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      Charles Leclerc left ‘shocked and disappointed’ by Lewis Hamilton joining Ferrari and F1 star ‘blindsided’ by decision

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      CHARLES LECLERC has been left “shocked and disappointed” by Ferrari’s move to sign Lewis Hamilton, according to reports. Last week it was announced that seven-time Formula One champion Hamilton would be leaving Mercedes for Ferrari in 2025.
      Charles Leclerc is said to have been left ‘shocked and disappointed’ by Ferrari signing Lewis HamiltonCredit: AFP
      Leclerc is also said to have had no idea about the move before signing a new Ferrari dealCredit: 2019 Getty Images
      The Hamilton news came one week after Ferrari signed Leclerc down to a new multi-year contract.
      However, according to a sensational report from Italian outlet Corriere dello Sport, Leclerc and his entourage were unhappy about the move.
      The report claims the Monegasque has been left “shocked and disappointed” and had no idea the move was in the works.
      He is said to have kept quiet about his feelings until now to not “reveal a weakness”.
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      This feeling is said to come from the 26-year-old feeling under threat in his position as Ferrari’s No1 driver.
      Since joining the team in 2018, Leclerc has established his position against Sebastian Vettel and Carlos Sainz.
      The claims contradict earlier reports in Italian media which suggested Leclerc was welcoming of Hamilton joining Ferrari.
      Counter reports in Spain say he was in fact aware of the move, with F1 journalist Sergio Rodríguez saying Leclerc was informed of the arrival before renewing his contract.
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      Hamilton broke a number of records while at Mercedes
      Despite talk of their future rivalry, Piero Ferrari – the son of Ferrari founder Enzo and a board member – has said: “Charles is the champion of the future, Ferrari believes in him and has proved it, I think.
      “Hamilton is Hamilton. I don’t see why they should fight.”
      Did Charles Leclerc drop secret hint about Lewis Hamilton joining Ferrari from Mercedes in awkward interview LAST YEAR?
      In June, Leclerc fuelled rumours that Hamilton was set to move to Ferrari when he was asked what he looked for in a team-mate while in a press conference alongside the Brit, responding by looking at the 39-year-old and saying “Hello Lewis”.
      The Hamilton announcement helped see Ferrari’s market value increase by £3billion.
      Hamilton will become the 12th British driver to race for the Prancing Horse as he looks to become the teams first British champion for 60 years.
      With only eight drivers nailed down to contracts in 2025, there could be widespread change on the grid in 12 months time.

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

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      F1 team ‘planning to race under TWO names to avoid huge fine’ in history-making decision

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      THE new Stake F1 team could use TWO names to escape a huge fine.The Sauber outfit’s sponsorship from crypto casino operator Stake has created a dilemma with Swiss authorities.
      The Stake F1 Team face another saga after unveiling their new carCredit: AP
      Stake’s C44 was loved by some fans but rated ‘awful’ by othersCredit: AP
      And PlanetF1 suggest the team has come up with an innovative solution ahead of the 2024 season, starting in Bahrain on March 2.
      The official name of Stake F1 Team Kick Sauber will be cut to the more relaxed “Stake F1 Team” for most venues.
      But where gambling advertising is banned, an even more colloquial name will be used – the Kick F1 Team.
      It’s a far more serious matter than the lively debate on social media earlier this week over the dramatic look of Sauber’s new car for this year.
      READ MORE TOP STORIES
      The C44’s brash, lime design was compared to a cross between a Ninja Turtle and The Transformers.
      Now the sponsorship saga is proving a headache for the team, which was backed by Alfa Romeo in the past and will be rebranded as Audi from 2026.
      Sauber’s home country Switzerland is one of the nations with strict controls over gambling ads.
      Such sponsorship is only allowed if the company has a licence – which Stake does not.
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      Other problems include the fact Stake does not advertise to its country’s consumers and is not even accessible there.
      It’s understood breaching the rules can mean a fine of 500.000 Swiss francs – about £460k.
      Swiss publication SRF quote Zurich-based Patrick Krauskopf, Head of the Centre for Competition and Commercial Law as saying: “Sponsorship would be permitted.
      DJ reveals amazing track using sounds from electric motorsport
      “In this case, however, the Stake and Sauber brands are so closely linked and the term Stake is so strongly imprinted in the minds of viewers that we have probably crossed the red line into unauthorised advertising.”
      It means the Swiss Federal Gaming Board is probing Sauber’s general agreement with Stake – but PlanetF1.com believes this is just a routine check. More

