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      Max Verstappen’s glam Wag shows off incredible toned abs in leather boots as she swerves Christian Horner drama in Paris

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      MAX VERSTAPPEN’S glamorous partner Kelly Piquet swerved the Christian Horner controversy as she visited Paris last night.Verstappen started this season in Bahrain as he had finished the first, with a crushing victory.Kelly Piquet wore an all black outfitCredit: Instagram kellypiquetAs she partied in ParisCredit: Instagram kellypiquetShe started dating Max Verstappen in 2020Credit: instagram @kellypiquetShe often stuns with her glamorous outfitsCredit: instagram @kellypiquetThe Dutchman won the race by a whopping 22 seconds, with team-mate Sergio Perez finishing in second.But his girlfriend, Kelly, opted to avoid the controversy surrounding Red Bull by partying in Paris instead.She posted a set of three photos to her Instagram from the exclusive Raffles hotel in Paris.Kelly opted for a black crop top with a black skirt and knee length black leather boots in the photo dump.READ MORE ON F1Kelly is a model that has appeared in the likes of Vogue, she is the daughter of F1 legend Nelson Piquet.She boasts 1.4million followers on Instagram who were all too happy to comment on her latest look.One fan wrote: “Stunning ! 😍”A second fan commented: “Beautiful, as always. Happy couple with @maxverstappen1 ❤️❤️”Most read in MotorsportShe is a successful modelCredit: instagram @kellypiquetAnd has appeared in VogueCredit: Instagram @kellypiquetShe is often seen in the paddock with MaxCredit: GettyBut she swerved this week’s raceCredit: GettyA third fan posted: “STUNNING AS USUAL ❤️❤️”While a fourth said: “Such a queen.”Verstappen breaks silence on Christian Horner ‘sexting’ probe as pressure mounts on Red Bull 3 weeks after shock claimsKelly’s swerve of Bahrain comes as her potential future father-in-law, Jos Verstappen, denied being the person behind the “leaked texts” that have rocked Red Bull team principal Horner.She has modelled for several top companiesCredit: GettyAnd is the daughter of F1 legend NelsonCredit: GettyShe often posts updates on her holidays on InstagramCredit: instagram @kellypiquetShe’s a regular on the red carpetCredit: Getty More

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      ‘Spiritual’ Geri Halliwell wore bracelet to ‘ward off evil’ as she stood beside scandal-hit hubby Christian Horner at F1

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      GERI Halliwell was seen wearing a spiritual bracelet to “ward off evil” as she stood beside scandal-hit Christian Horner. The Spice Girl, 51, presented a united front with the under-fire F1 Red Bull boss ­yesterday at the Bahrain Grand Prix.Geri Halliwell wearing the spiritual red braceletCredit: GettyIt is believed she wore the sacred thread to ‘ward off evil’ as she stood beside scandal-hit HornerCredit: SplashThe scandal-hit couple were pictured holding handsCredit: GettyHorner and Geri pictured together after the race smilingCredit: PAChristian and Geri Horner kiss before the Bahrain Grand PrixCredit: PAThe pair was mobbed by photographers as they walked along the paddockCredit: GettyShe had landed in the Middle East on Thursday night, as a torrent of sexually suggestive WhatsApp messages and ­pictures between Horner, 50, and a female employee rocked the F1 world. Despite the storm surrounding her marriage with scandal-hit Horner, Geri showed up at the Bahrain Grand Prix to watch her husband mastermind a dominant victory for world champion Max Verstappen.However, the pop icon was seen bringing out her spiritual side in a bid to protect her troubled Horner.Pictures showed Geri wearing a red string bracelet on her left wrist to display her commitment to the Jewish spiritual teachings of Kabbalah, a belief that she has long followed. read more about the scandal Wearing the sacred bracelet wards off “evil and misfortune”, it is believed. Sources close to the pop icon suggest Geri has become increasingly spiritual over the years and has been mediating lately to help deal with the pressure her husband brought on their marriage. One source told the Mail: “Geri is into a lot of hippy-dippy spiritual healing, she really believes in it and has been trying to use it a lot recently. “Meditation is her big thing, she swears by it.”Most read in MotorsportThe spice girl even wore her signature white dress as she showed her “bravery” and