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      Inside reeling Red Bull Racing with ‘power struggle between Christian Horner and bosses’ amid shock ‘behaviour’ probe

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      ALLEGATIONS of “inappropriate behaviour” against F1 boss Christian Horner come amid a power struggle at Red Bull Racing.Horner, 50, was locked in a meeting over preparations for Red Bull’s defence of their championship titles when news of a female colleague’s accusation against him broke.
      Horner with wife Geri Halliwell last FebruaryCredit: PA
      Max Verstappen and Horner before the Formula 1 Abu Dhabi Grand Prix in November 2022Credit: Getty
      Horner and his colleague Dr Helmut Marko at a Grand PrixCredit: Getty
      The woman is understood to have complained to the team’s parent company at Red Bull in Austria about “inappropriate behaviour”.
      Horner, 50, is now the focus of a probe being run by an independent lawyer appointed to examine her allegations.
      And he faces a hearing into the allegations on Friday as the F1 champs insist they are taking the claims “extremely seriously”.
      The F1 chief, who is married to Spice Girl Geri Halliwell and runs the all-conquering team of world champion Max Verstappen, said: “I completely deny these claims.”
      READ MORE ON F1
      F1 sources said the allegations against Horner could jeopardise his position at the helm of the Red Bull team.
      Red Bull Austria issued a statement on the investigation while Horner was in a meeting in London on Monday.
      According to The Times, Red Bull Racing’s team office in Milton Keynes repeatedly denied the allegation of a complaint against Horner just a day earlier on Sunday.
      On Monday, Red Bull’s Global Headquarters in Austria put out a statement without notifying officials at the F1 team first.
      Most read in Motorsport
      But before the investigation was revealed, it is understood trouble was already brewing beneath the surface at Red Bull Racing.
      Rumours of an unrelated power struggle 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.
      Christian Horner reveals what happened onboard £20million yacht after Max Verstappen won first F1 title
      The former professional driver has overseen the Red Bull driver development programme since 2005 and was a driving force in bringing Max Verstappen to the team.
      But speculation was played down, with Horner only acknowledging there had been a “small difference of opinion” between himself and Marko.
      He even suggested rumours may have been fanned by opponents, adding: “As we’ve tied up both championships, there’s not a lot to be talking about, so it’s very easy for others to wind the situation up.”
      But Marko hinted at an internal wrangle when he commented: “I have a contract until the end of 2024 and in the end it’s the shareholders’ decision, not Christian Horner’s, and in the end it’s me who decides.”
      Formula 1 reporter Erik van Haren said the power struggle appears to be coming to a “climax now”.
      He told De Telegraaf: “[Horner and Marko] become more and more like water and fire.
      “Although, of course, in the publicity they pretend that nothing is wrong.
      “Horner is, of course, the team principal and the CEO of Red Bull Racing. More than a thousand people work there. Super important for the operational side of the whole story.
      “However, it is of course known to all Formula 1 connoisseurs that Helmut Marko, the Austrian, pulls the big picture. So he decides who sits in those seats.
      “And yes, Horner might be the guy who would like to do that too, but Helmut is the guy who makes the big decisions.
      “So if you were to ask Max Verstappen, the most important man in that team, with a knife to your throat, if you had to choose between Christian Horner and Helmut Marko, you would always choose Helmut.”
      Horner was appointed Team Principal of Red Bull’s F1 team in 2005, and has bagged 13 world titles along the way.
      Wife Geri, 51, was standing by him last night, telling pals she does not believe gossip that has been swirling for days.
      Red Bull Racing’s Austria-based parent company said yesterday: “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.”
      READ MORE SUN STORIES
      A Red Bull Racing source said: “Nothing further is being added to ensure the integrity of the investigation is respected.”
      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

      Christian Horner, pictured last August, has been accused of ‘inappropriate behaviour’ towards a female colleagueCredit: PA

      Horner and Marko with their two drivers 3-time champ Max Verstappen and Sergio PerezCredit: Getty More

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      F1 introduce major rule change for 2024 season and fans absolutely love it… but don’t think Max Verstappen will

