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      F1 legend Rubens Barichello distraught as beloved dog Speedy dies after ‘stomach torn apart’ by cigarette butts

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      FORMULA ONE legend Rubens Barichello has been left distraught after his dog Speedy passed away.The Cavalier King Charles Spaniel fell ill after consuming cigarette butts dropped by other dog owners.
      Barrichello expressed his sadness after dog Speedy diedCredit: Newsflash
      The Cavalier King Charles Spaniel fell ill after consuming cigarette buttsCredit: Newsflash
      Barrichello paid tribute to SpeedyCredit: Newsflash
      Barrichello, 51, noticed Speedy would hang around other dogs when he took him to designated dog loos during walks.
      The former Ferrari star believes that is where his dog consumed the cigarette butts, which ended up damaging Speedy’s stomach.
      Barrichello paid tribute to his pet following his death, saying: “My Speedy… You went too soon, my friend.
      “I can only thank you for the joy that was our journey together. I love you forever.”
      READ MORE IN SPORT
      The two-time world champion explained how Speedy developed a disease that prevented his body developing a crucial protein, resulting in his death.
      He added: “One day my son went to check and saw that there were a lot of cigarette butts.
      “Speedy’s stomach was torn apart and he developed a disease which kept his body from developing a crucial protein.
      “He could no longer eat. He had bloody diarrhoea and went downhill.
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      “Eleven cigarette butts were removed from his guts.”
      Fellow former F1 driver Felipe Massa reached out, saying: “My condolences. He was so nice. I can only imagine what you’re going through.”
      I was banned from visiting Michael Schumacher – his family told me I would be sad if I saw him, says F1 rival
      Barrichello also sent a warning to fellow dog owners to be more aware about discarding cigarette butts.
      Barrichello concluded: “We take the dog’s poop with a bag and throw it in the bin, so it would be polite if people who smoke had this attitude too.
      “I’m passionate about dogs. I don’t talk bad about anyone.
      “It’s very sad. It is a shame. We really miss Speedy.” More

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      Full Christian Horner ‘inappropriate behaviour’ report may be kept SECRET by Red Bull…as F1 boss ‘learns fate in hours’

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      THE full report of the “inappropriate behaviour” probe into Christian Horner may be kept secret by Red Bull.The F1 boss is expected to find out within the next 48 hours whether he will remain as boss of Red Bull Racing.
      Christian Horner is expected to find out whether he will remain as boss of Red Bull RacingCredit: Getty
      Horner chats with a team member during the pre-season testing in BahrainCredit: Getty
      The 50-year-old has been the subject of an internal investigation following a complaint from a female colleague of alleged inappropriate behaviour.
      Following the three-week probe, the decision is expected to be made before the season-opening GP, which kicks off Wednesday, F1 insiders believe.
      It is understood that the investigation, which was carried out by a specialist barrister and included an interview with Horner on February 9, has now concluded.
      However, it remains unknown if the full report will be published, given it was an internal investigation, rather than a legal hearing.
      READ MORE ON HORNER
      Horner has repeatedly denied the accusations and fully-complied with the investigation, which is being handled by the energy drink’s HQ in Austria.
      Horner and his Red Bull Racing team have provided no time scale for the announcement.
      The message from within the team has been that it is “business as usual” within the Milton Keynes-based team while they wait for the investigation to be completed.
      Horner oversaw F1 testing last week in Bahrain and had previously said he expected to be in control come the race, which will be held this Saturday, also in Bahrain.
      Most read in Motorsport
      Horner joined Red Bull Racing in 2005 and is the sport’s longest-serving team principal.
      He has won 13 titles with the team, winning six constructors’ and seven drivers’ titles.
      Should he quit his role, Red Bull would be seeking a replacement to lead their defence of the two titles they won in 2023, with Max Verstappen winning his third world championship.
      But F1 insiders say the probe has already caused “loss of image” to the team.
      Ex-F1 team owner Eddie Jordan told F1-Insider.com: “I have experienced many wrong decisions.
      “But the Red Bull situation is the most absurd thing I’ve ever seen. Of course, there is initially the presumption of innocence for Horner.
      “But does anyone seriously believe that the employee made up her mind about the allegations?
      “If Horner is innocent, is she guilty? Red Bull’s loss of image is already huge. Someone has to pull the ripcord now.”
      Last week, Mercedes boss Toto Wolff said the investigation was “an issue for all of Formula One”, while McLaren’s called for a “swift ” and “transparent” conclusion to the investigation due to the negative headlines it was attracting.
      Everything you need to know about Christian Horner’s life and career