put on a show of solidarity After the shocking sexting claims, Geri was said to have “felt like a fool” for trusting her “prince charming” husband after he played down the messages.Christian Horner breaks silence on alleged leaksThe singer is now facing “the biggest decision of her life” as she is deciding what the next move in her marriage with Horner will be, her friends said.Friends of the star reportedly stated it would “break her heart” to end things with Christian as she sees him as the man she’s waited for since she was a little girl.An insider said: “She acts on impulse a lot. She has a temper on her, that’s for sure, and doesn’t Christian know it?It is understood Geri went “into meltdown” when she landed in Bahrain and discovered Horner’s sext leak.But she still put up a public display of affection in a bid to support her scandal-hit husband. Ginger Spice strode hand-in-hand with her ­husband to a hospitality area ahead of the race yesterday.They shared an awkward hug before Horner leaned in to plant a cringey kiss on his wife’s cheek while putting his arm around her back.After Red Bull’s world champ Max Verstappen stormed to victory in the season opener yesterday, Geri was clasped tightly by her husband as she flashed a forced-looking smile for the cameras.The troubled couple stood next to Red Bull’s key shareholder Chalerm YoovidhyaCredit: SplashRedbull man Max Verstappen shaking hands with FIA president Mohammed Ben Sulayem after winning the Grand PrixCredit: RexHorner was all smiles after the race despite the looming scandalThe public displays of affection came as showbiz sources said Geri had considered the future of her nine-year marriage to Horner, father of her seven-year-old son.One close to the singer said: “A lot of people who know her are astonished by this show of support. “There is absolutely no doubt she is furious and has read him the riot act over what has happened.”The string of shock sexts by Horner to a female colleague was leaked after the F1 boss was cleared last week in a Red Bull probe.The tranche of messages and photos show details of private conversations between the F1 boss and an unknown staffer who appears to be a woman.The series of WhatsApp messages, which also mention Horner’s wife Geri Halliwell, were sent from an anonymous email to hundreds of journalists.Some of them seemed to show him asking the woman for pictures and in others he appears to discuss a solo sex act in a plane toilet.READ MORE SUN STORIES Horner said he “won’t comment on anonymous speculation” after material reported to have been part of Red Bull’s recent inquiry into him was leaked.The racing chief previously refused to comment on the leaked WhatsApp sexts, which were sent anonymously to F1 bosses and media outlets on Thursday.How Christian Horner’s shock texts were leakedBy Ben Hunt
      IT was an anonymous email sent and designed for maximum impact.
      It landed in my inbox almost 24 hours to the minute since Christian Horner was cleared of any wrongdoing following Red Bull’s internal investigation.
      Other names included Liberty Media chief Greg Maffei, who owns the rights to F1. The FIA president, Mohammed Ben Sulayem and F1 CEO Stefano Dominacali.
      The F1 team bosses were also included for good measure. As was Max Verstappen’s father, Jos.
      It was from an anonymous sender, the title was simply the date – ‘Feb Twenty Nine’.
      Inside it was a Google Drive link containing 79 files claiming to be the evidence from the independent investigation.
      There is no way of knowing if they were real or fake yet irrespectively it sent another shockwave through the F1 paddock before this season had even started.
      Horner was sitting on the team’s pitwall during second practice in Bahrain when the email dropped.
      After the session, he walked out of the team’s garage and into the hospitality unit where he remained as the nuclear fallout began.
      He’d survived the outcome of the internal investigation into improper conduct following a complaint from a female colleague.
      One wonders whether he will survive this time after this very public humiliation – again, irrespective if they were indeed real or fake.
      Just hours earlier, McLaren’s CEO Zak Brown and Mercedes boss Toto Wolff, called on the sport’s governing body, the FIA, demanding transparency.
      “I just read the statement, which was pretty basic,” said Wolff. “My personal opinion is we can’t really look behind the curtain.
