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      Christian Horner pictured ahead of Red Bull talks TODAY as ‘inappropriate behaviour’ hearing moved to ‘secret location’

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      RED Bull boss Christian Horner was pictured leaving his Highgate home ahead of his D-Day hearing today over allegations of “inappropriate behaviour” towards a female member of staff.The meeting that will determine whether the F1 chief, 50, will keep his job as the team’s head was moved last-minute to a secret location.
      Horner was pictured this morning ahead of the hearingCredit: LNP
      The Red Bull chief is about to attend a hearing over allegations of “inappropriate behaviour”Credit: Peter Jordan
      Horner has not been suspended and he continues working at the team’s HQ in Milton KeynesCredit: Peter Jordan
      The Red Bull boss will be quizzed by an independent lawyer todayCredit: Getty
      The Spice Girl star is reportedly refusing to speak to ‘anyone’ about the allegationsCredit: Getty
      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 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.
      But F1 sources suggested the case may not be resolved before the launch of Red Bull’s 2024 car on February 15.
      READ MORE ON HORNER
      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.
      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.
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      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.
      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

      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.”
      READ MORE SUN STORIES
      Another source told The Mail: “She is committed to him with every fibre of her being.”
      The meeting was meant to be held at the headquarters in Milton Keynes but Red Bull officials changed location last-minuteCredit: PA
      His wife Geri Halliwell is ‘standing firm by his side’Credit: Getty
      Christian Horner pictured leaving his Highgate home on ThursdayCredit: Ray Collins More

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      Lewis Hamilton’s secret clause in Mercedes contract ‘revealed’ after F1 legend signs £100million Ferrari deal

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      LEWIS HAMILTON reportedly had a secret clause in his contract with Mercedes which could affect his time at Ferrari.The British driver will join the Italian team for the 2025 season after activating a break clause in his Mercedes deal.
      Lewis Hamilton will not be able to poach anyone from MercedesCredit: Rex
      He had been linked with bringing Peter Bonnington to Ferrari with himCredit: AFP
      Hamilton, 39, signed a two-year deal with Ferrari worth £100 million.
      This will bring an end to his 11-year association with the Brackley-based Silver Arrows.
      However, he will not be allowed to bring anyone with him to Maranello.
      PlanetF1.com have claimed that Hamilton had a “no-poaching” clause in his deal to prevent him from doing that.

      Hamilton had been linked with a move to take race engineer Peter ‘Bono’ Bonnington with him.
      But Mercedes are said to have said that the existence of the clause was “accurate”.
      This type of clause is not uncommon in F1 as Sebastian Vettel, 36, had a similar one when he was at Red Bull.
      The German was unable to take race engineer Guillaume ‘Rocky’ Rocquelin with him when he joined Ferrari in 2015.
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      Hamilton’s move to Ferrari shouldn’t come as a surprise, as he admitted in 2015 that he was keen to drive for the Italians before retiring.
      He will become the 12th Brit to get behind the wheel and race for Ferrari.
      The richest Wags in F1 revealed with some earning thousands from Instagram
      Former world champion Jenson Button reckons Fernando Alonso would be the ideal candidate to replace Hamilton at Mercedes.
      Button told Sky F1: “I might have a bit of a man-crush on my ex-team-mate, but I would love to see Fernando Alonso. 
      “He is 42 now, but the hunger is there. And if the hunger is there, the fitness is there.”

