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      Lewis Hamilton debuts new look ahead of his transfer to F1 Team Ferrari

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      GRAND Prix ace Sir Lewis Hamilton freshens up ahead of his transfer to F1 team Ferrari — with a bushy red hairdo.The seven-times world champ, 39, who will leave Mercedes at the end of the year, revealed his new look on a break in Brazil.
      Lewis Hamilton showed off his new bushy red hairdo in BrazilCredit: Instagram
      It’s a notable change from his tight plaited braidsCredit: Tim Goode / PA Wire
      His tight plaited braids have been replaced with fluffy locks that billowed from under a sun hat.
      A fan joked: “Maybe it’s a tribute to Ferrari’s classic red livery.”
      Hamilton has been world champion a joint-record seven times – in 2008, 2014, 2015, 2017, 2018, 2019 and 2020.
      In 2008, aged 23, he became the youngest ever world champion after five wins and a further five podiums took him to the title by a single point.
      READ MORE LEWIS HAMILTON
      2014 saw him enjoy Mercedes F1 W05 Hybrid’s dominance, taking 11 wins en route to his second world title.
      Team-mate Rosberg pushed him all the way with the championship only decided in the final race.
      In 2017 he won the Mexican Grand Prix and defended his title again in 2018, before doing the same in 2020.
      Hamilton won the Turkish Grand Prix to go level with the legendary Michael Schumacher in 2020.
      Most read in Motorsport
      His astonishing achievements were recognised and he was knighted in December 2021 for his services to sport.
      In 2014, Lewis was named the most marketable sportsman in the world.
      He has had personal sponsorship deals with Bose, L’Oreal, Mercedes-Benz, Monster Energy, Police, Puma, Sony, Tommy Hilfiger, Vodafone-USD.
      Hamilton is said to be raking in an additional £16.6million from these sponsorship deals.
      Inside Lewis Hamilton’s £13m collection of supercars including £4m classic and £1.6m ride made entirely for him More

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      Scandals that rocked F1 as Christian Horner’s Red Bull future hangs in balance… from pit romps to driver TOLD to crash

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      THE world of Formula One has been sent into a spin after shocking allegations were levied against Red Bull Racing chief Christian Horner. The 50-year-old, who is married to ex-Spice Girl Geri Horner, has been accused of “inappropriate” and “incredibly controlling behaviour” by a female former employee.
      Red Bull Racing chief Christian Horner’s career is said to be hanging in the balanceCredit: Getty
      Driver Max Verstappen with the Red Bull Racing boss Horner at the Abu Dhabi Grand PrixCredit: Getty
      Details of the allegations are yet to surface but Horner, who’s been with Red Bull Racing since 2005, has flatly denied claims and vowed to “clear his name”.
      Earlier this week, the energy drinks firm launched an independent investigation and said they would “take these matters extremely seriously”.
      Horner’s career hung in the balance on Friday as he sat down for a D-Day grilling with a senior trial lawyer, hired by Red Bull GmbH, to defend himself in an unknown central London location.
      Sources said the investigation would centre on the employee’s concerns about Horner’s strict work regime and does not relate to any sexual impropriety.
      READ MORE ON CHRISTIAN HORNER
      Horner has overseen a huge period of success for the racing team – winning multiple F1 championships with Sebastian Vettel and Max Verstappen – and now loyalists claim insiders are trying to oust him.
      It’s the latest of a long line of scandals to afflict the motorsport world. From cheating claims to serial womanising, here, we report some of the most shocking. 
      Spygate
      Nigel Stepney leaked confidential Ferrari documentsCredit: AP:Associated Press
      In 2007, the F1 world was shaken in the wake of the now-infamous ‘Spygate’ saga.
      It resulted in McLaren receiving an unprecedented and eye-watering $100million fine and being thrown out of the 2007 constructors’ championship. 
      Most read in The Sun
      The scandal followed Ferrari chief mechanic Nigel Stepney stealing nearly 800 pages of confidential technical information from the company and giving them to his friend Mike Coughlan, who was the Chief Designer at McLaren.
      Stepney was exposed after asking his wife to copy the secret documents at a local photocopy shop, in Woking, and a worker informed Ferrari.
      It cost both men their jobs and led to Ferrari taking legal action against Coughlan, who reached an agreement with the racing giant. 
      Following the uproar, an investigation from McLaren found none of the documents “had been passed to any other members of the team or incorporated into our cars”.