      “There is a lady in an organisation that has spoken to HR and said there was an issue and it was investigated and yesterday the sport has received the message that it’s all fine, we’ve looked at it.
      “I believe with the aspiration as a global sport, on such critical topics, it needs more transparency and I wonder what the sport’s position is?
      “We’re competitors, we’re a team and we can have our own personal opinions or not. But it’s more like a general reaction or action that we as a sport need to assess, what is right in that situation and what is wrong.
      “Are we talking with the right moral approach, with the values based on the speculation that is out there? As a sport, we cannot afford to leave things vague and opaque on critical topics like this, because this is going to catch us out.”
      Brown added: “It’s the responsibility ultimately of the organisers of Formula One, the owners of Formula One, to make sure that all the racing teams and the personnel and the drivers and everyone else involved in the sport are operating in a manner in which we all live by.
      “I don’t think it’s the teams’ roles and responsibilities. That’s up to FIA and Formula One to ultimately decide and ask what they feel gives them the level of transparency they need to ultimately come to their conclusion and we just have to count on them that they fulfil that obligation to all of us.”
      The emailed file will only increase that pressure in the form of scrutiny on Horner – who has always denied the accusations.
      It does also put Red Bull in a tricky position.
      Should the emailed file be legitimate and have made up elements from the initial report, which had been thoroughly examined and presented by the independent KC, then surely this is nothing new to them and their decision to stick with their team principal remains.
      To perform a u-turn on that simply now they have become public would possibly see criticism that they intended to keep their report private to save face.
      Whatever the outcome, it is a mess for the world champions.Reports of a wedge driven between Horner and Verstappen’s father have grown in recent weeks.
      So it was interesting that Jos Verstappen was in the paddock and wearing a team jacket and seemed unmoved to the chaos happening around him

      Geri landed in Bahrain on Thursday night but hadn’t been seen until todayA smiling Christian Horner was seen today at the Bahrain Grand PrixChristian Horner and Geri Halliwell pictured together during the raceCredit: Getty More

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      Max Verstappen could be forced to LEAVE Red Bull after dad’s explosive row with Christian Horner & sext scandal

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      MAX Verstappen could be forced to turn to Mercedes after the in-fighting at Red Bull turned toxic.The F1 world champion was dragged into the explosive row that went nuclear after his father, Jos Verstappen, called for Christian Horner’s head.Max Verstappen is in the middle of a toxic row between his dad and his team principalCredit: GettyMax pictured with dad Jos Verstappen, 51, at the Bahrain Grand PrixCredit: GettyRed Bull Racing Team Principal Christian Horner talks with Jos in the Paddock prior to practice ahead of Saturday’s raceCredit: GettyIt threatens to rip Red Bull apart as Max Verstappen has to choose between his dad or the boss of his team.And paddock sources believe Jos Verstappen’s friendship with Mercedes boss Toto Wolff could see the F1 star jump ship and take the seat left vacant by Ferrari-bound Lewis Hamilton.Verstappen Snr blew his top – and his cover – after his bombshell comments about the Red Bull chief following a turbulent few days here in Bahrain.The Dutchman said Red Bull Racing will “explode” if Horner remains team principal.Read more on Max VerstappenHe said: “There is tension here while he remains in position.”The team is in danger of being torn apart. It can’t go on the way it is.”It will explode.”He is playing the victim, when he is causing the problems.”Most read in MotorsportHorner was cleared of inappropriate behaviour following an internal investigation after a complaint was raised by a female colleague.However, 24 hours later an anonymous email leaked damning WhatsApp messages claiming to be evidence that formed part of the report.Verstappen breaks silence on Christian Horner ‘sexting’ probe as pressure mounts on Red Bull 3 weeks after shock claimsHorner would not comment on the images, whose release now seem to be targeted as an orchestrated smear campaign looking to destroy him.He has not mentioned if they are real or fabricated, either.It is not known whether Verstappen Snr has any knowledge of the