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      Inside Geri and Christian Horner’s rollercoaster love story… from controversial engagement to £80k ring & baby struggles

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      THEIR charmed country life has led to nearly a decade of apparent marital bliss.But Geri Horner was said to be “too upset” to talk to “anyone” this week after her F1 boss husband Christian was hit by allegations of “inappropriate behaviour”.
      Geri and Christian Horner married in 2015Credit: Fame Flynet
      Christian’s parents did not attend their wedding after a fallout over his exCredit: Instagram / gerihalliwellhorner
      First introduced to each other by Bernie Ecclestone 15 years ago, the couple are worth an incredible £440million and have piled their fortune into two country manors – including 14 stables for their horses.
      The former Spice Girl, who previously sweared off marriage, was steered down the aisle by the Red Bull Racing chief, who proposed following a whirlwind romance – despite having to Google her before their first date.
      Their engagement hit an early road bump as Christian’s “devastated” parents refused to attend their wedding in 2015 after he moved on swiftly from ex Beverley Allen, whom he was with for 14 years.
      Having put that crisis behind them, he will be hoping to weather another storm as he prepares for a ‘D-Day’ showdown with a lawyer tomorrow.
      Read more on the Spice Girls
      The 50-year-old is accused of “controlling behaviour” with a female work colleague, amid claims he could be gone by “next week” after “losing support” from the Red Bull team.
      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.
      The news has reportedly sent Geri, who is often seen cheering on her husband’s championship-winning team at Grand Prixs, into “full lockdown”.
      But a source told the Mail: “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.”
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      The couple and their blended family in 2017. Left to right: Bluebell, Montague and OliviaCredit: Getty Images – Getty
      Geri has been an ever-present fixture at Grand PrixsCredit: Getty
      Whirlwind romance
      Geri first met Christian through her F1 boss pal Bernie Ecclestone after he invited her to the Monaco Grand Prix in 2009.
      Christian told the Telegraph: “(Geri) was a guest of (former CEO of the Formula One Group) Bernie Ecclestone’s in Monaco one year and came down the pit lane.
      Geri Horner transforms into White Spice as she ditches colourful clothes in favour of ‘ladylike’ white outfits
      “I remember (McLaren boss) Ron Dennis was standing next to me and Eddie Jordan was there as well.
      “She gave Ron a kiss on the cheek, and she gave Eddie a kiss on the cheek. So I thought, ‘OK, I’m on for a kiss on the cheek here!’ And I went to give her one and she shoved her hand out at me.”
      At the time, Christian was with his former pub landlady partner Beverley Allen, and was stepdad to her two children, Kieron, 35, and Liam, 31.
      The couple had dreamed of having a child of their own and in October 2013, Beverley gave birth to a daughter, Olivia.
      Sadly, six months after the birth, the couple split and by March 2014, Christian had moved on with Geri.
      I didn’t marry Geri because she’s a Spice Girl. I married her because I fell in love with herChristian
      Remarkably, it later emerged that the racing fanatic had never even heard of one of the Spice Girls’ biggest hits before their first date, according to the Mirror.
      A source told the newspaper: “Before they went on their first date, Christian googled Geri – and found a video of her doing the song.
      “Geri found it hilarious that he had to research her beforehand and the song has become a running joke.”
      Christian later said: “I didn’t marry Geri because she’s a Spice Girl. I married her because I fell in love with her.”
      In October 2014, the new couple announced their engagement in The Times newspaper. Christian proposed with an elegant diamond engagement ring thought to be worth almost £80,000.
      Christian broke up with Beverley Allen shortly before moving on with Geri
      Geri and Christian first met at the Monaco Grand Prix after F1 boss Bernie Ecclestone (pictured) invited herCredit: Getty Images – Getty
      Geri said her mother’s divorce had put her off getting married, but that everything had changed after she met Christian.
      She explained: “The thing is my mother, she got divorced so it kind of put me off a bit if I’m honest and I hadn’t met anyone that I felt it was right (with) really.
      “And when I met Christian, I automatically knew, I did, I actually said to my friend, ‘I think I’ve met the man I want to marry’.
      They tied the knot in a stunning ceremony at St Mary’s Church in Woburn, Bedfordshire, in May 2015, with celebrity guests including fellow Spice Girl Emma Bunton, Amanda Holden and Myleene Klass.
      Geri wore a dress by British designer Phillipa Lepley and belted out a solo performance of Wannabe in a cheeky nod to their first date at a reception on the grounds of Woburn Abbey after the wedding.
      Geri and Christian appeared to have the perfect life together from the outsideCredit: social media
      The couple regularly share pictures on social media showing their country pursuitsCredit: Instagram @therealgerihalliwell
      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