      However, when new evidence was produced, McClaren was disqualified from the championship and served the record-breaking fine. 
      That year, the battle between Fernando Alonso and Lewis Hamilton led to Kimi Raikkonen sweeping in and claiming the 2007 title.
      Crashgate 
      Nelson Piquet Jr deliberately crashed his car to help his teammateCredit: YouTube
      Piquet Jr initially denied any foul play before confessing a year laterCredit: EPA

      Just one year later, another sporting scandal emerged when Renault driver Nelson Piquet Jr deliberately crashed to give his teammate an advantage.
      On lap 14 of the 2008 Singapore Grand Prix, Piquet Jr drove into the circuit wall at turn 17 leading to the safety car being deployed.
      It allowed his fellow Renault driver Alonso, who made an early pitstop, to take the lead while other motors pitted under safety car conditions. 
      The move allowed Alonso, who started 15th on the grid, to win the race. 
      At the time, Piquet Jr claimed his crash was a “simple mistake”, However, after being dropped by Renault in 2009, he revealed bosses Flavio Briatore and Pat Symonds had instructed him to do it. 
      Briatore was handed a lifetime ban from holding any position within an F1 team and Symonds, who confessed, was banned for five years. It was later branded ‘Crashgate’.
      Sex drive
      Renowned womaniser James Hunt reportedly bedded more than 5,000 womanCredit: Getty
      The F1 racer died of a heart attack aged 45Credit: Getty – Contributor
      During his racing days, James Hunt was known as F1’s biggest playboy and was photographed with an army of glamorous women. 
      Among the slew of salacious claims is that the Surrey-born racer bedded 33 flight attendants in a fortnight and was greeted by “a fresh supply of females” every morning.
      His then-McLaren teammate Alastair Caldwell recalled: “James would bounce up to them in his shorts and bare feet, say, ‘Hello, I’m James Hunt,’ and take them straight upstairs for a party. This happened every day for a fortnight.”
      James would bounce up to them in his shorts and bare feet, say, ‘Hello, I’m James Hunt,’ and take them straight upstairs for a party. This happened every day for a fortnightEx-F1 racer Alastair Caldwell
      Ahead of the 1976 Japanese Grand Prix, he was caught romping with a woman in the pit garage just minutes before the race began. 
      James – who had “Sex, Breakfast of Champions” embroidered on his overalls – finished third in the race but won the title that year.
      The racer, who died from a heart attack aged 45 in 1993, spent six years in F1 until 1979 and reportedly bedded 5,000 women.
      ‘Deliberate’ crashes
      Michael Schumacher was among F1’s most talented driversCredit: EPA
      Schumacher’s car went airbourne after trying to cut up rival Hill in 1994Credit: YouTube
      He crashed and Hill’s car was pitted and retired from the raceCredit: YouTube
      Michael Schumacher is known for being one of F1’s greatest ever drivers – but he was also tarred with claims of cheating. 
      Among them are ‘deliberate’ crashes including during the 1994 Australian Grand Prix, when rival Damon Hill, for Williams, was one point behind him. 
      During the race, Schumacher went off the track and hit a wall side-on.
      When Hill began to gain on him at the next corner and was set to pass him, it’s claimed the German racer cut him off.
      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

      Both vehicles collided, sending Schumacher airborne before hitting a wall. Hill tried to continue the race but was pitted and retired after irreparable damage to the vehicle’s front left suspension wishbone.
      Due to neither driver scoring, Schumacher took the title – much to the fury of fans. 
      Schumacher denied deliberate foul play and an investigation ruled it was a racing incident and took no further action. 
      Hill deliberately avoided becoming embroiled in the outcry but in later years accused Schumacher of deliberately driving into him.
      In a F1 Racing magazine interview, technical director Patrick Head said: “We at Williams were already 100 per cent certain that Michael was guilty of foul play.” 
      However, he said the team decided not to take action due to dealing with the death of Ayrton Senna that same year.
      Another incident during the final race of the 1997 European Grand Prix followed.
      Schumacher was found to have rammed William-Renault rival Jacques Villeneuve as he tried to overtake him on the inside. 
      Schumacher colliding with Villenueve’s car in 1997Credit: YouTube
      Schumacher ended up stalled in the gravel after ramming VilleneuveCredit: EPA
      However, it caused Schumacher to drift off into the gravel where his vehicle came to a halt and Villeneuve – who was just one point behind his opponent – managed to cross the finishing line in third place. 
      An FIA investigation found Schumacher was at fault for the crash and stripped him of his second-place finish in the championship.
      Schumacher was also accused of dirty tactics while trying to fend off Fernando Alonso during the 2006 Monaco Grand Prix qualifiers.
      The German racer had set the fastest time but during the closing stages stopped his car in the Rascasse corner, blocking part of the track. 
      Schumacher was found to have stopped at Rascasse corner to stop his rival getting a better timeCredit: YouTube
      It prevented Renault racer Alonso from attempting to improve his time. Schumacher insisted it was an innocent mistake and his vehicle had stalled. 
      Furious Renault boss Flavio Briatore referred to the so-called mistake as “f***ing disgusting!”
      He added: “How can a seven-times world champion make a simple mistake like that? Of course it wasn’t a mistake!”
      Three-time Monaco winner Sir Jackie Stewart said the move was “not an accident” and was “too obvious”. He noted there was “plenty of time to sort things out”.
      Later, stewards discovered Schumacher’s vehicle ‘lock-up’ happened while he was driving under 10mph. He was penalised by being sent to the back of the starting grid and Alonso promoted to pole position.
      Watergate
      Strict rules around weight have long been in place in F1, but in 1982, companies including Brabham, Williams and McLaren hatched a clever plan to get under the minimum allowance.
      Their cars were fitted with large water tanks to ‘hold water coolant’ – it would transpire that the liquid was being jettisoned early into races to make them lighter.
      Dumping all of the water allowed some vehicles to race as much as 50kg underweight, which gave them a clear advantage.
      Before the vehicles’ post-race inspection, they would be topped up with coolant again – returning them to the mandated weight. 
      At that year’s Brazilian Grand Prix, Brabham’s Nelson Piquet and Williams Keke Roseberg claimed first and second place.
      READ MORE SUN STORIES
      It was deemed to have contravened the ‘spirit’ of FIA regulations and both of the drivers were disqualified.
      It led to Prost being awarded the win and was later referred to as ‘Brakesgate’. More