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      A HOST of new rules have been announced by Formula One to the delight of fans – but they do not think Max Verstappen will be happy.F1 management met at their London offices today with the likes of FIA Single-Seater Director Nikolas Tombazis and Formula 1 President and CEO Stefano Domenicali in attendance.
      Fans fear Max Verstappen won’t like a new rule change in F1Credit: Splash
      And they have now announced a number of plans that they hope will make for much more thrilling race weekends.
      However, as fans exclaimed their delight at the announcements, some cheekily claimed that the defending world champ Verstappen would not be best pleased by them.
      In a bid to try and encourage more overtaking, the DRS (drag reduction system) would now be activated after just one lap of a start or restart.
      That is rather than the two laps that had previously been the case.
      READ MORE ON F1
      And it was that change that had some race supporters trolling the Red Bull star, whose car has usually been tearing away and clear of the rest by the time it was previously allowed.
      One responded with: “Hopefully Max won’t be able to pull away before DRS.”
      “This might reduce max pulling away by one lap,” said another one.
      As a third declared: “All this to help [Lewis] Hamilton win his 8th.”
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      The new season will also see a reshuffle in the Sprint Race weekend schedule.
      The Free Practice 1 and Sprint Qualifying has shifted to Friday with both the Sprint and Grand Prix Qualifying on Saturday while the Grand Prix will culminate on Sunday still.
      Max Verstappen’s glam Wag Kelly Piquet risks wardrobe malfunction braless in open jacket as fans say ‘girl, you slay’
      Additionally, there will also be an increase in Power Unit allocations to four per driver for the 2024 and 2025 seasons. That is aimed at accommodating the increased demands of the revised format.

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

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      New Stake F1 team’s bold car divides fans with design compared to ‘cross between a ninja turtle and transformer’

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      MOTORSPORT fans are split like never before – after a new team’s F1 car was labelled a “cross between a ninja turtle and transformer”.Opinions on the lean, lime machine unveiled by the Stake F1 Team varied from “hideous” to “I love it”.
      Zhou Guanyu, and team-mate Valtteri Bottas might get into an incredible sulk over some views on the C44, but there was also praise for the new green lookCredit: AP
      A close-up view gives F1 lovers much to mull overCredit: AP
      Stake F1 Team technical director James Key explains details of the carCredit: PA
      And if points are given for flowery descriptions then the Sauber-backed team would zoom up the constructors’ table from sorry also-rans under their 2023  Alfa Romeo sponsorship to serious title contenders this year.
      Sauber say the C44 car is “a marked departure from its predecessor” with a “slew of changes”.
      One alteration could be particularly important – from push-rod to pull-rod suspension.
      The C44 also has new-look revised sidepods and engine cover as well as a different floor.
      READ MORE TOP STORIES
      As well as all that, Sauber are promising “important updates” early in the season, which starts in Bahrain on March 2.
      But one thing will stay the same for the third year – with Valtteri Bottas and Zhou Guanyu retained as the team drivers.
      However, despite the stability behind the wheel, there was uncertainty from F1 fans over the C44’s startling appearance.
      One race-lover compared it to something presumably never seen before – a blend of the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles and the ever-changing robotic movie heroes The Transformers.
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      Another said: “This could very well be one of the most awful-looking F1 cars to ever exist.”
      A third joked: “Who was the lucky ten year old winner of the competition?”
      DJ reveals amazing track using sounds from electric motorsport
      And a fourth suggested that at least it might be quite smart in a surprising way as he wrote: “Looks like Asda’s new uniform lol.”
      But if Sauber went shopping for compliments they would find praise such as: “Looks like the way I do my liveries on the F1 game. I love it!”
      “Looks great, I really like it,” said another admirer.
      And amongst the fierce two-way traffic of opinion, one fan sat alone on the barriers as he wrote: “I don’t hate it…”

      🏁 Complete F1 2024 race calendar – details on every Grand Prix and start time this year 🏁 
      Guanyu and Bottas will race together for the third year in a rowCredit: AP More

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      Geri Horner in ‘floods of tears’ over Red Bull boss hubby Christian as he faces allegations of ‘inappropriate behaviour’

