horner’s future at Red Bull still hangs in the balance.
      Horner – who is married to Spice Girl Geri Halliwell – has reportedly referred to the allegations as “nuts” and said publicly: “I completely deny these claims.”
      And the 50-year-old has stuck to his work commitments this week as the team gears up for the start of the F1 season in Bahrain.
      He’s scheduled to be at the season launch event on Thursday at Red Bull’s Milton Keynes HQ where they will unveil the new car.
      Read more on Horner
      It’s likely that questions about the probe into Horner will be declined until the official report is presented to Red Bull at their base in Austria.
      It was initially believed a decision would be made ahead of the launch – but it is likely there will not be an outcome until the season opener.
      It comes after Horner joined the team at Silverstone for a secret test run of the new RB20 car on Tuesday.
      F1 teams are allowed two filming days to capture content of their cars on track – and it also offers the potential to run the car for the first time.
      Most read in Motorsport
      Horner was surrounded by his fellow Red Bull team in the video as they all stood outside of the garage in the pouring rain.
      Both Max Verstappen and Sergio Perez got their first taste of this season’s challenger – with the Dutchman looking to defend his world drivers’ title.
      F1 was rocked by the news that the sport’s longest-standing team principal had been placed under investigation by Red Bull’s Austria-based parent company.
      It allegedly compiled a “dossier of incriminating material” regarding “inappropriate and controlling behaviour” towards one woman, The Telegraph reported.
      Red Bull Racing boss Christian Horner investigated by F1 team over ‘serious allegations’ of ‘inappropriate behaviour’
      Horner, who has led the Austrian team since its formation in 2005, was quizzed by an independent barrister in a private location late into the afternoon on Friday.
      He forced a smile as he was picked up in a chauffeur-driven car from his North London home ahead of the critical hearing.
      The probe has threatened to overshadow the start of the new F1 season — with the first practice sessions for the Bahrain Grand Prix taking place on February 29.
      Horner has been boss of the team since January 2005 and present at all their F1 races, winning a total of 13 world titles.
      On Wednesday, former F1 supremo Bernie Ecclestone denied reports that he encouraged Horner to quit after the allegations.
      Ecclestone, who is close friends with Horner, labelled the reports as incorrect on his social media.
      But F1 insiders do not “expect him to survive in his role”, according to BBC Sport.
      The investigation also raises the question of who could take over the helm of the all-conquering racing team of Verstappen.
      However, an F1 source told The Sun 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 it’s 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.”
      Horner’s Spice Girl wife Geri, 51, is understood to be standing by her husband, who she married in 2015.
      She has told pals: “Christian has done nothing wrong.”
      And Horner is said to have privately vowed to his friends he will “clear his name and come through this,” a source told the Daily Mail.
      However, the scandal engulfing her husband has blown a “Grand Canyon-sized crack” right in the middle of her “super-perfect, super-posh life,” another source claimed.
      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.
      READ MORE SUN STORIES
      Horner was awarded a CBE for services to motor sport in the 2024 New Year’s Honours List.
      Ahead of the probe into Horner’s conduct, there were reports of an unrelated internal power struggle waging within Red Bull.
      A look at Christian Horner’s life and careerCHRISTIAN Horner is among the most well-known names in Formula One having helped build Red Bull into one of the biggest teams in the sport.
      1973 – Born in Leamington Spa, Warwickshire
      1991 – Wins a Formula Renault scholarship after impressing in karting races
      1993-1997 – Competed in a host of competitions including British Formula Three, British Formula Two, and Formula 3000
      1997 – Founded and developed the F3000 team Arden
      1999 – Retired from driving and continued developing the Arden team
      2005 – Appointed head of Red Bull team, becoming the youngest ever team principal at that time
      2009 – Wins his first races as team principal with Sebastian Vettel and Mark Webber
      2010 – Wins the Constructors’ Championship and Drivers’ Championship with Vettel – the first of four doubles in a row
      2013 – Has a daughter with ex-wife Beverly Allen shortly before the couple split
      2014 – Gets engaged to Spice Girls member Geri Halliwell
      2015 – Marries Halliwell in Woburn, Bedfordshire
      2017 – Horner and Halliwell welcome their son
      2021 – Wins another Drivers’ Championship with Max Verstappen, beating Lewis Hamilton on the final lap of the season
      2022-23 – Red Bull win the Drivers’ Championship and Constructors’ Championship two years in a row More