      1973 – Born in Leamington Spa, Warwickshire
      1991 – Wins a Formula Renault scholarship after impressing in karting races
      1993-1997 – Competed in a host of competitions including British Formula Three, British Formula Two, and Formula 3000
      1997 – Founded and developed the F3000 team Arden
      1999 – Retired from driving and continued developing the Arden team
      2005 – Appointed head of Red Bull team, becoming the youngest ever team principal at that time
      2009 – Wins his first races as team principal with Sebastian Vettel and Mark Webber
      2010 – Wins the Constructors’ Championship and Drivers’ Championship with Vettel – the first of four doubles in a row
      2013 – Has a daughter with ex-wife Beverly Allen shortly before the couple split
      2014 – Gets engaged to Spice Girls member Geri Halliwell
      2015 – Marries Halliwell in Woburn, Bedfordshire
      2017 – Horner and Halliwell welcome their son
      2021 – Wins another Drivers’ Championship with Max Verstappen, pipping Lewis Hamilton on the final lap of the season
      2022-23 – Red Bull win the Drivers’ Championship and Constructors’ Championship two years in a row

      Horner is married to former Spice Girl Geri Halliwell, who is said to be devastated by the investigationCredit: Getty More

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      F1 star embarrassed as he’s LOCKED OUT of team headquarters and told ‘use the side door’ on Netflix’s Drive to Survive

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      OSCAR PIASTRI was left red-faced when he was denied entry to McLaren headquarters on his first day with his new team.Piastri was drafted in as the replacement for his fellow Aussie Daniel Ricciardo for the 2023 season.
      Oscar Piastri replaced Daniel Ricciardo at McLaren ahead of the 2023 F1 seasonCredit: GETTY
      The 23-year-old was locked out of McLaren headquarters after turning up late for his first dayCredit: NETFLIX
      The 23-year-old was champing at the bit to get started for his new team, although his arrival at their headquarters didn’t go as he would have envisaged.
      Piastri was left standing outside McLaren’s Woking base as he arrived for their car launch.
      He put his hands on the window in an attempt to get the attention of staff but was told to use a side door to gain access.
      The bizarre scene was captured in the latest series of Netflix’s hit show Drive To Survive, which F1 fans around the world are currently binge-watching.
      READ MORE IN F1
      Piastri turned up late for the car launch, which new team-mate Lando Norris was on time for.
      When discussing his new team-mate, Brit Norris said: “Oscar Piastri. Another Aussie.
      “He’s probably got one of the best CVs out of any young driver almost ever coming into Formula One.
      “I’m going to be the veteran. I’m the old guy, he’s the young guy.
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      Oscar Piastri finished ninth in the Drivers Championship in his debut Mclaren seasonCredit: REX
      “It’s the first time in my career that I’ve had that sort of pressure.”
      Piastri enjoyed a strong debut season for McLaren, finishing ninth in the Drivers’ Championship ahead of the likes of Valtteri Bottas, Pierre Gasly and Ricciardo.
      The Sun’s Ben Hunt reveals his five greatest Formula One Drivers Ever – with Michael Schumacher in between two Brits
      During the filming of Drive to Survive, he said: “To be an F1 driver, it’s a very exciting prospect.
      “I’m definitely pinching myself because it’s something I couldn’t have dreamed of even a couple of years ago.”
      The 2024 F1 season begins on Saturday, with defending champion Max Verstappen looking to kick off his defence of his title with victory in the Bahrain Grand Prix. More