      Geri later told Phillip Schofield and Holly Willoughby that her wedding day was the “happiest day of my life”.
      However, it wasn’t as happy an occasion for Christian’s parents, who failed to attend.
      After the engagement was announced, one of his devastated relatives told the Sunday Mirror: “You can say that his parents are absolutely devastated. We won’t be going to the wedding.
      “There is a lot more to this story than people know about – to do with his ex-partner.”
      However, Christian and Geri, who has a daughter called Bluebell Madonna from a previous relationship, eventually managed to patch things up with his parents and Beverley.
      Christian told the Telegraph: “I have a great relationship with Beverley and Beverley gets on with Geri.
      “It’s totally harmonious.”
      I’d got to thinking I have a child, my husband has a daughter, and accepting this is our lot. Then Monty came naturallyGeri Horner
      Geri and Christian also went through the emotional rollercoaster of IVF treatment before she finally gave birth to their son, Monty, naturally in January 2017.
      She told Red magazine: “I’d tried an assisted route and it didn’t work. 
      “I feel for any woman that has that natural biological longing, it’s tough. 
      “I’d got to thinking I have a child, my husband has a daughter, and accepting this is our lot. Then Monty came naturally.”
      The Spice Girl later admitted that Monty had picked up some of her rebellious traits.
      That same year, she told Hello!: “He’s a pretty chilled baby for the most part, which he gets more from Christian, but then we’ll encounter a bit of protest and I think, ‘Ah, there’s the Halliwell!’.”
      Country life
      In the decade since their marriage, Geri and Christian appear to have blended seamlessly into each others’ lives.
      The former pop star is an ever-present fixture at F1 races, while Christian looks every bit the English gentleman in Instagram posts from their Cotswold bolthole.
      Christian looks ever the English gentleman as he sits atop his horse in a tweed jacketCredit: Instagram @christianhorner
      Christian standing on the steps of his luxurious home with daughter OliviaCredit: Instagram @christianhorner
      Geri can often be found caring for the animals on their two estates, which are home to horses, chickens, donkeys and goats.
      The couple’s main base is their lavish Grade-II listed mansion in Marston St Lawrence, near Banbury, Oxfordshire.
      The manor house boasts a sprawling garden, a boating lake and a tennis court.
      READ MORE SUN STORIES
      Just last month reports emerged of plans to build a 40ft by 16ft swimming pool, a fountain, a topiary and sunbeds at their Oxfordshire property.
      The pair also own a home in Hertfordshire, where they spent lockdown, and where the Spice Girls reunited for the first time in six years in 2018.
      Geri and Christian meeting the kingCredit: Getty
      The couple have an incredible 14 stablesCredit: Geri Horner/Instagram More

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      British GP will stay at Silverstone for another TEN YEARS as stunning £300million deal is signed