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      Lewis Hamilton spotted in public for first time since Ferrari switch shock as Mercedes unveil new car for 2024 F1 season

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      LEWIS HAMILTON has spoken about his decision to leave Mercedes after unveiling the team’s challenger for the 2024 season.Hamilton stunned F1 to announce that he was quitting Mercedes after 11 years to join Ferrari in 2025.
      Lewis Hamilton has spoken out about his decision to leave MercedesCredit: Getty
      Mrecedes have revealed their car for the 2024 seasonCredit: Instagram / @mercedesamgf1
      The W15 is the team’s standard black and silver liveryCredit: Instagram / @mercedesamgf1
      Toto Wolff (C) says Mercedes ‘have a mountain to climb.Credit: AFP
      He broke the shock news to Mercedes boss Toto Wolff over breakfast at the Austrian’s home in Oxford last month.
      Hamilton, 39, will now see out his contract with Mercedes and says he is still committed to helping them get back onto the top step of the podium.
      Speaking at Silverstone ahead of the team’s shakedown with teammate George Russell, Hamilton said: ‘It’s obviously been emotional.
      “It’s very surreal to be here. I came here in 2013, 11 years with the team, this is the start of my 12th.
      Read More on F1
      “The focus through the whole of winter training is getting the team back to where we once were.
      “We have had these difficult couple of years which have been really grounding for us.
      “It is such a privilege to work with people to see the work they’re doing over the winter.
      “This is the most exciting part of the year. To know everything underneath the hood, that George and I will be able to experience on the track. It’s exciting.”
      Most read in Motorsport
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      Mercedes unveiled their challenger for 2024 on Wednesday, with Wolff admitting they “have a mountain to climb”.
      Hamilton and Russell took part in a special filming day to give the W15 car its first on-track test run at Silverstone.
      Inside Lewis Hamilton’s £13m collection of supercars including £4m classic and £1.6m ride made entirely for him
      It comes after the team won just one race in the previous two years, as Red Bull’s Max Verstappen has dominated the sport.
      After designing two dud cars, Wolff is now hopeful that their latest creation will deliver them back to the top step of the podium.
      He said: “We know we have a mountain to climb to fight at the very front. There are no miracles in this sport.
      “But our ambition and determination are strong. Since charting this new course, development has progressed well.
      “We had several items on our priority list for this car. We will soon see if we’ve made the step we’ve aimed for.
      “As the saying goes: when it stings, it sticks. I believe the previous two years were necessary for us to readjust, recalibrate and reinvent ourselves in certain areas.
      “That root-and-branch approach is never easy. But we’ve made progress and look forward to taking the next step with the W15. It won’t be a linear path, but when we stumble, we will get back up and keep climbing.”
      The season kicks off in Bahrain in two-week’s time in what will be Hamilton’s last before he jumps ship to Ferrari.
      Hamilton will join Ferrari from the 2025 seasonCredit: AP
      Unlike their rivals who made their drivers all readily available, Mercedes opted for a digital-only launch, meaning Wolff and their drivers were unavailable for questions.
      Consequently, their focus was only on the team’s recovery and ambitions for this season.
      In an otherwise drab press release, Hamilton is quoted as saying: “The learnings of the past two years have helped us find our direction.
      “It has enabled us to find our north star. It’s still going to be a work in progress, but we will face whatever challenges present themselves with our heads up, with open minds, and work through diligently.”
      Russell is quoted saying: “We’ve learnt and grown as a team over the past two seasons.
      READ MORE SUN STORIES
      “It’s not been plain sailing, but I truly believe the journey we’ve been on will make us stronger in the long run.
      “The whole team has been working incredibly hard and we hope to have made a step with the W15.” More

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      Geri Halliwell ‘terrified her life will unravel’ over Christian Horner probe and fears drama will ‘drag on for YEARS’