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      Christian Horner probe ‘to end in HOURS’ with Red Bull Racing boss ‘to learn his fate’ at F1 team

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      CHRISTIAN HORNER is expected to find out within the next 48 hours whether he will remain as boss of Red Bull Racing.The 50-year-old is the subject of an internal investigation following a complaint from a female colleague of alleged inappropriate behaviour.
      Christian Horner is expected to find out whether he will remain as boss of Red Bull RacingCredit: Getty
      Horner chats with a team member during the pre-season testing in BahrainCredit: EPA
      Horner has repeatedly denied the accusations and fully-complied with the investigation, which is being handled by the energy drink’s HQ in Austria.
      Horner and his Red Bull Racing team have provided no time scale for the announcement.
      However, F1 insiders believe the decision could be made before the season-opening GP, which kicks off Wednesday.
      The message from within the team has been that it is “business as usual” within the Milton Keynes-based team while they wait for the investigation to be completed.
      Read more on motorsport
      Horner oversaw F1 testing last week in Bahrain and had previously said he expected to be in control come the race, which will be held this Saturday, also in Bahrain.
      It is understood that the investigation, which was carried out by a specialist barrister and included an interview with Horner on February 9, has now concluded.
      Horner joined Red Bull Racing in 2005 and is the sport’s longest-serving team principal.
      He has won 13 titles with the team, winning six constructors’ and seven drivers’ titles.
      Most read in Motorsport
      Should he quit his role, Red Bull would be seeking a replacement to lead their defence of the two titles they won in 2023, with Max Verstappen winning his third world championship.
      Last week, Mercedes boss Toto Wolff said the investigation was “an issue for all of Formula One”, while McLaren’s called for a “swift ” and “transparent” conclusion to the investigation due to the negative headlines it was attracting.
      However, it remains unknown if the full report will be published, given it was an internal investigation, rather than a legal hearing.
      Everything you need to know about Christian Horner’s life and career

      1973 – Born in Leamington Spa, Warwickshire
      1991 – Wins a Formula Renault scholarship after impressing in karting races
      1993-1997 – Competed in a host of competitions including British Formula Three, British Formula Two, and Formula 3000
      1997 – Founded and developed the F3000 team Arden
      1999 – Retired from driving and continued developing the Arden team
      2005 – Appointed head of Red Bull team, becoming the youngest ever team principal at that time
      2009 – Wins his first races as team principal with Sebastian Vettel and Mark Webber
      2010 – Wins the Constructors’ Championship and Drivers’ Championship with Vettel – the first of four doubles in a row
      2013 – Has a daughter with ex-wife Beverly Allen shortly before the couple split
      2014 – Gets engaged to Spice Girls member Geri Halliwell
      2015 – Marries Halliwell in Woburn, Bedfordshire
      2017 – Horner and Halliwell welcome their son
      2021 – Wins another Drivers’ Championship with Max Verstappen, pipping Lewis Hamilton on the final lap of the season
      2022-23 – Red Bull win the Drivers’ Championship and Constructors’ Championship two years in a row

      Horner is married to former Spice Girl Geri Halliwell, who is said to be devastated by the investigationCredit: PA More

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      Verstappen weighs in AGAIN on Christian Horner ‘sexting’ probe as pressure mounts on Red Bull 3 weeks after shock claims