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      Christian Horner vows to pals he’ll ‘clear his name’ in probe ahead of D-Day Red Bull talks with Geri ‘standing by him’

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      RED Bull chief Christian Horner has privately vowed to “clear his name” ahead of a D-Day grilling over claims of “inappropriate and controlling behaviour”.Horner, 50, will fight to save his career at a hearing at team headquarters on Friday following the allegations made by a female colleague.
      Christian Horner is facing a formal investigation over his conduct towards a female stafferCredit: Getty
      His wife Geri Halliwell is standing firm by his side through the scandalCredit: AFP
      Sources say the Ginger Spice star is refusing to speak to ‘anyone’ after news broke of the allegationsCredit: Getty
      A pal close to the F1 boss and his Spice Girl wife Geri Halliwell, 51, revealed that Horner believes he will be cleared of wrongdoing.
      “Christian is speaking privately and says that he will clear his name and come through this,” the source told the Daily Mail.
      Halliwell is said to be devastated by the bombshell allegations – but will firmly stand by Horner, who she married in 2015.
      Another 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.
      read more on christian horner
      “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.”
      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 parent company has allegedly compiled a “dossier of incriminating material” regarding inappropriate and controlling behaviour towards one female staffer, The Telegraph reported.
      Horner issued an immediate denial on Monday, stating: “I reject these claims entirely.”
      Most read in Motorsport
      It is understood that the Red Bull principal will be quizzed by an independent lawyer appointed to examine the unnamed woman’s claims at the crunch meeting on Friday.
      Sources say the investigation is set to centre on the employee’s concerns about Horner’s strict work regime and does not relate to any sexual impropriety.

      An F1 source told The Sun: “Christian had concerns about her conduct and made it clear he was unhappy.
      “She went on to make a complaint about his ‘controlling’ behaviour, which detonated this crisis for the team.”
      Another source said: “It’s an awkward situation but it’s unavoidable until the air is cleared and this matter is resolved.”
      Mum-of-two Halliwell reportedly turned her phone off on Monday due to streams of cruel messages online, with fans demanding she leave her husband.
      The glamorous couple got married in Bedfordshire in 2015 and have one child together, Montague, aged seven.
      The racing boss is also stepdad to Halliwell’s daughter Bluebell Madonna, 17, and has another daughter, Olivia, 10, from a previous relationship with ex-partner Beverley Allen.
      Another source told The Mail: “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.
      It followed reports that Geri had been in “floods of tears” last weekend as she looked after her kids.
      A source close to the singer told The Sun: “She is insisting Christian has done nothing wrong.”
      Horner – who is on an estimated salary of £8million at Red Bull – has been preparing for the start of the 2024 season with his all-conquering team led by world champion Max Verstappen.
      Red Bull is said to want the issue sorted out before the first race kicks off in Bahrain on March 2.
      Since Horner took over as team principal in 2005, Red Bull has won seven F1 world drivers’ championships and six world constructors’ titles.
      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