alleged plot to force Horner out, but their friendship is now in tatters.Horner was given a clear show of support at the Bahrain GP as he was joined by his wife Geri Halliwell.They chatted with Charlene de Carvalho-Heineken, the Dutch billionaire businesswoman who owns 25 percent of the second-largest brewer in the world bearing her surname, making her the richest person in the Netherlands.Heineken are just one of the many team partners but the fact of her position within Verstappen’s home country had not gone unnoticed.Perhaps the most significant level of business support came from Chalerm Yoovidhya, the Thai co-owner of Red Bull, who before the race posed with Horner for photographs in front of Max Verstappen’s car.The reason why Verstappen Snr allegedly planted himself at the centre of the controversy remains unknown.Paddock rumours suggest the two have been at loggerheads for months.Jos, a former team-mate of Michael Schumacher, reportedly had a blazing row in Horner’s paddock office after the qualifying race on Friday night.He is said to have left the office before returning to shake the Red Bull principal’s hand, the Mail reported.When asked if he was involved behind Horner’s sext leak, Jos strongly denied the claims, saying: “That wouldn’t make sense.”Why would I do that when Max is doing so well here?”The Sun alleged on Saturday how a mole inside the Red Bull camp had detonated the emailed file to F1 personnel, which claimed to be evidence from the private hearing into a complaint.Horner, 50, had always denied the allegations and was cleared by Red Bull to continue in his role on Wednesday after the employee’s claim for grievance was dismissed.The email file dump – known as Google Drive To Survive in the paddock – turned that on its head with Horner defiant he is staying put.Verstappen responded after his son’s win in the opening race of the season saying: “There is tension here while he remains in position.The team is in danger of being torn apart. It can’t go on the way it is. It will explode.”A former F1 driver himself, he achieved two podiums in 106 races.However, he has also been the subject of some scrutiny.After an incident in 1998 at a karting track where another man suffered a fractured skull, he avoided a suspended jail sentence after agreeing an out-of-court settlement with the victim.Ten years later, he appeared in court, charged with assaulting his wife, Sophie Kumpen.He was found not guilty of assault, but guilty of threatening Kumpen in text messages and of violating a previously issued restraining order.He was fined and sentenced to three months probational, suspended prison sentence.And in January 2012, he was arrested following accusations that he drove a car into his ex-girlfriend but was released two weeks later after the charge was withdrawn.He has overseen his son’s career like a hawk and now, with a wedge drive between himself and Horner, it leaves Max Verstappen in an awkward position.The 26-year-old looks to have a straight choice of picking one side of the other.Should he choose his father – and Red Bull stick by their decision to keep Horner – it only points one way.And that is an early exit from his contract with Red Bull.Added weight is given to the rumour that Jos Verstappen met with Wolff in Bahrain and that Mercedes are investing heavily in their engine division to ensure they have the best power unit for the 2026 season.For that season, Red Bull Racing will launch a new partnership with Ford with many believing the Silver Arrows will have a clear advantage.READ MORE SUN STORIESOn Saturday night after Verstappen’s victory, Wolff was asked about the prospect of whether he would be driving for his team in 2025.Wolff said: “A driver will always choose the quickest car, that is fundamentally what it is all about.”Max celebrates his GP victory in Bahrain alongside Horner and the Oracle Red Bull Racing teamCredit: GettyHorner and Verstappen hug each other in celebration on Saturday nightCredit: Getty More

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      Max Verstappen’s dad forced to DENY leaking Christian Horner sexts in Red Bull civil war after explosive row in Bahrain