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      F1 champion Max Verstappen has spoken out about Christian Horner’s “sexting” investigation amid mounting pressure on Red Bull to resolve the matter.A probe into allegations of controlling behaviour and sexting made by a female staffer against the Red Bull chief was launched three weeks ago.
      Max Verstappen has spoken out about Horner’s probeCredit: Getty
      The Red Bull chief is being investigated over “inappropriate behaviour” and “sexting” claimsCredit: Getty
      Horner has denied all the allegations and said he’s waiting for a conclusion ” as soon as possible”Credit: AP
      It is understood the outcome of the investigation could be revealed as soon as tomorrow, the day before the first press conferences for the 2024 Bahrain Grand Prix.
      Earlier today Ford CEO Jim Farley demanded a resolution to the investigation into Horner as he expressed his disapproval of “the unresolved allegations of inappropriate behaviour by Red Bull Racing leadership”.
      The Red Bull boss, 50, has vehemently denied all the allegations and declared he wanted a conclusion as “soon as possible” when he addressed the probe.
      While Horner and his supporting wife Geri are anxiously waiting to find out his fate, Verstappen said it will be “nice for everyone” at Red Bull when the investigation is resolved.
      READ MORE ON HORNER
      Speaking to media at the Milton Keynes launch, the Red Bull driver said: “I mean in terms of talking about that, it’s not that suddenly sat here, that I can speak about things.
      “So it’s better that I just focus on my own performance because that’s already the day job.
      “But I guess, of course, for everyone, it’s nice, of course, when things are resolved. But that’s the only thing that I can say about that.
      “Everyone who is here, they’re all focusing on the performance of the car, as they should.
      Most read in Motorsport
      “Everyone knows their role and everyone is very focused on trying to make the whole package faster.”
      Verstappen had previously defended Horner, stating that despite the scandal everything was “the same” between him and his team principal.
      He told reporters at the RB20 unveiling on February 15: “It’s the same as always, I can tell you that.
      “I don’t know who likes to write these things but to me, Christian is like always.”
      The world champion added that he was focused on other things.
      “From my side I am very focused on my own performance to get ready, to be fit, to be ready to drive the car.”
      It comes as Horner revealed that Daniel Ricciardo is the driver who has “first place in his heart” – instead of the three-times champion Dutchman.
      The Spice & Speed Empire: Christian and Geri Horner’s £50M Journey
      In the latest episode of Netflix’s Drive to Survive, Horner asked his daughter who her favourite driver was – to which she replied “all of them.”‘
      But when asked the same question, the 50-year-old surprised everyone with his answer “Daniel Ricciardo.”
      Meanwhile, ex-Red Bull driver Christian Klien told the Red Bull-owned broadcaster Servus TV: “Christian is an incredibly big part of the team and helped build it from the ground up, as we know.
      “But he’s also a cog in the machine, I would say.”
      Red Bull arrived in Bahrain last Tuesday evening for pre-season testing, with Horner still in his £8-million-a-year role.
      The bombshell claims that have rocked F1F1 was rocked earlier this month by the sudden news that the sport’s longest-standing team principal had been placed under investigation by Red Bull’s Austria-based parent company.
      This was thought to be over a “dossier of incriminating material” regarding “inappropriate and controlling behaviour” towards one female, The Telegraph reported.
      Red Bull’s Austrian parent company flew an independent lawyer to the UK to question the multi-millionaire race ace and his accuser.
      The former racing driver, who runs world champion Max Verstappen’s all-conquering Red Bull team, endured an eight-hour grilling over the claims last week.
      Most recently however, more allegations have come out as the De Telegraaf reported that Horner allegedly sent sex messages to his employee “over an extended period of time”.
      Messages were said to have been saved and presented as evidence to the external ­barrister running the inquiry after the woman made a complaint last December.
      Mr Horner categorically denied the new allegations and is thought to be taking legal action against De Telegraaf.
      An F1 source told The Sun last week that “Christian has not been sacked or asked to resign and he is not going to resign”.
      The investigation raises the question of who could take over the helm of the all-conquering racing team of world champion Max Verstappen.
      His wife Geri Halliwell is also said to be “terrified her life will unravel” amid Horner’s “inappropriate behaviour” probe.
      The ex-Spice Girl, who was “in floods of tears” when the Red Bull boss was hit with the bombshell allegations, fears the drama will drag on for years, a source has claimed. 
      But Geri, 51, is understood to be standing by her husband.
      She has told pals: “Christian has done nothing wrong.”
      Horner has overseen a huge period of success for the racing team – winning multiple F1 championships with Sebastian Vettel and Verstappen.
      Red Bull has won seven Formula One world drivers’ championships and six world ­constructors’ titles under Horner’s leadership.
      Last season, the team won 21 of the 22 races on the global F1 tour, and Verstappen, 26, won the drivers’ crown.
      Horner was awarded a CBE for services to motorsport in the 2024 New Year’s Honours List