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      SPICE Girl Geri Halliwell’s F1 boss hubby is being investigated over claims of “inappropriate behaviour” towards a female colleague.Red Bull Racing chief Christian Horner, 50, is the focus of a probe being run by an independent lawyer appointed to examine her allegations.
      Red Bull boss Christian Horner is under investigation over allegations of ‘inappropriate behaviour’ – pictured with wife GeriCredit: Getty
      The Red Bull chief pictured with world champion Max VerstappenCredit: Getty
      The female staffer is understood to have complained about Horner to the team’s parent company at Red Bull in AustriaCredit: AFP
      News of the allegations broke yesterday as the team boss was locked in preparations for Red Bull’s defence of their championship titlesCredit: Getty
      Horner, who runs the all-conquering team of world champion Max Verstappen, said: “I completely deny these claims.”
      News of the allegations broke yesterday as the team boss was locked in preparations for Red Bull’s defence of their championship titles.
      Given Horner’s high-ranking position, the woman staffer is understood to have complained to the team’s parent company at Red Bull in Austria.
      Staff at the team’s UK base, in Milton Keynes, Bucks, claimed to have no knowledge of the allegations when approached yesterday.
      Read More on Sport
      Wife Geri, 51, was standing by him last night, telling pals she does not believe gossip that has been swirling for days.
      A source close to the Ginger Spice star said: “Geri has been in floods of tears all weekend while looking after her kids.
      “She is insisting Christian has done nothing wrong.”
      Red Bull Racing’s Austria-based parent company said yesterday: “After being made aware of certain recent allegations, the company launched an independent investigation.
      Most read in Motorsport
      “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.”
      F1 sources said the allegations against Horner could jeopardise his position at the helm of the Red Bull team.
      He was said to be locked in an F1 Commission meeting all day yesterday and aides stressed he would not be making any further comment.
      A Red Bull Racing source said: “Nothing further is being added to ensure the integrity of the investigation is respected.
      The couple at the Royal Artillery Point to Point at Larkhill in Wiltshire on January 27Credit: Splash
      Horner and wife Geri pose with several famous musicians including Gary Barlow and Rod Stewart at his 50th birthday bash
      “Christian has issued a denial and we’re hoping for a swift and speedy resolution.”
      Former racing driver Horner married Geri at a church wedding in Woburn, Beds, in 2015 after a year-long engagement.
      He has a seven-year-old son with Geri and a daughter from a previous relationship.
      Geri also has a 17-year-old daughter from a previous relationship.
      Since Leamington Spa-born Horner took over as team principal in 2005, Red Bull has won seven Formula 1 world drivers’ championships and six world constructors’ titles.
      READ MORE SUN STORIES
      Last season, Red Bull won 21 of the 22 races on the global F1 tour, with 26-year-old Verstappen the runaway winner of the drivers’ crown.
      F1 sources claimed the investigation had been launched amid a power struggle at the F1 team following the death of Red Bull co-founder and Horner ally Dietrich Mateschitz.
      Spice Girl Geri Horner posts loved-up message to husband Christian as Red Bull F1 boss turns 50A look at Christian Horner’s life and career CHRISTIAN Horner is among the most well-known names in Formula One having helped build Red Bull into one of the biggest teams in the sport.

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

      Horner tied with knot with Geri in 2015 and they have one child together
      The couple pictured at the Larkhill Royal Artillery Point to Point on January 27Credit: Splash
      Geri threw a surprise 50th birthday bash for Christian in DecemberCredit: Instagram
      Horner lives a life of luxury in the country with his familyCredit: Instagram
      Horner poses on the grounds of his Oxfordshire farmhouse with son MontagueCredit: Instagram
      The Horners show off their horses and have their own stableCredit: Instagram
      Geri and her husband pose at the premiere of Ferrari in London on December 4Credit: AFP More

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      Red Bull Racing boss Christian Horner investigated by F1 team over ‘serious allegations’ of ‘inappropriate behaviour’