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      MAX Verstappen’s dad denied being behind Christian Horner’s sext leak after the pair’s explosive paddock row at the Bahrain Grand Prix.Jos Verstappen, 51, also made bombshell comments just as Horner and wife Geri Halliwell put up a strong and united front on Saturday.Jos Verstappen (right) pictured with his son Max as they arrive at the Bahrain Grand Prix on SaturdayCredit: GettyWorld champion Max brought the first GP home to Red Bull in a great start for the 2024 F1 seasonCredit: GettyRed Bull boss Christian Horner and his wife Geri Halliwell put on a united front as the pair was rocked by Horner’s sext leakCredit: GettyHorner embraces his wife Geri as he talks to Red Bull key shareholder Chalerm YoovidhyaCredit: SplashJos, a former team-mate of Michael Schumacher, reportedly had a blazing row in Horner’s paddock office after the qualifying race on Friday night.He is said to have left the office before returning to shake the Red Bull principal’s hand, the Mail reported.When asked if he was involved behind Horner’s sext leak, Jos strongly denied the claims, saying: “That wouldn’t make sense.”Why would I do that when Max is doing so well here?”Read more on Christian hornerVerstappen Snr previously said Red Bull Racing will “explode” if Horner remains team principal.He said: “There is tension here while he remains in position.”The team is in danger of being torn apart. It can’t go on the way it is. “It will explode.Most read in Motorsport”He is playing the victim, when he is causing the problems.”Christian Horner gives defiant seven-word statment amid sext leak storm after Bahrain Grand Prix winAnd now Max Verstappen could be forced to turn into Mercedes after his dad’s explosive row with Christian Horner.It threatens to rip Red Bull apart as Max has to choose between his father or the boss of his team.And paddock sources believe Jos Verstappen’s friendship with Mercedes boss Toto Wolff could see the F1 star jump ship and take the seat left vacant by Ferrari-bound Lewis Hamilton.Wolff also stoked fires over Horner’s scandal, calling for more transparency as the F1 must “set their compass right”.Wolff questioned Red Bull Racing’s handling of the probe and sext scandal and called on the FIA to act on it, the Mail reported.That includes FIA president Mohammad ben Sulayem and F1 chief executive Stefano Domenicali, who were both among the 149 recipients of Horner’s sext messages.Speaking after Saturday’s Bahrain Grand Prix, Toto said: “Let’s see where it goes in the next few days.”I would very much hope that the governing body and the commercial rights’ holder set the compass right.”But the moment I continue to question how this has been handled, I am probably not doing any good to the whole issue, because then it could be seen as this just being about a power fight within F1.”That’s why it should not be in the team’s [Red Bull’s] hands.The Mercedes boss added: “It’s a much bigger topic than that and I don’t want to diminish the whole situation by making it seem like the Mercedes guy is talking about the Red Bull guys.”Jos Verstappen, former team-mate of Michael Schumacher, said Red Bull Racing will ‘explode’ if Horner remains as team principalCredit: GettyMercedes team boss Toto Wolff is calling the FIA to take matters into their own handsCredit: GettyHorner and his colleague Dr Helmut Marko at a Grand PrixCredit: GettyThe scandal surrounding Christian Horner comes amid long-term tensions 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.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.It comes asOn Saturday, Geri Halliwell shared an ­awkward hug and a cringey kiss with hubby Christian Horner amid the sexts leak.The Spice Girl, 51, presented a united front with the under-fire F1 Red Bull boss before and after ­yesterday’s Bahrain Grand Prix.She had landed in the Middle East on Thursday night, as a torrent of sexually suggestive WhatsApp messages and ­pictures between Horner, 50, and a female employee began to circulate worldwide.Sources said furious Geri “read the riot act” to him but put on a brave face for the cameras — to her husband’s “relief”.Ginger Spice — in high heels, a white designer dress and clutching a Hermes bag — strode hand-in-hand with her ­husband to a hospitality area ahead of the race yesterday.Horner then leaned in to plant an ­awkward kiss on his wife’s cheek while putting his arm around her back.After Red Bull’s world champ Max Verstappen stormed to victory in the season opener yesterday, Geri was clasped tightly by her husband as she flashed a forced-looking smile for the cameras.Horner gushed: “It’s been the best ­possible start to the season, very clinical and well-executed. The perfect start.”The public displays of affection came as showbiz sources said Geri had considered the future of her nine-year marriage to Horner, father of her seven-year-old son.One close to the singer said: “A lot of people who know her are astonished by this show of support. There is absolutely no doubt she is furious and has read him the riot act over what has happened.”Meanwhile, Horner took to Instagram to express his gratitude to the Red Bull Racing team.He hailed the “perfect start to the season” after his team won at the Bahrain Grand Prix on Saturday.Boss Horner congratulated