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      GERI Halliwell is said to be “terrified her life will unravel” amid her husband Christian 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. 
      Geri Halliwell fears the allegations will take a toll on her marriage
      The couple have been together since 2009 after meeting in MonacoCredit: AFP
      The Red Bull chief is being investigated over claims of ‘inappropriate behaviour’Credit: Peter Jordan
      He was spotted at Silverstone with the Red Bull team on TuesdayCredit: Twitter
      The F1 chief was grilled for eight hours over his alleged “controlling behaviour” last Friday and is currently awaiting a decision – even though insiders reckon it could take months.
      The 50-year-old – who strongly denies all the claims – was seen yesterday with the team at Silverstone where Red Bull’s new car was unveiled.
      His wife, Geri, 51, is understood to be standing by her husband.
      But the probe is said to have taken a toll on her, amid reports she “leans on”  Victoria Beckham for support.
      READ MORE ON HORNER
      A source told Closer: “Obviously this has been a hellish time for Geri and she’s been in a state of absolute turmoil – trying to hold it together for the kids while quietly crumbling inside.”
      The source also said the media storm has left “her fairy-tale life in tatters.”
      The couple are due to celebrate their 10th anniversary next year after meeting through F1 boss Bernie Ecclestone in 2009.
      The pair, reportedly worth an incredible £440million, are said to have been living a “super-perfect, super-posh life,” after a whirlwind romance and tying the knot in May 2015.
      Most read in Motorsport
      But it appears Geri now fears the ongoing investigation into the allegations could cause a strain on her marriage and fears it could take years to resolve, according to the source.
      The insider added that Geri fears the investigation could “potentially lead to months or years of legal drama.”
      Geri Halliwell ‘leaning on Victoria Beckham’s support’ amid ‘inappropriate behaviour’ probe into hubby Christian Horner
      They said: “She says she feels like she’s in a living nightmare and is absolutely terrified about how things could unravel.”
      Horner is battling to rescue his career despite being urged to resign by ex-F1 boss Bernie Ecclestone after a female staffer accused him of “inappropriate behaviour”.
      Horner has reportedly referred to the allegations as “nuts” and said publicly: “I completely deny these claims.”
      The Red Bull boss, who has led the Austrian team since its formation in 2005, was quizzed by an independent barrister in a secret location on Friday.
      F1 insiders do not “expect him to survive in his role” at the team, as they believe the investigation could potentially drag into the new F1 season.
      The first practice sessions for the Bahrain Grand Prix are taking place on February 29.
      The couple are due to celebrate their 10th anniversary next year
      The couple met through F1 boss Bernie Ecclestone
      A look at Christian Horner’s life and career
      CHRISTIAN Horner is among the most well-known names in Formula One having helped build Red Bull into one of the biggest teams in the sport.
      1973 – Born in Leamington Spa, Warwickshire
      1991 – Wins a Formula Renault scholarship after impressing in karting races
      1993-1997 – Competed in a host of competitions including British Formula Three, British Formula Two, and Formula 3000
      1997 – Founded and developed the F3000 team Arden
      1999 – Retired from driving and continued developing the Arden team
      2005 – Appointed head of Red Bull team, becoming the youngest ever team principal at that time
      2009 – Wins his first races as team principal with Sebastian Vettel and Mark Webber
      2010 – Wins the Constructors’ Championship and Drivers’ Championship with Vettel – the first of four doubles in a row
      2013 – Has a daughter with ex-wife Beverly Allen shortly before the couple split
      2014 – Gets engaged to Spice Girls member Geri Halliwell
      2015 – Marries Halliwell in Woburn, Bedfordshire
      2017 – Horner and Halliwell welcome their son
      2021 – Wins another Drivers’ Championship with Max Verstappen, beating Lewis Hamilton on the final lap of the season
      2022-23 – Red Bull win the Drivers’ Championship and Constructors’ Championship two years in a row More

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      Carlos Sainz reveals heartbreak after being told F1 icon Lewis Hamilton would replace him at Ferrari ‘WEEKS’ ago