      His defenders have reportedly 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 in a new board of directors to oversee the business.
      Former RB Leipzig CEO Oliver Mintzlaff was appointed chief executive.
      Despite Red Bull enjoying its most successful season in F1 history in 2023, there was speculation of a rift between Horner and Helmut Marko – Red Bull GmBH’s motorsport advisor.
      Rumours even went as far as to suggest Horner was determined to get rid of Marko, 80, from the team, reports the Telegraph.
      Red Bull Austria said on Monday: “After being made aware of certain recent allegations, the company launched an independent investigation.
      READ MORE SUN STORIES
      “This process, which is already under way, is being carried out by an external specialist barrister.
      “The company takes these matters extremely seriously and the investigation will be completed as soon as practically possible. It would not be appropriate to comment further at this time.”
      Red Bull’s golden boy Max Verstappen poses with Horner after winning the Qatar Grand Prix at the end of last season
      Red Bull co-founder Dietrich Mateschitz’s death in October, 2022 allegedly sparked a power struggle at Red BullCCredit: AFP
      The Spice Girl is said to be committed to Horner with ‘every fibre of her being’Credit: Getty
      The star-studded pair married in 2015 and share one daughterCredit: Splash News More

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      Geri Horner facing ‘ultimate Catch-22’ over husband Christian after piling their £440m fortune into Downton dream