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      BRITISH GP bosses have agreed a new 10-year deal with Formula One keeping the race at Silverstone.The deal is expected to cost around £300 million and run until 2034 – safeguarding the UK’s home race on the F1 calendar.
      Silverstone have announced a new ten-year deal to stay on the F1 calendarCredit: AFP
      Silverstone attracted a record crowd of 480,000 people in 2023Credit: PA
      Last year the race attracted a record crowd of 480,000 across the weekend with more than 60,000 fans camping in the local area.
      This year’s race will be another sell-out boosted by concerts by Stormzy and Kings of Leon.
      Stefano Domenicali, President and CEO of F1, said: “I am delighted to announce that the British Grand Prix will remain on the calendar for ten more years with this agreement.
      “Silverstone is an iconic venue at the heart of F1 history and as it approaches its ninth decade hosting Grands Prix, the event continues to attract fans from around the world for fantastic racing on track and the amazing fan experience off it.”
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      Stuart Pringle, Chief Executive Officer, of Silverstone, added: “This long-term commitment reflects the importance of the British Grand Prix to F1 and their acknowledgement of our ability to deliver a world-class experience for the British fans who are among the most enthusiastic and knowledgeable in the world.
      “The cheers of support for the home teams, and particularly for the British drivers on the grid, makes the Silverstone atmosphere unique and I am looking forward to harnessing this passion for our sport and taking the event to the next level in the coming decade.”
      The news comes in a busy seven days in which Lewis Hamilton announced his decision to leave Mercedes at the end of this season.
      Meanwhile, Red Bull chief Christian Horner will be quizzed on Friday after an internal investigation into inappropriate behaviour.
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      The Silverstone announcement comes a week after another iconic track, Suzuka, announced a deal to continue hosting F1 races in Japan until 2029.
      Last month F1 also announced the arrival of the Madrid GP to the calendar from 2026 in a ten-year deal.
      The richest Wags in F1 revealed with some earning thousands from Instagram

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      ‘Christian’s done nothing wrong’ Geri Halliwell told pals ahead of Red Bull grilling weeks before their 10th anniversary

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      GINGER Spice Geri Halliwell is adamant her F1 boss hubby has “done nothing wrong”, sources close to the star say.Red Bull Racing chief Christian Horner, 50, is due to be probed by a lawyer on Friday over shock allegations of “inappropriate behaviour” towards a female colleague.
      Christian Horner of Red Bull Racing and his wife Geri HalliwellCredit: Getty
      Christian Horner was pictured leaving his Highgate home this morning, in what was the first sighting of him since news of the allegations brokeCredit: Ray Collins
      Sources say Ginger Spice Geri Halliwell is now refusing to speak to ‘anyone’Credit: Getty
      News of the allegations broke on Monday as Horner was locked in preparations for Red Bull’s defence of its championship titles – and just weeks out from Horner and Geri’s 10-year anniversary.
      Geri, 51, has told pals she does not believe the woman’s claims.
      A source close to the Spice Girl said: “Geri has been in floods of tears all weekend while looking after her kids.
      “She is insisting Christian has done nothing wrong.”
      Read more on Christian Horner
      The Red Bull F1 boss, who runs the all-conquering team of world champion Max Verstappen and is on an estimated salary of £8million, said: “I completely deny these claims.”
      He broke cover for the first time today as he prepares to face a D-Day grilling over the allegations.
      It is understood the woman complained to the team’s parent company at Red Bull in Austria, which said on Monday: “After being made aware of certain recent allegations, the company launched an independent investigation.
      “This process, which is already underway, is being carried out by an external specialist barrister.
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      “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.”
      Spice Girl Geri Horner posts loved-up message to husband Christian as Red Bull F1 boss turns 50
      Former racing driver Horner married Geri at a church wedding in Woburn, Beds in 2015 following a year-long engagement.
      Horner has a seven-year-old son with Geri and a daughter from a previous relationship, while Geri has a 17-year-old daughter from a previous relationship.
      The fresh allegations come just weeks out from the 10-year anniversary of when Horner and Geri started dating in March 2014.
      Sources have predicted Horner could be gone by “next week” after “losing support” from his team amid the probe.
      All parties involved in the investigation are understood to want to have reached “a conclusion” before Red Bull’s 2024 car is launched on February 15, The Telegraph reports.
      Red Bull Racing’s Austria-based parent company has reportedly compiled a “dossier of incriminating material” regarding inappropriate and controlling behaviour towards one female staffer.
      Horner immediately denied the allegations, stating on Monday: “I reject these claims entirely.”
      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