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      LEWIS HAMILTON’s move to Ferrari caught the team’s current driver – Carlos Sainz – by surprise.Hamilton stunned the sport last month when it was announced that he was quitting Mercedes to join F1’s most-famous team in 2025.
      Lewis Hamilton’s bombshell move to Ferrari for 2025 took many by surpriseCredit: AFP
      This includes Ferrari driver Carlos Sainz, who Hamilton will replaceCredit: Getty
      The Brit, 39, activated a break clause in his Mercedes deal to allow him to join the Italian outfit at the expense of Sainz, who has been shown the door.
      The Spaniard, who was the only non-Red Bull driver to win a race last year, was quizzed about Hamilton’s arrival next season.
      Speaking at the launch of this year’s Ferrari challenger, Sainz said: “I was a bit surprised, like everyone in the Formula One world.
      “From my side you can understand I got to know the news a bit earlier than anyone else and I had some weeks to reflect and prepare and some weeks to also get ready for the car launch and the first race of the season.
      READ MORE IN F1
      “That gave me a bit of time to digest it and to draw my own conclusions and to focus on the 2024 season.
      “I have had a lot of messages of support which I would like to thank the F1 world for and friends back at home, who have been very supportive and very encouraging.”
      Sainz, 29, will now spend this season looking for a seat for the 2025 campaign.
      He added: “My next team, I don’t know yet and I have time to decide when that happens next. There are plenty of options out there.
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      “I am approaching the most important three or four years of my career and I want to make sure that I am in the right place.
      “I am going to listen to all the options so when I make the decision I have given myself enough time with enough information.”
      Did Charles Leclerc drop secret hint about Lewis Hamilton joining Ferrari from Mercedes in awkward interview LAST YEAR?
      Hamilton will partner Charles Leclerc who has a new long-term deal with Ferrari.
      And the 26-year-old says he has welcomed the seven-time world champion into the team and – unlike Sainz – was not shocked by the move.
      He added: “This kind of deal is not finalised overnight. It takes time and I was aware of those discussions before I signed my deal so it did not come as a surprise.
      “Obviously, Lewis is an incredible driver, the most successful in history, with a lot of experience which he brings to the team which is a good thing.
      “I have had discussions with Lewis especially when everything was announced and official. We texted each other.
      “Lewis is a great champion with so much success.
      “It is always interesting to have a new team-mate, because you learn different ways of driving and working, and even more so when my new team-mate is a seven-time world champion.”

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

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      Ferrari reveal bold design for new look F1 car after announcing Lewis Hamilton will join team in 2025

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      FERRARI are ready to take F1 by storm after revealing their ‘completely redesigned’ new engine for the 2024 season. Just weeks after Lewis Hamilton, 39, dropped the sudden bombshell that he would be moving to Ferrari in 2025, the Scuderia team have turned heads again with their flashy new engine.
      Ferrari’s new car was revealed last TuesdayCredit: PA
      The Ferrari team are all very excited about the new carCredit: AFP
      Engineer Enrico Cardile said: ‘Every area of the car has been redesigned’Credit: Splash
      Charles Leclerc, Fred Vasseur and Carlos Sainz in a photoshoot for the Ferrari 2024 launchCredit: PA
      Charles Leclerc, 26, and Carlos Sainz, 29, uncovered the stunning SF-24 at Ferrari’s factory in Maranello on Tuesday.
      This year will be Leclerc and Sainz’s last season racing together as Hamilton is all set to make the astonishing switch from Mercedes to Ferrari in 2025, after triggering a secret contract clause.
      There is hope among the Prancing Horse ranks that with their new engine they can take on last year’s championship winners, Christian Horner’s Red Bull.
      Their rivals were shaken to the core by the recent allegations against boss, Horner, who was accused of engaging in ‘innapropriate behaviour’ towards a female staffer.
      READ MORE IN F1
      Ferrari revealed that every aspect of their new car ‘breaks with the tradition’ of the machinery they used in the past two seasons.
      Engineer Enrico Cardile said: “Every area of the car has been redesigned.”
      Leclerc himself is buzzing about the teams renewed chances in the race for the championship.
      He said: “I like the look of the car a lot. This season the aim is to be front runners all the time.” 
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      With regard to the new season, the Italian said: “To win the championship, this is the only target I have.
      “I’m only happy when I win, second place is not my target. 
      Inside Lewis Hamilton’s £13m collection of supercars including £4m classic and £1.6m ride made entirely for him
      “You need to give yourself realistic targets as well, as much as we are always optimistic and try to do the best job possible. 
      “We all want to win but looking at where we are starting from from last year, Red Bull had a big advantage.
      “So now we need to close the gap as much as possible.
      “So we will do absolutely everything to try and, and do the step that, that is our goal in order to challenge.”
      Team boss Fred Vasseur, a vital force in persuading Hamilton to jump ship, agreed with Leclerc and said: “This year, we must start off where we left off at the end of last season.
      “When we were consistent front runners, with a view to constantly improving in all areas.
      “The longest ever Formula 1 season awaits us.
      “Charles, Carlos and I all agree, we must be more clinical and effective in how we manage the races, making bold choices, in order to get the best possible result at every Grand Prix.”
      Every aspect of the team looks good to take on Red Bull after Leclerc revealed he had a ‘special bond’ with Sainz, even admitting he sees his team-mate more than his family.
      He said: “We have a very special relationship. We spend so much time.
      “I mean, I see Carlos more than my own family because we’ve got 24 races now.”
      Leclerc admits he has a ‘special relationship’ with his teammateCredit: Supplied
      Both are looking forward to their new hotseatCredit: AFP
      That bond is soon to be broken as Hamilton is welcomed into the Ferrari fold in his hunt for an eighth championship win.
      At 39, the clock is ticking for the Brit, who seeks to go one up on Michael Schumacher’s seven championship wins.
      According to former F1 star Damon Hill, the fact that Hamilton has put his faith in Ferrari is a clear signal that he rates the team’s chances.
      On Sky Sports, Hill said: “Lewis has taken command of his career and his direction.
      “It’s not like Mercedes have said to him, ‘Oh, we’ve signed someone else’, which is what happened with me.
      “I think that, [with] this decision, we know it’s a given [regarding] the Ferrari benefits of the brand – the romance and the history and all of that.
      “But I think there’s more to this, which is [that] I thought there was evidence that Ferrari were starting to solidify as a competitive package.
      READ MORE SUN STORIES
      “They were starting to put together the components and they were starting to get results.
      “And I think if you had a choice between Mercedes giving you the same equipment and Ferrari, I’d rather go to Ferrari and try something different.” More