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      GERI Horner’s seemingly perfect life as a horsey country mum could come crashing down if her F1 boss husband Christian is found to have acted “inappropriately” towards a female colleague.And a public relations guru has warned the former Spice Girl to think carefully before adopting the approach of former bandmate Victoria Beckham by putting on a show of marital unity.
      Geri and Christian have built a country life – and 14 stables – togetherCredit: Geri Horner/Instagram
      Geri in her Union Jack-wearing Spice Girl daysCredit: Getty
      The once cheeky Geri, who grew up on a council estate in Watford, famously wore a revealing Union Jack dress at the Brit Awards and patted King Charles’s bum at a Royal Variety performance in 1997.
      But these days the 51-year-old has transformed her image, bedding down with the Cotswold set, wearing only white and reportedly hoping that the monarch will reward her with a CBE for her work promoting literacy.
      An honour might be under threat if the allegations against Red Bull Racing boss Christian, who has been accused of “controlling behaviour” with a female work colleague, prove to be founded.
      Sources say the investigation is set to centre on the employee’s concerns about Horner’s strict work regime and does not relate to any sexual impropriety.
      Read More Features
      The Spice Girl is said to be “too upset” to talk to “anyone” as her husband, 50, gears up for a D-Day grilling over the claims on Friday.
      But the Daily Mail reports that she will follow in the footsteps of bandmate Victoria, who publicly stood by husband David during allegations of an affair in 2004.
      A source told the paper: “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, Geri, who now uses the surname Halliwell-Horner, should be cautious about following Posh Spice’s lead, says PR boss Jack Izzard, CEO of Rhizome Media.
      Most read in Motorsport
      He tells The Sun: “If they’re confident that the allegations are baseless and that the independent investigation will vindicate Mr Horner, they could put on a public show of marital unity like Geri’s fellow Spice Girl Victoria Beckham did when it emerged her husband David had been having an affair.
      “But this is risky. Allegations of inappropriate behaviour by a man in a position of power can sometimes have a toxic tinge far beyond that of an extra-marital affair.”
      Tricky position
      Geri and Christian married at Woburn Abbey in 2015Credit: Splash News
      The couple often attend glamorous red carpet eventsCredit: Instagram @therealgerihalliwell
      Geri has become a good friend of King CharlesCredit: AFP
      In an ultimate PR Catch-22, hiding from the crisis might not be a good idea, either.
      Geri, who married Christian in 2015 after a whirlwind romance, is devoted to her husband – so much so that the password for the Wi-Fi at their home was once reportedly “Wonderful Husband.”
      Christian Horner’s wife Spice Girl Geri bakes super Swiss roll cake in lavish country home
      They have one son together, seven-year-old Monty, and she has previously insisted they will never get divorced.
      By not supporting Christian, she could give the impression that all is not well in the Halliwell-Horner household.
      Jack cautions: “Equally, going into lockdown could be interpreted as a sign of a fracture in the couple’s relationship and fuel speculation that there’s no smoke without fire.”   
      Of course, that would be unfair on Geri, for whom the news of an investigation into Christian’s workplace behaviour is said to have come out of the blue.
      Christian vehemently denies any wrongdoing and will be defending himself at the internal hearing on Friday, which is said to be at Red Bull’s headquarters in Milton Keynes.
      Geri’s husband has been the head of Red Bull’s Formula One race team since it launched in 2005.
      He has brought remarkable success, including seven championship crowns for its drivers and six constructors titles.
      But earlier this week the Austrian firm revealed it was investigating allegations of “inappropriate behaviour” by Christian.
      It issued a statement, saying: “After being made aware of certain recent allegations, the company launched an independent investigation. The company takes these matters extremely seriously.”
      Going into lockdown could be interpreted as a sign of a fractureJack Izzard
      Up until now, the main complaint against Christian has been from his F1 rivals, which appeared to be sour grapes over his success.
      He is a workaholic who never misses a race and admits to being driven by a need to win.
      Jack comments: “There’s a brutal irony here. The reputation of a woman whose figure-hugging Union Jack dress once made her the avatar of both Girl Power and Cool Britannia now hangs in the balance, not because of something she has done, but because of the allegations swirling around her husband.”
      Downton dream
      Prince William shared a friendly embrace with Geri at a homeless charity eventCredit: Getty
      Christian and Geri hobnob with Prince Harry in 2014Credit: Getty
      Geri and Christian’s romance was in some ways to the manor born.
      Their second-ever meeting was at Highclere Castle in Hampshire, which is the setting for the beloved upstairs downstairs TV drama Downton Abbey.
      They met at a clay pigeon shoot and realised they had a passion for country pursuits.
      Since becoming Mrs Halliwell-Horner, Geri certainly seems to have moved closer to a circle more familiar to her privately-educated husband.
      Geri, whose mum was a cleaner, these days counts Baroness Bamford, who lives nearby on a 1500-acre estate in the Cotswolds, among her pals – along with top members of the Royal Family.
      In November 2022 the Queen Consort Camilla gave Geri a warm hug at a reception at Buckingham Palace in London.
      She was also embraced by Prince William when she appeared with him at an event for his homeless charity Homewards.
      And shortly after the King’s coronation last year, Geri gave Charles a peck on the cheek at a Prince’s Trust event.
      Everything is all white
      Geri’s animal farm includes a donkeyCredit: Instagram/TheRealGeriHalliwel
      Geri loves country life – including picking fresh raspberriesCredit: Instagram @therealgerihalliwell
      The one constant at all these events has been the colour of Geri’s dress. Even when she is out riding her horses at the couple’s Oxfordshire estate, white is preferred.
      She explained her stylistic passion to The Sun, saying: “Everything becomes really simple. It’s like wearing a school uniform as an adult.
      “It matches with everything and I literally don’t have to think in the mornings. It kind of looks like you’ve made an effort when you haven’t.”
      And if you were to look at the singer-turned-children author’s Instagram page, you would think her life was perfect bliss.
      A week ago she was celebrating her horse Look at Mee’s first race; five weeks back Christian was awarded a CBE and before Christmas she held a star-studded 50th birthday party for her husband.
      The guests included Rolling Stone Ronnie Wood, Rod Stewart and Gary Barlow.
      When it was Geri’s own 50th in 2022, David Walliams, Holly Willoughby, Rylan, Chris Evans, Myleene Klass and Poppy Delevingne joined in the celebrations.
      It kind of looks like you’ve made an effort when you haven’tGeri on always wearing white
      With the couple worth a reported £440million they can certainly afford to splash out on extravagant parties.
      They recently built 14 stables for their horses, which will take part in races. Their home in Banbury has donkeys, goats, ducks and she recently graced the cover of upmarket Country & Town House magazine.
      Geri’s daughter Bluebell, 17, and Christian’s daughter Olivia, ten – both from previous relationships – also share the plush mansion.
      She loves to bake with the kids and cook for her husband, when he’s not away at Grand Prix races.
      On Friday Christian will be the centre of attention for all the wrong reasons.
      If he comes out with his good reputation in-tact, there will be no reason why Geri’s high life among the upper classes can’t go on.
      READ MORE SUN STORIES
      But if not, the glamorous invitations for the power couple are sure to dry up.
      Jack concludes: “Ultimately the findings of the investigation will determine whether this is just engine trouble or a high-speed crash for F1’s golden couple.”
      The Queen Consort Camilla hugging GeriCredit: Getty
      Geri singing to husband Christian with showbiz palsCredit: Instagram More