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      RED Bull Racing has launched an investigation into team boss Christian Horner over allegations of “inappropriate behaviour”.The Formula One racing team are looking into claims made against Horner, 50, by an employee of the company.
      Red Bull boss Christian Horner is under investigation over allegations of ‘inappropriate behaviour’Credit: AFP
      Horner – who is married to former Spice Girl Geri Halliwell – has denied the allegationsCredit: Getty
      The couple at the Royal Artillery at Larkhill in Wiltshire on January 27Credit: Splash
      The Red Bull chief pictured with world champion Max VerstappenCredit: Getty
      Horner and wife Geri pose with several famous musicians at his 50th birthday bash
      According to Dutch newspaper De Telegraaf, Horner – who is married to former Spice Girl Geri Halliwell – has been accused of “inappropriate behaviour”.
      In response to the allegations, Horner said: “I completely deny these claims.”
      Red Bull, the team of world champion Max Verstappen, said it “takes these matters extremely seriously”.
      A spokesperson said: “After being made aware of certain recent allegations, the company launched an independent investigation.
      Read more on Formula One
      “This process, which is already underway, 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.”
      Horner – who has an estimated salary of £8million at Red Bull – has been preparing for the 2024 season as Red Bull looks to defend their championship titles. 
      Most read in Motorsport
      He described the allegations as “nuts” in a message to Mail Online.
      His defenders reportedly claimed the accusations are part of a plot to oust him within the team in an internal power struggle.
      Last season, the team won 21 of the 22 races as Verstappen claimed the drivers’ title.
      Horner has led Milton Keynes-based Red Bull since their arrival on the grid in 2005 – and has overseen a period of huge success for the team.
      Red Bull has won seven drivers’ championships and six constructors championships under the team boss.
      Spice Girl Geri Horner posts loved-up message to husband Christian as Red Bull F1 boss turns 50
      Horner married Geri, 51, in 2015 and they have one child together, Montague, seven.
      He 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.
      In December, Ginger Spice threw a star-studded 50th birthday bash for the multi-millionaire Red Bull chief.
      Rock n’ Roll legends Ronnie Wood and Sir Rod Stewart were invited along with wives Sally Wood and Penny Lancaster.
      Take That frontman Gary Barlow and R&B singer Jade Jones were also pictured in snaps posing either side of Horner.
      There was also F1 royalty in attendance with Bernie Ecclestone joined by his wife Fabiana Flosi at the event.
      Away from the fast lane of Red Bull, Horner shares two stunning country homes with Geri in Oxfordshire and Hertfordshire and their brood.
      The former property boasts its very own duck pond, which they use for boating.
      For Horner, living on a farm offers the ideal existence away from the stresses of motorsport.
      READ MORE SUN STORIES
      Back in 2019, he told Luxury London the sprawling country abode was the “perfect home to relax in.”
      And it’s the property in Oxfordshire that gets the most love from Geri, 50, on Instagram, who regularly shares candid snaps of her family life.
      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, 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 tied with knot with wife Geri in 2015 and have one child together
      The couple pictured at the Larkhill Royal Artillary Point to Point on January 27Credit: Splash
      Geri Halliwell threw a surprise 50th birthday bash for Christian Horner in DecemberCredit: Instagram
      Horner lives a life of luxury in the country with his familyCredit: Instagram
      Horner poses on the grounds of their Oxfordshire farmhouse with son MontagueCredit: Instagram
      The Horners show off their horses and have their own stableCredit: Instagram More

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      F1 fans convinced they’ve worked out who’s replacing Lewis Hamilton at Mercedes after social media clue

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      F1 FANS are convinced that they know who will be replacing Lewis Hamilton at Mercedes.The British driver will be leaving the Formula 1 team for Ferrari next year.
      Fans are sure who will replace Lewis Hamilton at MercedesCredit: Alamy
      Fans spotted a clue on social media about a driver being near Mercedes’ team baseCredit: Instagram @valtteribottas
      The driver is former Mercedes star Valtteri BottasCredit: Getty
      Hamilton, 39, has been with the Brackley-based team since 2013 but will leave after the 2024 campaign.
      Mercedes are now on the lookout for a replacement driver.
      The Silver Arrows have been linked with the likes of Carlos Sainz, Fernando Alonso, Oscar Piastri and Alexander Albon.
      However, Valtteri Bottas has got fans thinking he will be the new driver after a social media post.
      READ MORE IN F1
      The current Stake F1 team driver posted a snap of him playing darts on Instagram.
      His followers were quick to point out that the Finnish ace has tagged the location as Brackley, the town where Mercedes’ operations centre is based in.
      Many took to social media to share their theory that Bottas will be lining up alongside George Russell next year.
      One fan posted: “Now Bottas is at Brackley. Oh GARD.”
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      A second commented: “Bottas babe why are you in Brackley? WHY ARE YOU IN BRACKLEY?”
      A third wrote: “Bottas strolling back into Brackley.”
      A fourth said: “Bottas arriving back at Brackley to replace Lewis at Mercedes.”
      Another joked: “What if Bottas isn’t actually in Brackley and he posted it as a joke.”
      Bottas spent four years at Mercedes as Hamilton’s team-mate between 2017 and 2021.
      He left the team to join Alfa Romeo after coming second in the driver’s championship twice.
      As a result of Hamilton’s move to join Ferrari, the company’s value has skyrocketed to over £3billion.
      The Brit released a statement in which he admitted that the move has made him feel a “range of emotions”.
      He said: “It’s been a crazy few days which have been filled with a whole range of emotions.
      READ MORE SUN STORIES
      “But as you all now know, after an incredible 11 years at Mercedes-AMG PETRONAS F1 Team, the time has come for me to start a new chapter in my life and I will be joining Scuderia Ferrari in 2025.
      “I feel incredibly fortunate, after achieving things with Mercedes that I could only have dreamed of as a kid, that I now have the chance to fulfil another childhood dream. Driving in Ferrari red.” More