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      Christian Horner ‘not expected to survive’ Red Bull probe into ‘inappropriate behaviour’, say F1 insiders

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      RED Bull chief Christian Horner is not “expected to survive” in his role following allegations of “inappropriate and controlling behaviour”, F1 insiders claim.Horner, 50, fought to save his career in an eight-hour D-Day grilling on Friday over complaints made by a female colleague – as sources revealed he would not resign.
      Insiders claimed that Christian Horner’s future at Red Bull hangs in the balanceCredit: Getty
      The racing boss was pictured smiling on his way to an 8-hour grilling on FridayCredit: Peter Jordan
      His Spice Girl wife Geri Halliwell is understood to be devastated, but standing by himCredit: Getty
      Following the fallout of the investigation, insiders do not “expect him to survive in his role” at Red Bull, BBC Sport reports.
      It raises the question of who would take over the helm of the all-conquering racing team of world champion Max 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.
      Read more on christian horner
      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.
      Most read in Motorsport
      Horner has reportedly referred to the allegations as “nuts” and said publicly: “I completely deny these claims.”
      He was smiling as he was pictured being whisked to the crunch meeting yesterday morning.
      F1 was rocked on Monday 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 has allegedly compiled a “dossier of incriminating material” regarding “inappropriate and controlling behaviour” towards one female staffer, The Telegraph reported.
      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 Halliwell, 51, is understood to be standing by her husband, who she married in 2015.
      She has told pals: “Christian has done nothing wrong.”
      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 earlier this week.
      “She will stand by him and be at his side just as much as she always has been. She never misses a race and that will not change.”
      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.
      Red Bull has won seven Formula One world drivers’ championships and six world ­constructors’ titles under Horner’s leadership.
      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 tea drafted a new board of directors.
      Former RB Leipzig CEO Oliver Mintzlaff was appointed chief executive.
      READ MORE SUN STORIES
      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.
      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 runs the all-conquering Red Bull Racing, the team of world champion Max VerstappenCredit: Getty
      The couple have a seven-year-old son together and Horner has a daughter from a previous relationshipCredit: AFP
      The crunch talks on Friday took place in a private location – not team HQCredit: Reuters More

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      F1 boss Christian Horner grilled for eight hours in crunch meeting over ‘controlling behaviour’ allegations

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      FORMULA One team boss Christian Horner was grilled for eight hours today over alleged “controlling” behaviour.The Red Bull Racing chief — married to Spice Girl Geri Halliwell — was questioned by a barrister late into the afternoon at a private location.
      Formula One team boss Christian Horner was grilled for eight hours over his alleged ‘controlling’ behaviourCredit: Peter Jordan – The Sun
      Horner runs the all-conquering Red Bull Racing, the team of world champion Max VerstappenCredit: AFP – Getty
      The 50-year-old looked grim-faced earlier as he was being whisked to the crunch meeting.
      An F1 source said: “Christian has been in there, and having his chat which has been ongoing for many hours. We are hoping for a swift resolution to this but that may be unlikely.”
      The source went on: “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.
      READ MORE ON CHRISTIAN HORNER
      “But Christian has not been sacked or asked to resign and he is not going to resign.
      “We are in an investigation and we have to respect the integrity of the investigation, which means ­letting it run its course.”
      The Sun told on Tuesday how Horner was being investigated over allegations of “inappropriate behaviour” towards a female colleague.
      He was seen as a chauffeur-driven car picked him up from his North London home at 7.15am.
      Most read in Motorsport
      Unshaven Horner tried to force a smile after clambering into the back of the BMW with a briefcase.
      Red Bull brought in independent lawyers following the complaint.