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      What the F1 grid could look like in 2025 – with Lewis Hamilton joining Ferrari and Max Verstappen set for new team-mate

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      THE FORMULA ONE grid could look very different in 2025 with a number of drivers potentially on the move.Racing fans are gearing up for another season of speed and excitement.
      Lewis Hamilton will lead the way for a new-look 2025 in F1 by joining FerrariCredit: AP
      Carlos Sainz will be on the hunt for a new side after being replaced by the BritCredit: Getty
      Max Verstappen is set for a new partner with Sergio Perez likely to leave Red BullCredit: EPA
      Alex Albon has been tipped to leave Williams and link up with F1 champ VerstappenCredit: AP
      But the opener in Bahrain on March 2 has already been overshadowed by a major development.
      That’s because Lewis Hamilton will leave Mercedes at the end of the year for rivals Ferrari.
      The shock switch is certainly going to have a knock-on effect, as it means there will be a seat free at Mercedes.
      Hamilton’s move to Ferrari is also set to spell the end of Carlos Sainz’s time with the Italians.
      READ MORE ON F1
      His contract is up at the end of the campaign, while teammate Charles Leclerc’s runs into 2025.
      Meanwhile, Alex Albon looks destined for a big move.
      He has been linked with replacing Hamilton at Mercedes.
      But Albon has also been tipped to join champion Max Verstappen at Red Bull.
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      🏁 Complete F1 2024 race calendar – details on every Grand Prix and start time this year 🏁 
      That would put Sergio Perez back on the market, while there are numerous other drivers out of contract later this year.
      Fernando Alonso, Pierre Gasly, Esteban Ocon, Valtteri Bottas, Zhou Guanyu, Kevin Magnussen, Nico Hulkenberg, Daniel Ricciardo, Yuki Tsunoda and Logan Sargeant face uncertain futures in F1 next year.
      Inside Lewis Hamilton’s £13m collection of supercars including £4m classic and £1.6m ride made entirely for him

      But all eyes will be on Hamilton when he lines up for Mercedes in his final campaign with the Germans.
      After signing his Ferrari deal, the seven-time champion said: “I have had an amazing 11 years with this team and I’m so proud of what we have achieved together.
      “Mercedes has been part of my life since I was 13 years old.
      “It’s a place where I have grown up, so making the decision to leave was one of the hardest decisions I have ever had to make.
      “But the time is right for me to take this step and I’m excited to be taking on a new challenge.
      “I will be forever grateful for the incredible support of my Mercedes family, especially Toto for his friendship and leadership and I want to finish on a high together.
      “I am 100 per cent committed to delivering the best performance I can this season and making my last year with the Silver Arrows, one to remember.”
      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. More

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      Geri Halliwell ‘too upset to talk to ANYONE’ as hubby Christian Horner faces grilling over ‘dossier’ on ‘behaviour’