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      Moment Christian Horner leads top secret Red Bull F1 test as he awaits decision on ‘inappropriate behaviour’ probe

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      RED Bull Racing boss Christian Horner has been spotted leading a top secret F1 test as he awaits a decision on “inappropriate behaviour” probe.Horner was seen smiling and laughing with the team at Silverstone where Red Bull’s new car soared around the iconic British track.
      Christian Horner was all smiles at the Red Bull event at Silverstone
      The Reb Bull team around Horner looking at footage from the day
      Horner has been accused of ‘inappropriate behaviour’ by a former female stafferCredit: Getty
      Christian Horner pictured at Silverstone for a shakedown before the official car launch
      Horner, 50, has been battling to rescue his career during an eight-hour grilling last Friday after he was accused of “inappropriate behaviour” by a former female staffer.
      The results of the crunch talks have not been made public – meaning Horner’s future at Red Bull still hangs in the balance.
      But the team boss – who is married to Spice Girl Geri Halliwell – stuck to his work commitments and was at Silverstone for the shakedown for the new RB20 car as planned.
      F1 teams are allowed two filming days to capture content of their cars on track – and it also offers the potential to run the car for the first time.
      Read more on Horner
      Horner was surrounded by his fellow Red Bull team in the video as they all stood outside of the garage in the misreable, pouring rain.
      Both Max Verstappen and Sergio Perez got their first taste of this season’s challenger – with the Dutchman looking to defend his world drivers’ title.
      He is also scheduled to be at the season launch event on Thursday at their Milton Keynes HQ.
      F1 was rocked by the news that the sport’s longest-standing team principal had been placed under investigation by Red Bull’s Austria-based parent company.
      Most read in Motorsport
      It allegedly compiled a “dossier of incriminating material” regarding “inappropriate and controlling behaviour” towards one woman, The Telegraph reported.
      Horner has reportedly referred to the allegations as “nuts” and said publicly: “I completely deny these claims.”
      Horner was reportedly urged to resign by Bernie Ecclestone after the allegations came to light.
      The 93-year-old billionaire former chief of F1 allegedly got involved and advised Horner to step down as Red Bull team principal.
      And F1 insiders do not “expect him to survive in his role”, according to BBC Sport.
      Geri Halliwell ‘leaning on Victoria Beckham’s support’ amid ‘inappropriate behaviour’ probe into hubby Christian Horner
      The investigation also raises the question of who could take over the helm of the all-conquering racing team of Verstappen.
      But an F1 source told The Sun 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 it’s 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 Red Bull Racing boss, who has led the Austrian team since its formation in 2005, was quizzed by an independent barrister in a private location late into the afternoon on Friday.
      Horner forced a smile as he was picked up in a chauffeur-driven car from his North London home ahead of the critical hearing.
      The probe threatens to overshadow the start of the new F1 season — with the first practice sessions for the Bahrain Grand Prix taking place on February 29.
      His Spice Girl wife Geri, 51, is understood to be standing by her husband, who she married in 2015.
      She has told pals: “Christian has done nothing wrong.”