      So far, it has been ‘”business as usual” in the pit lane – the team principal’s go-to phrase since news of the scandal broke.
      A final decision is expected before the opening Grand Prix race kicks off on March 2.
      Horner’s wife Geri Halliwell, 51, is understood to be standing firmly by her husband, who she married in 2015.
      She was allegedly reduced to tears when news of the scandal broke – but privately insisted he did nothing wrong.
      READ MORE SUN STORIES
      Last weekend, she was pictured smiling alongside her husband at a horse racing event in Badbury Rings, Dorset.
      But fresh reports say the Spice Girls star is “mortified and angry” over the probe.
      The Red Bull boss pictured with Sergio Perez at pre-season testing in BahrainCredit: Splash
      His wife Geri Halliwell is said to be standing by his sideCredit: PA More

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      Every F1 team ranked for pace after testing with season-opening Bahrain GP days away… and it’s bad news for Mercedes

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      LEWIS HAMILTON may be in for a tough season if the analysis of one Sky Sports F1 pundit turns out to be correct.Hamilton and co were taking part in pre-season testing in Bahrain before the first race of the season this Saturday, March 2.
      Ted Kravitz revealed his ranking for the F1 teams after testing in BahrainCredit: Rex
      Kravitz’s analysis was not good news for Lewis Hamilton and MercedesCredit: Rex

      Formula One pundit Ted Kravitz was keeping a close eye on the teams’ performances during the testing days.
      And he has now revealed where he thinks each team ranks in terms of pace.
      Kravitz told Sky Sports he reckons Haas will be at the back of the pack, with Sauber, Alpine, Williams and RB ahead of them going up to sixth place.
      Getting into the top five however, Kravitz kicked things off by saying Aston Martin would once again be behind the front four.
      READ MORE IN F1
      He then tipped McLaren to be fourth place, but also said they were a team with “plenty of potential” to grow.
      For his top three, Kravitz then named Mercedes.
      He explained: “Mercedes showed they do have some speed but much more to learn from a transition into a car that they don’t know, but there’s lots to learn on that.
      “I think Mercedes think they are behind Ferrari but not too far.”
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      Things went far from smoothly in testing for seven-time world champion Hamilton given his W15 ran over a loose drain cover and forced Thursday’s morning session to be abandoned.
      Testing for the Brackley based team came with the backdrop of Hamilton having announced he will be leaving the team at the end of the season and joining Ferrari.
      Inside Lewis Hamilton’s £13m collection of supercars including £4m classic and £1.6m ride made entirely for him
      Red Bull unsurprisingly then topped the tree ahead of Ferrari.
      Kravitz said: “Then Ferrari clearly ahead of that pack.
      “Given that Leclerc was on the C5, the softest of all them, but Sainz with the fastest lap of the test, in the 29s, that was only the C4. So clearly I think Ferrari are second.”
      He continued: “Which leaves in front, Red Bull – but by how much? Between eight tenths and three tenths to Ferrari, that’s what I think.
      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.