      The meeting is understood to have taken place in London rather than near the racing team’s base in Milton Keynes or Red Bull’s HQ in Salzburg, Austria.
      Late this afternoon, Horner was still being quizzed after the meeting got off to an early start.
      Horner, who runs the all-conquering F1 team of world champion Max Verstappen — arch rival of British favourite Sir Lewis Hamilton — has denied the controlling behaviour claims.
      The allegations are said to centre on concerns about a strict work regime and do not include sexual impropriety.
      Horner, who has been Red Bull Racing’s “principal” since its founding in 2005, was quizzed by an external barrister hired by the Austrian company.
      Red Bull said it began an inquiry after being made aware of the complaint, understood to have been lodged in Austria.
      Today, BBC Sport reported insiders had told them that they did not expect Horner to survive the furore.
      Staff at the team’s UK base in Milton Keynes have said they had no knowledge of the allegations when approached.
      I completely deny these claimsChristian Horner
      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.
      However, insiders say a decision on Horner’s future at the helm of the team was unlikely to be reached following today’s first meeting with the barrister.
      Our source added: “People are expecting this to be over before the start of the F1 season, but that just isn’t going to happen.
      “It will be a longer process than that as we have to conduct the investigation thoroughly.”
      Horner has reportedly referred to the allegations as “nuts” and said publicly: “I completely deny these claims.”
      Spice Girl wife Geri is standing by HornerCredit: Getty
      Wife Geri, 51, is understood to be standing by her husband and has told pals: “Christian has done nothing wrong.”
      Former racing driver Horner and Geri married at a church ceremony in Woburn, Beds, in 2015 after a year-long engagement.
      They have a seven-year-old son together and Horner has a daughter from a previous relationship.
      Red Bull Racing has won seven Formula One world drivers’ championships and six world ­constructors’ titles since the team’s formation under Horner 19 years ago.
      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.
      Christian has done nothing wrongGeri Horner
      Red Bull Racing declined to comment today.
      In a statement earlier this week, it said it was probing “certain recent allegations”.
      A spokesman added: “This process, which is already under way, is being carried out by an external specialist barrister.”
      Horner remains one of the most influential figures within Red Bull and Formula One.
      READ MORE SUN STORIES
      If he gets the chop, insiders expect him to be replaced by an executive from the Austrian side of Red Bull.
      A likely favourite would be German businessman Oliver Mintzlaff, former head of RB Leipzig football club.
      Horner remains one of the most influential figures within Red Bull and Formula OneCredit: GettyA 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, pipping Lewis Hamilton on the final lap of the season
      2022-23 – Red Bull win the Drivers’ Championship and Constructors’ Championship two years in a row More

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      Red Bull ‘make offer to Alex Albon’ as F1 market is thrown open by Lewis Hamilton’s Ferrari move’

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      RED BULL have made an offer for Williams driver Alex Albon to replace Sergio Perez.The after effects of Lewis Hamilton’s bombshell Ferrari announcement are being felt with a re-shuffle of Formula One’s top seats already in the works.
      Alex Albon previously drove for Red Bull in 2019 for 18 monthsCredit: EPA
      There is plenty of new opportunities following Lewis Hamilton’s announcementCredit: Splash
      According to Autosport, Red Bull are keen to secure a first option on Albon.
      The 27-year old partnered with Christian Horner’s team for an unsuccessful 18-month spell in 2019, but Red Bull have offered Albon another shot following a strong spell at Williams.
      If he agrees, Red Bull will be welcoming him back to the fold for three years in 2027, when his contract with Williams expires.
      It’s an appealing option for the Anglo-Thai, but it will cut off any chance of a move to Mercedes.
      READ MORE F1 STORIES
      Hamilton’s impending departure has left more doors open than ever for ambitious drivers gunning to climb the greasy pole.
      At the 2024 Williams launch, Albon hinted at what had been going on behind the scenes, saying: “I would be denying it if I said that there haven’t been questions and general chats surrounding around that.
      “But truthfully it’s not really personally my area, that’s more my management.
      “My focus is on driving.
      Most read in Motorsport
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      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.

      “My whole focus is on Williams and that’s where I see myself.”
      Albon added: “I feel like I’m very close to my peak.”
      The richest Wags in F1 revealed with some earning thousands from Instagram
      He is contracted to Williams for the 2025 season, but team principal James Vowles made comments suggesting he would not deny Albon a move away from Williams, were an opportunity to present itself.
      He said: “Should any decision go that way, it’s because I’ve made decisions that are correct for the team’s long-term goals and not the short term.”
      When pressed, Vowles did not provide a direct answer, saying: “Let’s see. Time will tell.
      “But my focus is on 2024, let’s keep it like that.
      “Realistically I want to be with the team.
      “If the team are where I want them to be, it will be a long-term contract.
      “We’re gonna go all the way or nothing.” More

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      Tense wait for Geri Halliwell & Christian Horner as decision in Red Bull boss’s ‘behaviour’ probe ‘expected next week’