      The investigation is, according to sources, going to focus on the complainant’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.”
      Formula One’s longest-standing team principal could be replaced by Red Bull team manager Jonathan Wheatley on an interim basis if required, insiders allege.
      A pal close to Horner yesterday said he is confident the F1 boss will be cleared of any wrongdoing.
      The source told the Daily Mail: “Christian is speaking privately and says that he will clear his name and come through this.”
      READ MORE SUN STORIES
      It comes as Horner’s team, steered by world champ Max Verstappen, prepares for the start of the 2024 season, with the first race to kick off in Bahrain on March 2.
      Red Bull has won seven F1 world drivers’ championships and six world constructors’ titles since Horner took over as team principal in 2005.
      Horner will fight to save his career on Friday
      Red Bull Racing team principal Christian Horner and Geri Halliwell pose after the F1 Grand Prix of Italy in 2014Credit: Getty More

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      Lewis Hamilton revealed plans to join Ferrari in 2015 in Tokyo bar… years before F1 legend signed £100million deal

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      LEWIS HAMILTON reportedly revealed plans to join Ferrari NINE years before the move was announced. Last week, the seven-time world champion rocked the world of Formula One when he triggered a break clause in his Mercedes contract to head to Ferrari for the 2025 season.
      Lewis Hamilton first revealed his intention to join Ferrari at a Tokyo bar in 2015Credit: EPA
      Hamilton signed a £100m deal to join Ferrari in 2025Credit: PA
      However, it seems these plans have been in the works since 2015 after a chat between Hamilton and Motorsport Magazine’s Matt Bishop was revealed.
      Bishop lifted the lid on a chat between the pair while at F1-favourite Lex Tokyo Lounge Bar in the Roppongi district of Tokyo following the 2015 Japanese Grand Prix.
      Then McLaren’s communications director, he explained how he was drinking some beers with his colleagues and mulling over the race at Suzuka, where McLaren drivers Jenson Button and Fernando Alonso had been lapped by race winner Hamilton.
      Hamilton – who had only departed McLaren for the Silver Arrows three years prior – eventually arrived at the bar with Mercedes engineers before heading over to chat with Bishop and co.
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      The pair soon found themselves in a one-on-one chat, where Hamilton confessed to wanting to drive for Ferrari one day.
      Bishop asked: “Do you think you’ll stay at Merc until you retire?”
      To which Hamilton responded: “Well, what I’d really like to do, one day, is drive for Ferrari…
      “Yeah. That would be a great way to end my F1 career, wouldn’t it? To win championships for McLaren, Mercedes and Ferrari?”
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      The bar has since closed down, but Hamilton’s dream to race for the Scuderia clearly never did.
      Hamilton’s multi-year contract at the Prancing Horse could prove to be the final transfer of his F1 career given comments he made in the chat.
      Inside Lewis Hamilton’s £13m collection of supercars including £4m classic and £1.6m ride made entirely for him
      In the chat Hamilton also ruled out ever returning to McLaren, stating: “I don’t know. Never go back, they say, don’t they?
      “Sometimes you just feel you’ve been somewhere too long and you need a change.”
      Alpine driver Pierre Gasly revealed he knew about the move for some time.
      Speaking at the launch of Alpine’s 2024 F1 car, he said: “Obviously, he’s been a long time with Mercedes, but I was aware of some talks with Ferrari.
      “Ultimately, he’s towards the end of his career. So it was either now or never.
      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.

      “I think it was kept secret for quite a long time. I just wish him the best. Obviously, it’s sort of exciting with the driver market, and all of you guys come with it, which is normal.
      “But I think ultimately, for the sport, he is the most successful driver of all time joining a new project, a new challenge. I’m sure everybody will follow that very closely.”
      Hamilton’s deal at Ferrari is said to be worth a cool £100million.
      He will become the 12th British driver to race for Ferrari.
      READ MORE SUN STORIES
      Fresh reports claim that Hamilton’s future team-mate Charles Leclerc was left “shocked and disappointed” by the move to sign the 39-year-old.
      However, this stands in contrast to prior reports claiming he was welcoming to the move and Leclerc naming Hamilton as what he looks for in a team-mate.

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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.
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      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