      “Tyre corrected, Max Verstappen would have been quickest because he set his time on the C3 tyre.
      “And if there’s seven tenths to the C5 which Leclerc was on, then that makes Max faster today by three or four tenths of a second. 
      “So I think it’s anything from a conservative three tenths to an absolutely whacking optimistic eight tenths, or even maybe more.”
      Max Verstappen and Red Bull were placed top of the tree by KravitzCredit: Getty

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

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      Pressure mounts on Red Bull as Ford CEO demands ‘resolution’ in Christian Horner ‘sexting’ probe after 21 days

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      FORD CEO Jim Farley has demanded a resolution to the investigation into Red Bull Racing chief Christian Horner.A probe into claims of controlling behaviour and sexting allegations made by a female staffer against the F1 boss has been going on for three weeks.
      The probe into Christian Horner was launched three weeks agoCredit: AP
      The Red Bull chief has been hit by “inappropriate behaviour and sexting claims”Credit: EPA
      Ford CEO Jim Farley has urged Red Bull to resolve the matterCredit: Reuters
      In a letter dated Friday, Ford Motor Co. CEO Farley expressed his disapproval of “the unresolved allegations of inappropriate behaviour by Red Bull Racing leadership”.
      He noted it had been 11 days since Ford, which is set to become Red Bull’s engine supplier in 2026 first requested further information into the investigation Red Bull’s parent company.
      Writing in the letter seen by AP, Farley said: “As we have indicated previously, without satisfactory response, Ford’s values are non-negotiable.
      “It is imperative that our racing partners share and demonstrate a genuine commitment to those same values.
      READ MORE ON HORNER
      “My team and I are available at any time to discuss this matter. We remain insistent on, and hopeful, for a resolution we can all stand behind.”
      So far, Ford is the only one of Red Bull’s corporate partners to speak publicly on the investigation into Horner.
      The embattled racing chief has vehemently denied all claims threatening his position as leader of the all-conquering team of world champion Max Verstappen.
      Horner was initially only under investigation over alleged controlling behaviour at work towards a female worker.
      Most read in Motorsport
      But fresh claims then emerged alleging Horner also sent her “sexually suggestive” texts.
      On Friday, The Sun reported how Horner’s fate was due to be decided within ten days.
      It is understood the outcome of the investigation could be revealed as soon as tomorrow, however, the day before the first press conferences for the 2024 Bahrain Grand Prix, reports Marca.
      Red Bull chief Christian Horner arrives for press conference ahead of testing for Bahrain Grand Prix
      It could see him left without a job ahead of the F1 season opener.
      Red Bull arrived in Bahrain last Tuesday evening for pre-season testing, with Horner still in his £8-million-a-year role.
      So far, it has been ‘”business as usual” in the pit lane – the team principal’s go-to phrase since news of the scandal broke.
      The probe threatens to overshadow the start of the new F1 season – but a final decision is expected before the opening Grand Prix race kicks off on March 2.
      Last week, Horner addressed the new bombshell sexting probe and declared he wanted a conclusion as “soon as possible”.
      Horner’s wife Geri Halliwell, 51, is understood to be standing firmly by her husband, who she married in 2015.
      She was allegedly reduced to tears when news of the scandal broke – but privately insisted he did nothing wrong.
      The bombshell claims that have rocked F1F1 was rocked earlier this month by the sudden news that the sport’s longest-standing team principal had been placed under investigation by Red Bull’s Austria-based parent company.
      This was thought to be over a “dossier of incriminating material” regarding “inappropriate and controlling behaviour” towards one female, The Telegraph reported.
      Red Bull’s Austrian parent company flew an independent lawyer to the UK to question the multi-millionaire race ace and his accuser.
      The former racing driver, who runs world champion Max Verstappen’s all-conquering Red Bull team, endured an eight-hour grilling over the claims last week.
      Most recently however, more allegations have come out as the De Telegraaf reported that Horner allegedly sent sex messages to his employee “over an extended period of time”.
      Messages were said to have been saved and presented as evidence to the external ­barrister running the inquiry after the woman made a complaint last December.
      Mr Horner categorically denied the new allegations and is thought to be taking legal action against De Telegraaf.
      An F1 source told The Sun last week that “Christian has not been sacked or asked to resign and he is not going to resign”.
      The investigation raises the question of who could take over the helm of the all-conquering racing team of world champion Max Verstappen.
      His wife Geri Halliwell is also said to be “terrified her life will unravel” amid Horner’s “inappropriate behaviour” probe.
      The ex-Spice Girl, who was “in floods of tears” when the Red Bull boss was hit with the bombshell allegations, fears the drama will drag on for years, a source has claimed. 
      But Geri, 51, is understood to be standing by her husband.
      She has told pals: “Christian has done nothing wrong.”
      Horner has overseen a huge period of success for the racing team – winning multiple F1 championships with Sebastian Vettel and Verstappen.
      Red Bull has won seven Formula One world drivers’ championships and six world ­constructors’ titles under Horner’s leadership.
      Last season, the team won 21 of the 22 races on the global F1 tour, and Verstappen, 26, won the drivers’ crown.
      Horner was awarded a CBE for services to motorsport in the 2024 New Year’s Honours List