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      RED Bull chief Christian Horner and his wife Geri Halliwell are facing a tense wait as the decision on the “inappropriate behaviour” claims is expected to be delivered next week.The F1 boss, 50, was pictured leaving his Highgate home this morning ahead of the meeting which was moved last-minute to a secret location.
      Horner was pictured this morning ahead of the hearing
      The F1 boss was accused of “inappropriate behaviour” by a female stafferCredit: Peter Jordan
      The pair will have to wait until next week to find the decisionCredit: Getty
      Horner, who has denied all claims made by the female staffer will have to wait until next week to find out about his future in the company, sources told ESPN.
      The hearing was initially meant to be held at the team headquarters in Milton Keynes, Bucks but the high media interest forced Red Bull officials to move it to a different location the Times report.
      Horner is said to be preparing to fight to save his career at Red Bull after he vowed to pals to “clear his name.”
      An independent lawyer who has been appointed to examine the woman’s claims is set to quiz him at the meeting today.
      READ MORE ON HORNER
      But F1 sources suggested the case may not be resolved before the launch of Red Bull’s 2024 car on February 15.
      Red Bull is said to want the issue sorted out before the first race meeting of the new F1 season, which starts in Bahrain at the end of the month.
      Neither Horner nor his accuser have been suspended and continue to work among 1,600 employees at the Austrian team’s HQ.
      Horner was seen on Thursday leaving his Highgate home for the first time since news broke of the bombshell allegations.
      Most read in Motorsport
      The world of Formula One was left in shock on Monday after it emerged that Horner had been placed under investigation by Red Bull Austria.
      The parent company said that after being informed of “certain recent allegations” it had hired an “external, specialist lawyer” to probe the claims.

      It has allegedly compiled a “dossier of incriminating material” regarding “inappropriate and controlling behaviour” towards one female staffer.
      Horner issued an immediate denial on Monday, stating: “I reject these claims entirely.”
      His defenders have claimed the accusations are part of a plot to oust him within the team amid an internal power struggle.
      Rumours of the unrelated internal issues within the team’s leadership have swirled since the death of co-founder Dietrich Mateschitz in 2022.
      After the billionaire’s death, Red Bull drafted a new board of directors to oversee the business.
      Former RB Leipzig CEO Oliver Mintzlaff was appointed chief executive.
      Despite Red Bull enjoying its most successful season in F1 history in 2023, there was speculation of a rift between Horner and Helmut Marko – Red Bull GmBH’s motorsport advisor.
      Rumours even went as far as to suggest Horner was determined to get rid of Marko, 80, from the team.
      Horner’s Spice Girl wife Geri Halliwell, 51, is said to be devastated by the bombshell allegations – but will firmly stand by her husband, who she married in 2015.
      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

      A source said: “[She is] not talking to anyone at the moment. Geri seems to be simply too upset to engage with anyone. Just lots of tears.
      “She will stand by him and be at his side just as much as she always has been. She never misses a race and that will not change.”
      Horner’s Spice Girl wife Geri Halliwell, 51, is said to be devastated by the bombshell allegations – but will firmly stand by her husband, who she married in 2015.
      READ MORE SUN STORIES
      A source said: “[She is] not talking to anyone at the moment. Geri seems to be simply too upset to engage with anyone. Just lots of tears.
      “She will stand by him and be at his side just as much as she always has been. She never misses a race and that will not change.”
      The meeting was meant to be held at Ted Bull’s HQ in Milton KeynesCredit: PA
      Geri is said to be standing by her husband amid the allegations chaosCredit: Getty More

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      Seven ‘Kardashian-style’ scandals that plagued Christian Horner’s Red Bull…‘cheat’ claims to star raising rival’s child