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      Top 10 richest F1 drivers in history revealed as Lewis Hamilton dwarfs Max Verstappen… but misses out on top spot

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      FORMULA ONE is well known as a glamour sport where vast riches can be both acquired and shown off.And the top drivers in the sport can amass wealth that rivals any of the highest-earning athletes in the world.
      Max Verstappen has the biggest salary in Formula OneCredit: Getty
      Lewis Hamilton has a huge portfolio that has earned him a staggering amount of wealthCredit: PA
      The likes of Jenson Button remain key figures behind the scenes in F1Credit: Rex
      The 2023 grid – which has remained the same for the upcoming 2024 season – saw drivers earning huge sums topped out at a whopping £45million for reigning champion Max Verstappen.
      But over the course of an F1 career the figures are even more staggering, with the likes of Lewis Hamilton and Michael Schumacher reaching mega-wealth status.
      Accounting for the huge salaries some drivers command, plus sponsorship deals and property portfolios, net worths are in the region of hundreds of millions.
      Below we take a look at the top ten F1 drivers in history with the highest net worth, according to figures compiled by Planet F1 and GQ Australia.
      READ MORE IN F1
      10. Eddie Irvine – £92.5million
      Eddie Irvine battled it out for an F1 title in the 1990sCredit: Getty – Contributor
      He owns a property empire said to include 40 properties
      He flogged a plush Irish mansion for £2.6m in 2021
      A four-time race winner in F1 who battled it out with the likes of Schumacher and Mika Hakkinen in the late 1990s.
      However, Eddie Irvine never managed to get his hands on an F1 drivers title.
      Instead, much of his wealth comes from investment into an estimated 40 properties worldwide, including an Irish mansion he sold to Matt Damon in 2021.
      According to the Sunday Times Rich List in 2006 this made him the fifth richest person in Northern Ireland.
      Most read in Motorsport
      9. Mario Andretti – £100.1million
      Mario Andretti is one of three racers to win races in F1, Indycar, Nascar and the World Sportscar ChampionshipCredit: X @MarioAndretti
      Andretti owns a stunning 18,513 square foot property in Pennsylvania, USACredit: X @MarioAndretti
      An icon of motorsport, Andretti is one of three drivers to win races in F1, Indycar, Nascar and the World Sportscar Championship.
      Some of his wealth includes an 18,513 square feet property in Nazareth, PA, USA, that features four bedroooms, 15 bathrooms and an indoor and outdoor swimming pool.
      He has seen corners on streets and race tracks alike named after him and is now gearing up for a team move into F1.
      So his inclusion in this list should be little surprise.
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      8. Sebastian Vettel – £107.9million
      Sebastian Vettel’s F1 career earned him a fortuneCredit: Splash
      Since retiring Vettel has invested in green projectsCredit: Getty
      Vettel has a stunning car collection including the 2010 Mercedes-Benz SLS AMGCredit: tomhartleyjnr.com
      Four-time F1 world champion Sebastian Vettel is a name synonymous with motorsport despite keeping a fairly low profile away from the track which has included a visit to a top German medical clinic.
      Green-fingered Vettel commanded one of the highest salaries in the sport during his time with Red Bull, Ferrari and Aston Martin.
      Vettel also has a stunning car collection including the 2010 Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG worth £175,000.
      Since retiring he has invested in green projects in a bid to tackle climate change.
      7. Jenson Button – £115.6million
      Jenson Button has amassed a huge fortuneCredit: Instagram
      Jenson Button married Brittny Ward in 2022Credit: brittny/Instagram
      Button’s car collection includes a 2015 McLaren P1 GTRCredit: SWNS
      Shock 2009 F1 champion Jenson Button continues to be a familiar face in the sport thanks to his TV appearances and recent role in the Brawn documentary as well as being a senior adviser to Williams F1.
      Button, who finished third on his Daytona 24 hours debut, has a large property portfolio and was reportedly one of F1’s biggest earners even before he landed his one and only title.
      He has also taken a liking to cars and has owned a stunning garage, with which he can chaperone wife Brittany Ward around in.
      These have included a McLaren P1, a Bugatti Veyron and Ferrari 275 GT.
      6. Kimi Raikkonen – £140.6million
      Kimi Raikkonen was one of F1’s best paid drivers during his time on the gridCredit: Instagram @mintturaikkonen