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      GERI Halliwell is reportedly “too upset” to talk to “anyone” as her husband Christian Horner gears up for a D-Day grilling over claims of “inappropriate behaviour” at Red Bull.The Spice Girl, 51, is said to be devastated by the allegations made by a female staffer – but will stand firmly by Horner, 50.
      Geri Halliwell-Horner allegedly turned her phone off after news broke of the investigation into her husband, sources sayCredit: Getty
      F1’s golden couple married in 2015 and have a daughter togetherCredit: Getty
      The Spice Girl is said to be committed to Horner ‘will every fibre of her being’Credit: AFP
      A friend revealed that Halliwell is “not talking to anyone at the moment.”
      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.”
      The mum-of-two reportedly turned her phone off on Monday due to streams of cruel messages online, with fans demanding she leave her husband.
      read more on horner
      The glamorous Oxfordshire-based couple married in 2015 and have one child together, Montague, aged seven.
      The racing boss is also stepdad to Halliwell’s daughter Bluebell Madonna, 17, and has another daughter, Olivia, 10, from a previous relationship with ex-partner Beverley Allen.
      A second 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.
      Most read in Motorsport
      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.”
      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.
      Red Bull Racing boss Christian Horner investigated by F1 team over ‘serious allegations’ of ‘inappropriate behaviour’
      Horner issued an immediate denial on Monday, stating: “I reject these claims entirely.”
      It is understood that Horner will now be quizzed by an independent lawyer appointed to examine the unnamed woman’s claims at a hearing on Friday.
      Sources say the investigation is set to centre on the employee’s concerns about Horner’s strict work regime and does not relate to any sexual impropriety.
      An F1 source told The Sun: “Christian had concerns about her conduct and made it clear he was unhappy.
      “She went on to make a complaint about his ‘controlling’ behaviour, which detonated this crisis for the team.”
      Another source said: “It’s an awkward situation but it’s unavoidable until the air is cleared and this matter is resolved.”
      How Christian Horner’s whirlwind Geri romance ’caused family row’ after shock splitF1 principal Christian Horner is no stranger to a personal crisis – having fallen out with his parents badly after leaving the mother of his first child and marrying Spice Girl Geri Halliwell.
      Horner’s parents didn’t attend the 2015 wedding, reportedly because they were upset about the end of his 14-year relationship with ex-partner Beverley Allen.
      While the family seems to have patched things up now, Horner has also experienced turmoil in his professional life.
      The hard-working team boss has previously fallen out with rival F1 bosses and is apparently wrapped up in an ongoing feud with Mercedes racing chief Toto Wolff.
      It stems from accusations that Red Bull broke budget rules and benefited from rule bending when their driver Max Verstappen beat Lewis Hamilton to the F1 championship in 2021.
      And there are now rumours of a power struggle within Red Bull, a battle that could be Christian’s toughest yet

      Horner – who is on an estimated salary of £8million – has been preparing for the start of the 2024 season with his all-conquering team of world champion Max Verstappen.
      Red Bull is said to want the issue sorted out before the first race kicks off in Bahrain on March 2.
      Since Horner took over as team principal in 2005, Red Bull has won seven F1 world drivers’ championships and six world constructors’ titles.
      His defenders reportedly 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 in a new board of directors to oversee the business.
      Former RB Leipzig CEO Oliver Mintzlaff was appointed chief executive.
      Despite Red Bull enjoying its most successful season in F1 history in 2023, there was speculation of a rift between Horner and Helmut Marko – Red Bull GmBH’s motorsport advisor.
      Rumours even went as far as to suggest Horner was determined to get rid of Marko, 80, from the team, reports the Telegraph.
      READ MORE SUN STORIES
      Red Bull Austria said on Monday: “After being made aware of certain recent allegations, the company launched an independent investigation. This process, which is already under way, is being carried out by an external specialist barrister.
      “The company takes these matters extremely seriously and the investigation will be completed as soon as practically possible. It would not be appropriate to comment further at this time.”
      Red Bull’s golden boy Max Verstappen poses with Horner after winning the Qatar Grand Prix at the end of last season
      Red Bull co-founder Dietrich Mateschitz’s death in October, 2022 allegedly sparked a power struggle at Red BullCredit: AP
      The star-studded pair live on a multi-million pound estate in Oxfordshire More

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      F1 boss Christian Horner faces D-Day grilling by lawyer amid claims of ‘vicious power struggle’