      It comes as…

      Horner is said to have privately vowed to his friends he will “clear his name and come through this,” a source told the Daily Mail.
      However, the scandal engulfing her husband has blown a “Grand Canyon-sized crack” right in the middle of her “super-perfect, super-posh life,” another source claimed.
      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 motor sport in the 2024 New Year’s Honours List.
      Ahead of the probe into Horner’s conduct, there were reports of an unrelated internal power struggle waging within Red Bull.
      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.
      READ MORE SUN STORIES
      Rumours even went as far as to suggest Horner was determined to get rid of Marko, 80, from the team.
      A look at Christian Horner’s life and careerCHRISTIAN Horner is among the most well-known names in Formula One having helped build Red Bull into one of the biggest teams in the sport.
      1973 – Born in Leamington Spa, Warwickshire
      1991 – Wins a Formula Renault scholarship after impressing in karting races
      1993-1997 – Competed in a host of competitions including British Formula Three, British Formula Two, and Formula 3000
      1997 – Founded and developed the F3000 team Arden
      1999 – Retired from driving and continued developing the Arden team
      2005 – Appointed head of Red Bull team, becoming the youngest ever team principal at that time
      2009 – Wins his first races as team principal with Sebastian Vettel and Mark Webber
      2010 – Wins the Constructors’ Championship and Drivers’ Championship with Vettel – the first of four doubles in a row
      2013 – Has a daughter with ex-wife Beverly Allen shortly before the couple split
      2014 – Gets engaged to Spice Girls member Geri Halliwell
      2015 – Marries Halliwell in Woburn, Bedfordshire
      2017 – Horner and Halliwell welcome their son
      2021 – Wins another Drivers’ Championship with Max Verstappen, beating Lewis Hamilton on the final lap of the season
      2022-23 – Red Bull win the Drivers’ Championship and Constructors’ Championship two years in a row

      Horner (centre) pictured with Red Bull Racing teamCredit: Getty
      Horner pictured with Spice Girl wife Geri HalliwellCredit: PA
      Geri Halliwell and Christian Horner at the Monaco F1 in May, 2023Credit: Getty
      Horner pictured with world champion Max VerstappenCredit: Getty More

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      Daniel Ricciardo breaks silence on Lewis Hamilton’s Ferrari switch with F1 icon coy over ‘silly season’ Mercedes gossip

      by

      DANIEL RICCIARDO has refused to be distracted by the “silly season” gossip linking him with a move to Mercedes.The Australian has been tipped as one of the potential names to take Lewis Hamilton’s seat in 2025.
      Daniel Ricciardo is remaining coy over ‘silly season’ gossip linking him with MercedesCredit: Getty
      He has been tipped as a potential replacement when Lewis Hamilton joins Ferrari in 2025Credit: AFP
      Seven-time world champion Hamilton is entering his final season with Mercedes after agreeing to join Ferrari next year.
      Meanwhile, Ricciardo will drive for Visa Cash App RB, formerly AlphaTauri, in 2024.
      He returned to the grid in July after replacing Nyck de Vries at the Hungarian Grand Prix.
      Asked about his interest in replacing Hamilton at Mercedes this week, Ricciardo explained: “I’m definitely not looking that far ahead.
      READ MORE F1 NEWS
      “At this part of my career, looking ahead feels a bit like a year closer to the end. So it’s more reason for me to be there now and really take it race by race.
      “I guess in their (Mercedes’) position, they are in no rush. So they will judge everyone, how they are doing, the driver market, whatever. So I think this is a good position for them.
      “Part of me is also happy not to be involved in all this crazy stuff, especially this early in the season. So if the silly season happens without me, that’s fine with me at this point.”
      The 34-year-old has also been linked with a possible return to Red Bull.
      Most read in Motorsport
      FREE BETS – BEST BETTING OFFERS & NEW CUSTOMER BONUSES
      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.

      His former team could be looking for a new team-mate for Max Verstappen at the end of the year, with Sergio Perez under pressure to perform.
      Ricciardo has claimed eight wins and 32 podiums from his 239 F1 starts.
      The richest Wags in F1 revealed with some earning thousands from Instagram
      His last race victory came for McLaren at the 2021 Italian Grand Prix.
      The 2024 season is set to get underway with the Bahrain Grand Prix in Sakhir on March 2.

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