      by

      IN the wake of the bombshell allegations against F1 chief Christian Horner, the Sun lists other scandals that have plagued the Red Bull team in the past years.The team’s boss, 50, was hit by claims of “inappropriate behaviour” in the latest F1 controversy but it is not the first stain on the Red Bull team’s history.
      Max Verstappen and Sergio Perez have been involved in a public feudCredit: Getty
      Christian Horner has been accused of “inappropriate behaviour”Credit: Getty
      Red Bull has been hit by chaos such as when Ricciardo crashed with Verstappen in 2018Credit: Alamy
      Horner is due to be probed by a lawyer today after news broke of the allegations made against him by a female staffer.
      The hearing was initially meant to be held at the team headquarters in Milton Keynes, Bucks but it was moved to a different location last minute.
      The claims sent shockwaves across the F1 World but it’s not the first time Red Bull was involved in a scandal.
      From the ongoing feud between Verstappen and Perez which was described as a “bit like the Kardashian show” by rival Hamilton to Preze’s cheating allegations, the F1 team has seen some challenging times.
      READ MORE ON F1
      ‘A BIT LIKE A KARDASHIAN SHOW’
      The Red Bull team was plagued by a big scandal in 2022 – the controversial Brazilian Grand Prix.
      A public feud between Max Verstappen and Sergio Perez was sparked when the Dutchman defied the team’s orders and did not let his teammate pass him at Sao Paulo – even though he had already secured the season’s title.
      As a result, Perez, who was competing with Ferrari’s Charles Leclerc for second place, lost two World Cup points.
      Speaking to Channel 4 about the drama at the time, Ferrari driver Lewis Hamilton described it as a “Kardashian show”.
      Most read in Motorsport
      Unearthed footage shows F1 row that TV missed as Verstappen and Ocon both see their laps ruined
      He joked: “I mean, it feels like a bit of a Kardashian show happening here. 
      “It’s pretty hilarious, some of the stuff that I’ve heard over the past few days has been so entertaining.
      “I’m sure it’ll all be on Netflix, it’s going to be great.”
      The Milton Keynes-based team had some time of uncertainty during the final weeks of the season of the same year.
      It handed a whopping £5,5 million fine for breaking F1’s cost-cap rule.
      An FIA statement said that Red Bull triggered a “minor” breach, going over the £114million limit.
      At the time Horner described the penalties as “enormous”.
      He said: “I hear people say it’s not a severe penalty, but 10 per cent less wind tunnel time and other aerodynamic tools is a draconian penalty
      “That can cost up to half a second a lap. It will have an effect on our ability to perform on track next year.”
      CRYPTIC STATEMENT
      When Verstappen was asked to allow his teammate to pass him according to a previous agreement with the team, he refused and said: “I told you already last summer.
      “You guys don’t ask that again to me, ok? Are we clear about that? I gave my reasons and I stand by it.”
      His comment sparked speculation that he had been holding a grudge against Perez since another incident in Monaco earlier in the season.
      Following the row between the two drivers, team chief Horner stated the feud was caused by a team mistake.
      ” I think that was a mistake as a team that we didn’t discuss it and come up with a very clear plan,” he said.
      “Obviously, it was unfortunate what happened, but it was quickly discussed, openly and transparently.
      “And both drivers were very clear, open, and honest with each other, and from that as a team we move on and the dynamic between the drivers is absolutely fine.”
      ‘CHEATING ON WIFE’
      Following the eventful Sao Paolo race, Mexican driver Perez fumed: “It shows who he really is.
      “I have nothing to say, really. After all I’ve done for him, it’s disappointing. I have no idea. I’m really surprised.”
      But his comments did not sit well with Verstappen’s mum Sophie Kumpen who hit back and accused him of cheating on his wife, Carola Martinez.
      I gave my reasons and I stand by itMax Verstappen
      In a since-deleted Instagram post, she wrote: “And then in the evening cheating on his wife.”
      Her comment appears to refer to a video posted online in June showing Perez dancing with mystery women in Monte Carlo.
      Perez celebrated his success by partying on a yacht with footage showing him up close and personal with a brunette before wrapping his arms around a blonde woman’s waist.
      Perez issued a public apology statement afterwards, saying: “I have seen the videos that have been circulating about me and I take responsibility for it.
      Verstappen’s mum Sophie Kumpen hit back at Perez after the race
      Sergio Perez issues a public apology to his wife he was seen dancing with a woman during a partyCredit: Social Media
      Perez was seen embracing a brunette during the yacht partyCredit: Social Media
      “It was a bad party that I didn’t know how to control at the height of the person that I am, but it was just that, a very bad party.
      “People close to me know my values and the type of person that I am. For those who ask me, we are more united than ever, me and my wife.
      “And for those who just want to hurt us, I wish you the best. Thanks for your love and I apologise to all the people who love me because those videos don’t represent me at all.
      “We will not talk about this topic anymore, which only makes us forget the great moment we are living as a family. Thank you.”
      VERSTAPPEN DATING RIVAL’S EX
      Verstappen revealed he has a good relationship with the daughter of his girlfriend Kelly Piquet.
      The Brazilian model, daughter of fiery F1 legend Nelson Piquet, was dating driver Daniil Kvyat from 2017 to 2019 and had daughter Penelope before their split.
      The Dutchaman replaced Kvyat at Red Bull in 2016 an two years later he started dating Piquet.
      In a rare chat about his personal life, he told TIME magazine: “I’m not the father, that’s not the aim.
      “It’s always very important that she has a good relationship with her own father, which she has.
      “But I see her every day when I’m at home. We get on very well. She’s very cute.”
      THE DRAMATIC 2021 ABU DHABI GRAND PRIX  
      In 2021, Red Bull was involved in yet another controversy – this time involving Brit driver Lewis Hamilton.
      Hamilton was pipped to the championship by Max Verstappen on the final lap of the last race when race director Michael Masi appeared to incorrectly allow Verstappen the chance to overtake Hamilton.
      The incident left the Mercedes team furious accusing race bosses of bending the rules.
      But after a four-and-a-half hour battle to have the decision overturned it was finally rejected and Verstappen remained World Champion.
      According to a report by the FIA the incident was down to “human error” but the results were “valid”.
      ‘XENOPHOBIC COMMENTS’
      Red Bull advisor Helmut Marko was hit with a written warning by the FIA for his comments made towards Sergio Perez.
      The outspoken Austrian was quoted saying Perez, who is from Mexico, “is South American and he is just not as completely focused in his head as Max [Verstappen] is or as Sebastian [Vettel]”.
      Despite the 80-year-old Austrian offering an apology for his “offensive” words against Checo, the remarks caused a backlash on social media with calls to remove Marko from his duties.
      The FIA said that Marko received a “written warning and was reminded of his responsibilities as a public figure in motorsport in line with the FIA code of ethics.”
      The year before Red Bull sacked junior driver Juri Vips after he used a racial slur on a live stream.
      The 21-year-old Estonian is believed to have used the N-word while playing Call of Duty online with team-mate Liam Lawson.
      ‘UNKIND’
      A few years earlier, Marko was involved in a public fall-out with Mark Webber after his comments regarding the Australian’s performance in an interview.
      The remarks were taken as harsh criticism by Webber but in 2018, Marko never intended to offend him.
      He told F1: “With Mark it was a misinterpretation. I don’t set out to be unkind.
      “I was asked why Vettel is champion and why Mark isn’t,” he recalled. “So I tried to explain the difference and there were just some facts.
      “I say what I believe. And I say it to make something better, to help people to come up with their own solutions.”
      He added: “All these circumstances were what I tried to express, and the magazine thought that I was against Mark, which is not true,” Marko said. “[Drivers] get the same treatment here with us.
      “I didn’t think it should be taken to criticise Mark.
      “But I said if he was able to keep his performance over the whole season, then he would have been the champion.
      “Mark was already a driver with a good reputation,” he noted. “It was always, ‘If he is in the right car, he will be a winner.’ And then came the right car, but unfortunately along came Vettel as well.
      READ MORE SUN STORIES
      “Psychologically it must [have been] very, very hard for Mark.”
      Hamilton described Red Bull’s drama as ” a Kardashian show”Credit: AFP
      Verstappen pictured with his girlfriend Kelly PiquetCredit: Getty
      Helmut Marko had to apologise to Perez after his “offensive” commentsCredit: Getty More