      Last weekend, she was pictured smiling alongside her husband at a horse racing event in Badbury Rings, Dorset.
      But fresh reports say the Spice Girls star is “mortified and angry” over the probe.
      A source told the Daily Mail: “She has gone to ground in the way she did after she left the Spice Girls.
      “She’s not speaking to anyone.”
      Red Bull has won seven Formula One world drivers’ championships and six world ­constructors’ titles under Horner’s leadership.
      READ MORE SUN STORIES
      Last season, the team won 21 of the 22 races on the global F1 tour, and Verstappen, 26, won the drivers’ crown.
      Horner was awarded a CBE for services to motorsport in the 2024 New Year’s Honours List.
      Geri is said to be standing by her husband since the scandal brokeCredit: gerihalliwellhorner/Instagram
      Horner said last week he wants a conclusion as soon as possibleCredit: Getty
      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 More

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      F1 legend keen on shock retirement U-turn after Lewis Hamilton’s move to Ferrari ‘triggered something’

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      LEWIS HAMILTON’S surprise transfer to Ferrari has “triggered something” that could see a Formula One world champion return to the grid, according to Ralf Schumacher.Hamilton, 39, activated a break clause in his Mercedes contract which will see him leave the team at the end of this season before joining the Scuderia in 2025.
      Sebastian Vettel has been tipped for a return to F1Credit: AFP
      It is claimed Lewis Hamilton’s move to Ferrari ‘triggered something’Credit: Getty
      And the move is now said to have piqued the interest for a return to the sport for four-time world champion Sebastian Vettel.
      Speaking to Sky Sports, six-time race winner Schumacher named 36-year-old Vettel as one possible candidate to replace Hamilton at the Silver Arrows.
      Schumacher said: “I’ve heard that Sebastian Vettel wants to drive again. Of course, a gap has to be closed now.
      “You saw what was going on on the stock market after Lewis Hamilton’smove to Ferrari, that triggered something.”
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      Vettel retired from the sport at the end of 2022 after 299 race starts for Toro Rosso, Red Bull, Ferrari and Aston Martin.
      Hamilton’s departure leaves George Russell not knowing who his team-mate will be next season.
      And while Schumacher does not doubt the talent of Vettel, who questions whether he would be able to make such a big leap back into the sport after three years absent.
      “Whether George Russell has the charisma to replace Lewis Hamilton worldwide in terms of marketing or Sebastian Vettel as a German driver at Mercedes, that’s probably a size too big for him.”
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      SunSport named five possible candidates who could replace the seven-time world champion, from 17-year-old Mercedes junior driver Andrea Kimi Antonelli to Mick Schumacher or Alex Albon.
      Fernando Alonso, who replaced Vettel at Aston Martin, has also been linked with a shock switch.
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      Alonso had two seasons out of the sport before returning in 2021 and has remained one of the best on the grid, meaning it is in the realm of possibility for Vettel to replicate the Spaniard.
      However, Schumacher is concerned Mercedes will not be as competitive as they hope to be in 2025.
      He added: “I’m a bit disappointed with Mercedes, I have the feeling that things will continue as they did last year.
      “That could also be a reason why Lewis Hamilton lost faith in it and followed the call of Fred Vasseur.”

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