      Raikkonen owns a stunning ‘Bond villian-like lair’ which houses an impressive motor collectionCredit: Instagram @kimimatiasraikkonen
      A one-time F1 title champion like Button, “The Iceman” could command one of the highest salaries in the sport during his peak and famously almost bankrupt Lotus during his time with the team.
      Like some of his former rivals, Raikkonen is a property investor – including a $24m Swiss villa – and he is now helping his son Robin with his own motorsport career.
      The villa in question has been dubbed a “Bond villian-like lair” which houses an impressive collection of motors including a £$360,000 Rolls-Royce Wraith Black Badge and a $3.6million Ferrari Enzo.
      Raikkonen is also said to own three homes in Finland, and have properties in Dubai and Thailand.
      5. Niki Lauda – £154.1million
      Niki Lauda played an integral role in Lewis Hamilton joining MercedesCredit: Getty Images – Getty
      Lauda ran airlines after retiring from the sportCredit: Reuters
      The three-time World Champion was the only man to win the title at both Ferrari and Mercedes.
      After retiring from F1, he founded and ran three successful airlines, Lauda Air, Niki and Lauda.
      He also stayed in and around the paddock with his former teams, Jaguar and owned 10 per cent of Mercedes Motorsport.
      Lauda passed away aged 70 in 2019.
      4. Max Verstappen – £165.5million
      Verstappen is dating Kelly PiquetCredit: instagram/@kellypiquet/
      Verstappen lives in Monaco and has invested in his own GT team
      Verstappen’s car collection includes an Acura NSX Type S worth around £122,000Credit: Acura
      At present, Verstappen has commanded the most lucrative F1 contract for the past two seasons when accounting for bonuses.
      Verstappen has invested in his own GT team, is an ambassador for EA Sports and has a host of personal sponsors, all of which helped him earn a place in Forbes’ 2023 list of sports top young earners.
      He also has a great affinity for cars, with his collection worth around £2.3m.
      Verstappen also lives in Monaco, which is not exactly on the cheap end of the property market.
      3. Fernando Alonso – £205million
      Fernando Alonso is F1’s most experienced driverCredit: Splash
      The Spaniard naturally has a Ferrari in his collectionCredit: https://www.instagram.com/p/Cs0iZ8Cor2q/
      Alonso also owns a McLaren P1Credit: INSTAGRAM @fernandoalo_oficial
      F1’s most experienced driver, and also one of its best, it should come as no surprise to see two-time champion Fernando Alonso high on the list.
      As well as commanding huge contracts, Alonso has invested into the next generation with his Alonso Sports Complex in his native Asturias which features a museum and a karting track.
      Like many others in this list the Spaniard owns a number of supercars.
      These include a McLaren P1, Aston Martin DBX luxury SUV and Ferrari 599 GTB Fernando Alonso Edition.
      2. Lewis Hamilton – £224.7million
      Lewis Hamilton has invested in a wide array of projects
      Hamilton often jets around the world during the off seasonCredit: Instagram / @lewishamilton
      Hamilton invested in the Denver Broncos in 2022Credit: https://www.instagram.com/lewishamilton/
      Hamilton was recently labelled a “brand” due to his involvement in so many projects.
      Expected to earn £50million at Mercedes during the 2024 season, Hamilton is a cool earner salary wise.
      Hamilton has investments in property, cars, fashion and initiatives encouraging wider representation in sport and even teams, with Hamilton investing in NFL side Denver Broncos in 2022.
      Luckily a wide range of sponsors including the likes of Tommy Hilfiger, IWC and Bose allow him to fund this far reaching influence which has landed on him on the Sunday Times Rich List.
      1. Michael Schumacher – £462.5million
      Michael Schumacher is top of the F1 driver rich listCredit: AFP
      Schumacher owns a Ferrari Enzo
      An era defining driver for many fans of motorsport, the seven-time F1 champion was named the highest-paid athlete by Forbes in 1999 and 2000 and even predicted to be the first billionaire athlete in 2005.
      In 2017, he was named as the fifth-highest athlete of all time in terms of career earnings, but he has not been seen publicly since his life-changing skiing accident in 2013.
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      The German was well-known for his charitable donations, including a £39.5m donation to UNESCO during his final five years of racing.
      Predictably, Schumacher and his family have a worldwide real estate portfolio, while Schumacher also earned a staggering amount through brand endorsements, including a £8.5m deal to wear a shell hat and show its logo in nearly all public appearances.