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      Christian Horner updates — Red Bull boss set for hearing following allegations with F1 chief’s future to be decided

      by

      CHRISTIAN Horner will face his hearing today over allegations of “inappropriate behaviour” towards a female member of staff at Red Bull.The crunch talks will determine whether the F1 chief, 50, will keep his job as the team’s head.
      Horner is said to be preparing to fight to save his future at Red Bull after he vowed to pals to “clear his name.”
      An independent lawyer who has been appointed to examine the woman’s claims is set to quiz him at the meeting today.
      Read our live blog below for the latest news and updates…
      When does the F1 season start?
      The 2024 Formula One season begins in just a few short weeks.
      The action kicks off in Sakhir on March 2 with the Bahrain Grand Prix.
      Red Bull is reportedly hoping to have its internal investigation completed by then, although that has not been confirmed.
      Copy linkCopiedChristian Horner pictured ahead of talks
      Christian Horner was pictured ahead of his hearing today over allegations of “inappropriate behaviour” towards a female member of staff.
      The meeting – which will determine whether the F1 chief, 50, will keep his job as the team’s head – was moved last minute to a secret location.

      Copy linkCopiedThe ‘Kardashian-style’ scandals that plagued Christian Horner’s Red Bull
      The Red Bull F1 team has been plagued with controversy in recent years.
      So we looked back on seven of the scandals that hit Christian Horner’s team prior to this week’s allegations.
      From the team’s drivers clashing to accusations of “xenophobia” it hasn’t always been an easy ride for the Austrian team.

      Copy linkCopiedHorner continued in role amid allegations
      Neither Horner nor his accuser have been suspended and continue to work among 1,600 employees at Red Bull’s HQ.
      Horner was seen on Thursday leaving his Highgate home for the first time since news broke of the bombshell allegations.
      And today the F1 boss is reportedly attending a hearing to determine his future at the company.
      Copy linkCopiedWhere is the meeting taking place?
      Originally set to take place in Red Bull’s Milton Keynes HQ, it is believed the meeting’s location was moved amid high media interest.
      Now, it has been reported the hearing will take place in London.
      No outcome is expected today.
      Copy linkCopiedExternal lawyer hired to probe claims
      The world of Formula One was left in shock on Monday after it emerged that Horner had been placed under investigation by Red Bull Austria.
      The parent company said that after being informed of “certain recent allegations” it had hired an “external, specialist lawyer” to probe the claims.
      It has allegedly compiled a “dossier of incriminating material” regarding “inappropriate and controlling behaviour” towards one female staffer.
      Copy linkCopiedWho could replace Christian Horner?
      Perhaps the first name that comes to mind is Oliver Oakes.
      Oakes, 35, would be a ready-made replacement, owing to the similar career path he shares with Horner.
      The Brit is a former racing driver turned team-owner in the lower formulas.
      However, Oakes is also a former Red Bull junior driver so has strong links with the race team and the company’s HQ in Austria.