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      SPICE Girl Geri Halliwell’s F1 boss husband will face a D-Day grilling on Friday amid claims of a vicious power struggle.Red Bull Racing chief Christian Horner is due to be probed by a lawyer over shock allegations of “inappropriate behaviour”.
      Red Bull boss Christian Horner is due to be probed by a lawyer over shock allegationsCredit: Getty
      Wife Geri, 51, is standing by Horner, 50, who denies the allegationsCredit: Getty
      Horner with Red Bull’s three-time F1 world champ Max VerstappenCredit: Getty
      Sources say the investigation is set to centre on a female employee’s concerns about Horner’s strict work regime and does not relate to any sexual impropriety.
      An F1 source told The Sun: “Christian had concerns about her conduct and made it clear he was unhappy.
      “She went on to make a complaint about his ‘controlling’ behaviour, which detonated this crisis for the team.”
      One F1 source claimed a deliberate attempt was being made to destabilise Horner. Rumours of a power struggle have dogged Red Bull Racing since the death of his ally and billionaire co-founder Dietrich Mateschitz in 2022.
      READ MORE ON CHRISTIAN HORNER
      Last year, Horner played down rumours of a rift with adviser Helmut Marko, 80, as a “small difference of opinion”.
      Wife Geri, 51, is standing by Horner, 50, who denies the allegations.
      An independent lawyer appointed to examine the woman’s claims will quiz him at a UK meeting on Friday.
      Neither Horner nor his accuser have been suspended and continue to work among 1,600 employees at the Austrian team’s HQ in Milton Keynes, Bucks.
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      Another source said: “It’s an awkward situation but it’s unavoidable until the air is cleared and this matter is resolved.”
      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.
      Since Horner took over as team principal in 2005, Red Bull has won seven F1 world drivers’ championships and six world constructors’ titles. Top driver Max Verstappen is current world champion.
      Red Bull Racing referred all inquiries to its Austrian HQ yesterday. A spokesman said: “It would not be appropriate to comment further at this time.”
      When asked about allegations made against Horner, his rival team boss at Williams, James Vowles, said: “I think it means we all have to look each other in the mirror and make sure we are posing the right questions internally and acting in a way that we can only be proud of, not today but in the next ten years.”
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      Shock ‘contract clause could see Red Bull lose ANOTHER key man’ if Christian Horner is sacked by F1 team

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      RED BULL RACING could potentially lose another key man if Christian Horner departs due to a contract clause, claims a shock report.Motorsports was rocked on Monday when an investigation was launched into team boss Horner over allegations of “inappropriate behaviour”.
      Red Bull Racing chief Christian Horner has denied the shock allegations against himCredit: PA
      Adrian Newey, the chief technical officer of Red Bull, could also potentially depart, reports claimCredit: Getty
      The Formula One team are looking into claims made against the 50-year-old by an employee of the company.
      Horner, the husband of Spice Girl Geri Halliwell, has “completely” denied the claims made against him.
      Sources say the allegation concerns Horner’s strict work regime rather than sexual impropriety.
      But Red Bull, who boast the current world champion Max Verstappen as their star man, said it “takes these matters extremely seriously” as an independent investigation was launched.
      READ MORE ON CHRISTIAN HORNER
      Horner, who earns an estimated salary of £8million at Red Bull, and the team have been preparing for the 2024 season.
      But the team’s plans could have been thrown into turmoil following these explosive allegations.
      And F1 journalist Joe Saward has now taken to X, formerly known as Twitter, to claim that things could get even worse.
      He speculated over the future of Red Bull’s chief technical officer Adrian Newey amid the Horner controversy.
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      He wrote: “It has long been believed that Christian Horner and Adrian Newey have contracts that protect one another.
      “If one leaves the other can as well.
      “This has never been confirmed – but it makes for an interesting dynamic if something was to happen to Horner…”
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      The 65-year-old Newey has been with the team since 2006.
      The first race of the upcoming campaign is in Bahrain on March 2.
      Horner has been leading the Milton Keynes-based Red Bull since their arrival on the grid in 2005 and has overseen a huge period of success.
      Red Bull has won seven drivers’ championships and six constructors’ championships under him and they won 21 of the 22 races as Verstappen claimed the drivers’ title last season.
      Away from the track, Horner married Geri, 51, in 2015 and they have one child together, Montague, seven.
      Horner is also stepdad to Geri’s daughter Bluebell Madonna, 17, and has another daughter, Olivia, 10, from a previous relationship with ex-partner Beverley Allen.
      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, 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

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