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      Inside Lewis Hamilton’s bombshell Mercedes exit as Toto Wolff reveals how F1 star went to his house to break news

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      TOTO WOLFF felt like he has been “punched in the nose” after Lewis Hamilton dropped the bombshell he was quitting Mercedes to join Ferrari.Mercedes boss Wolff says he had heard rumours of Hamilton’s defection for the 2025 season but did not want to believe them.
      Sir Lewis Hamilton is leaving Mercedes to join Ferrari next seasonCredit: Alamy
      And revealed he only discovered Hamilton was off after the Brit told him over breakfast on Wednesday.
      Wolff says it is at a loss to understand what has convinced the 39-year-old to jump ship after only agreeing a two-year deal last summer.
      Wolff said: “What happened is that we got together for coffee at my place in Oxford when he was returning to the factory and he said to me that he had decided to race for Ferrari in 2025.”
      Wolff added: “The surprise was that I’d heard the rumours a couple of days earlier but wanted to wait for the breakfast we had planned.
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      “It was Wednesday morning and this is when he broke the news…once he said this is what I wanted to do, I didn’t try to convince him otherwise.”
      Hamilton and Wolff have struck up a great friendship during their 11 years at Mercedes but admits he was stunned to discover his star driver is off to their rivals.
      The move is particularly upsetting given that Wolff is also chums with Ferrari team boss Fred Vasseur who has persuaded Hamilton to change teams.
      Wolff added: “I have great respect for Fred, not only as a racing manager, but also as a longtime friend.
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      “On the relationship. It is a tough competition, a cutthroat environment and as much as I try to do the best for our group, he will do that for Ferrari.
      “It’s a little bit like rugby. We punch each other in the nose, but we are able to get off the pitch and have a respectful relationship.”
      Hamilton only agreed a two-year deal last summer and Wolff says his discussions with the Brit over the winter were only focussed on Mercedes.
      And the Austrian says he is at a loss to understand what has caused Hamilton to change his mind.
      He said: “I cannot tell you exactly [what caused Hamilton to change]. I only know that we were very aligned when we went into the Christmas period.
      “We’ve said that in public and in the team. You need to ask Lewis why he changed his mind.

      Mercedes boss Toto Wolff learned of Hamilton’s exit during breakfastCredit: Getty
      “How he framed it to me was that he needed a new challenge and that he was looking for a different environment and it was maybe the last possibility to do something else.
      “We totally respect that. You can change your mind and switch to Ferrari maybe for the last gig in his career, maybe rolling the dice a bit.”
      Wolff will now turn his attention to picking Hamilton’s replacement to drive alongside George Russell.
      With Charles Leclerc and Lando Norris both signing new long-term deals at Ferrari and McLaren respectively, he admits his options are more-limited.
      He added: “Some drivers will be coming available, others just signed a few weeks ago, so these would have been opportunities six weeks earlier.
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      “But it is what it is. In 2025 and beyond the driver market is very interesting and we need to look out to the future.
      “Who is it that we can partner with George? What’s the best combination? There’s a variety of options and I want to take my time.”
      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