      Copy linkCopiedWhat is Christian Horner’s net worth?
      Christian has amassed considerable wealth thanks to his career in motorsport racing.
      He is the highest-paid team boss in F1 and has an estimated salary of around £8million ($10m) a year after joining Red Bull in 2005.
      With that in mind, he has collected a reported £440million fortune.
      Copy linkCopiedWhat has Christian Horner been accused of?
      Formula One was rocked on Monday by the news that the sport’s longest-standing team principal had been placed under investigation by Red Bull Austria.
      The company has allegedly compiled a “dossier of incriminating material” regarding inappropriate and controlling behaviour towards one female staffer, The Telegraph reports.
      Horner issued an immediate denial on Monday, stating: “I reject these claims entirely.”
      Copy linkCopiedGeri Halliwell supporting husband with ‘every fibre of her being’
      Geri Halliwell is standing by her husband Christian Horner, a source has said.
      The source revealed: “She is committed to him with every fibre of her being.”
      However, the scandal engulfing her husband has blown a “Grand Canyon-sized crack” right in the middle of her “super-perfect, super-posh life,” they claimed.
      Another source close the singer told The Sun on Monday: “Geri has been in floods of tears all weekend while looking after her kids.
      “She is insisting Christian has done nothing wrong.”
      Copy linkCopiedGeri Halliwell ‘too upset to talk’ amid Christian Horner allegations
      A friend revealed that Geri Halliwell is “not talking to anyone at the moment,” following the emergence of allegations against husband Christian Horner.
      They told the Daily Mail: “Geri seems to be simply too upset to engage with anyone. Just lots of tears.
      “She will stand by him and be at his side just as much as she always has been. She never misses a race and that will not change.”
      Copy linkCopiedRed Bull hopes for resolution before season begins
      Red Bull is said to want the issue sorted out before the first race meeting of the new F1 season, which starts in Bahrain at the end of the month.
      Neither Horner nor his accuser have been suspended and continue to work among 1,600 employees at the Austrian team’s HQ.
      Horner was seen on Thursday leaving his Highgate home for the first time since news broke of the bombshell allegations.
      Copy linkCopiedHearing location moved amid high media interest
      The hearing was initially meant to be held at the Red Bull team headquarters in Milton Keynes, Bucks, but the high media interest forced officials to move it to a different location, the Times reports.
      Horner is said to be preparing to fight to save his future at Red Bull after he vowed to pals to “clear his name.”
      An independent lawyer who has been appointed to examine the allegations is set to quiz him at the meeting today.
      Copy linkCopiedWho is Red Bull’s chief executive?
      Since the death of co-founder Dietrich Mateschitz in 2022 there have been rumours of internal issues within Red Bull.
      After the billionaire’s death, Red Bull drafted a new board of directors to oversee the business.
      Former RB Leipzig CEO Oliver Mintzlaff was appointed chief executive.
      Despite Red Bull enjoying its most successful season in F1 history in 2023, there was speculation of a rift between Horner and Helmut Marko – Red Bull GmBH’s motorsport advisor.
      Copy linkCopiedWhat has Christian Horner said about the claims?
      Horner issued an immediate denial on Monday, stating: “I reject these claims entirely.”
      His defenders have claimed the accusations are part of a plot to oust him within the team amid an internal power struggle.
      Copy linkCopiedGeri will standby her husband
      Horner’s Spice Girl wife Geri Halliwell, 51, is said to be devastated by the bombshell allegations – but will firmly stand by her husband, who she married in 2015.
      A source said: “[She is] not talking to anyone at the moment. Geri seems to be simply too upset to engage with anyone. Just lots of tears.
      “She will stand by him and be at his side just as much as she always has been. She never misses a race and that will not change.”
      Copy linkCopiedExternal lawyer hired to probe claims
      The world of Formula One was left in shock on Monday after it emerged that Horner had been placed under investigation by Red Bull Austria.
      The parent company said that after being informed of “certain recent allegations” it had hired an “external, specialist lawyer” to probe the claims.
      It has allegedly compiled a “dossier of incriminating material” regarding “inappropriate and controlling behaviour” towards one female staffer.
      Copy linkCopiedRed Bull want the issue resolved before first race meeting
      Red Bull is said to want the issue sorted out before the first race meeting of the new F1 season, which starts in Bahrain at the end of the month.
      Neither Horner nor his accuser have been suspended and continue to work among 1,600 employees at the Austrian team’s HQ.
      Copy linkCopiedChristian Horner pictured ahead of talks
      Christian Horner was pictured ahead of his hearing today over allegations of “inappropriate behaviour” towards a female member of staff.
      The meeting – which will determine whether the F1 chief, 50, will keep his job as the team’s head – was moved last-minute to a secret location.

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