driver Max Verstappen following his win.The victory was secured despite the build up to the race being dominated by one topic – the internal investigation into Horner surrounding claims of inappropriate behaviour towards a female colleague.In a post on Saturday night, Horner thanked his “hard working team” and their support.He wrote: “What a weekend. The perfect start to the season.READ MORE SUN STORIES”A big thank you to all the hard working team back in Milton Keynes for all their work over the winter to produce another great and very competitive car.”To our stakeholders, illustrious partners and everyone here in Bahrain, thank you for your unending support and commitment to get us off to the best possible start.”Pictures showed Geri Horner and her husband sharing an intimate moment before the opening race of the seasonCredit: GettyHorner and Geri seen holding hands yesterday at the Bahrain GPCredit: GettyThe couple was seen together and smiling at the Bahrain Grand PrixHorner and Geri pictured together after the race smilingCredit: PAA 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 More

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      Geri Halliwell ‘read Christian the riot act’ behind scenes in Bahrain as friends are ‘astonished’ at show of support

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      GERI Halliwell shared an ­awkward hug and a cringey kiss with hubby Christian Horner amid the sexts leak — but there were “fireworks” behind the scenes, sources said last night.The Spice Girl, 51, presented a united front with the under-fire F1 Red Bull boss before and after ­yesterday’s Bahrain Grand Prix.Geri Halliwell shared an ­awkward hug and a cringey kiss with hubby Christian Horner amid the sexts leakCredit: GettyThe Spice Gir presented a united front with the under-fire F1 Red Bull boss before and after ­yesterday’s Bahrain Grand PrixCredit: GettyBut sources said last night there were ‘fireworks’ behind the scenesCredit: EPAShe had landed in the Middle East on Thursday night, as a torrent of sexually suggestive WhatsApp messages and ­pictures between Horner, 50, and a female employee began to circulate worldwide.Sources said furious Geri “read the riot act” to him but put on a brave face for the cameras — to her husband’s “relief”.Ginger Spice — in high heels, a white designer dress and clutching a Hermes bag — strode hand-in-hand with her ­husband to a hospitality area ahead of the race yesterday.Horner then leaned in to plant an ­awkward kiss on his wife’s cheek while putting his arm around her back.Read More on SportAfter Red Bull’s world champ Max Verstappen stormed to victory in the season opener yesterday, Geri was clasped tightly by her husband as she flashed a forced-looking smile for the cameras.Horner gushed: “It’s been the best ­possible start to the season, very clinical and well-executed. The perfect start.”The public displays of affection came as showbiz sources said Geri had considered the future of her nine-year marriage to Horner, father of her seven-year-old son.One close to the singer said: “A lot of people who know her are astonished by this show of support. There is absolutely no doubt she is furious and has read him the riot act over what has happened.Most read in Motorsport“There are questions about her future with him and she let him know in no uncertain terms. It’s uncertain whether their marriage will survive but she is ­giving it a good chance by showing him support, at least in public.“But deep down she must be hurt, humiliated and very, very angry. However, this does at least show she hasn’t gone nuclear and run to the first expensive divorce lawyer she can find.”Christian Horner gives defiant seven-word statment amid sext leak storm after Bahrain Grand Prix winThe messages were leaked after Horner was cleared last week in a Red Bull probe. Some of them seemed to show him asking the woman for pictures and in others he appears to discuss a solo sex act in a plane toilet.The source continued: “The texts leak moved the goalposts — and Geri was furious about it. “When Christian first told her about the situation, he said he had fallen out with a woman who wanted promotion and more responsibility in Red Bull. “So he sold it to Geri as a workplace row and she accepted that. So Geri is now fuming that there appears to be more to this.”An F1 paddock source said: “Christian is relieved and thrilled by Geri’s show of support. “He was really happy she had flown out and was with him. “They had time to discuss everything and she must have accepted his explanations to a point to turn out to support him.”The public displays of affection came as showbiz sources said Geri had considered the future of her nine-year marriage to HornerCredit: PAGeri reportedly knew the staffer at the centre of the sexts storm, and sources said she had visited the couple’s London homeCredit: PAHowever, last night Jos Verstappen, 51, dad of star Red Bull driver Max, told the Mail: “There is tension here while he remains in position.”The team is in danger of being torn apart. It can’t go on the way it is. It will explode. He is playing the victim, when he is causing the problems.”Verstappen Snr reportedly had a blazing row in Horner’s paddock office after the qualifying race on Friday night. He is said to have left the office before returning to shake the Red Bull principal’s hand.Geri reportedly knew the staffer at the centre of the sexts storm, and sources said she had visited the couple’s London home.However, showbiz insiders said the Spice Girl’s spirituality and religious beliefs have helped to edge her towards forgiving her husband. Geri, who often wears a crucifix around her neck, turned to Christianity in 2001 when she went on a ten-week Alpha course on the Bible.She previously told The Sun that she conceived in her mid-40s after praying to God to get pregnant naturally.Our source added: “Her Christianity is helping Christian because — although angry — she believes in forgiveness and wants to keep her family together.”READ MORE SUN STORIESHorner — cleared of “coercive behaviour” in a three-week probe — has not commented on the leaked messages.On Thursday, he said: “I won’t comment on anonymous speculation but have always denied the allegations.” BECKS’ SHOW IN THE SNOW
      By Jane Atkinson
      GERI Halliwell has followed in the footsteps of her fellow Spice Girl Victoria Beckham who famously put on a stage-managed display of affection with husband David while their marriage was in trouble.
      In 2004, the Beckhams went to the French Alps after he was accused of cheating with Rebecca Loos.
      They hit the slopes, had a playfight then — like Christian Horner yesterday — David kissed his wife.
      In their Netflix documentary last year, Victoria said it was their “hardest period”, adding: “It felt like the world was against us. And here’s the thing — we were against each other.”
      David added: “We needed to fight for our family. And what we had was worth fighting for.” More

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      Meet Christian Horner’s boss and Red Bull owner worth nearly 27 times more than Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo combined

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      ALLEGED “leaked texts” have put Christian Horner’s position as Team Principal of Red Bull into doubt – but he does still have the support of the most powerful man at Red Bull.The British boss was cleared of wrongdoing by his team’s internal investigation on Wednesday, but less than 24 hours later was hit by a dossier of texts being leaked to journalists and F1 team principals.Chalerm Yoovidhya and wife Daranee, were pictured alongside Christian and Geri HornerCredit: GettyIt’s a clear indication that Red Bull’s most important man is standing by his team principalCredit: AFPThe investigation into Horner, relating to accusations of “inappropriate behaviour” began in February, and has seen his previously untouchable position at Red Bull put into doubt.Crucially for Horner, though, he has the support of majority Red Bull shareholder Chalerm Yoovidhya, 73.The Thai businessman is estimated by Forbes to have a net worth of £26.8billion.That’s almost 27 times the net worth of Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo, thought to be worth nearly £1bn between them.READ MORE ON CHRISTIAN HORNERYoovidhya inherited much of his wealth when his father, Chaleo died in 2012 – although he was involved in running the Red Bull conglomerate before that.He owns 51 per cent of the Red Bull company and has the power of veto on shareholder decisions, making him a very important ally for Horner to have.Although not a great deal is known about the Thai businessman’s personal life, he lives in Bangkok and has three children – all potential heirs in the Red Bull dynasty.According to the Daily Mail, he is thought to be incredibly loyal to Horner, and has put down any attempts from within the team to get rid of him.Most read in MotorsportThe businessman has been pictured with both Christian and Geri Horner several times and is thought to have a good personal relationship with the couple.A power vacuum has been present at Red Bull since the death of Dietrich Mateschtiz who passed away in 2022.Motor racing world in ‘disbelief’ at Christian Horner alleged leaked messagesMateschitz founded Red Bull alongside Chaleo Yoovidhya in 1984 in a joint Austrian and Thai venture.Dietrich’s death saw his son Mark, 31, inherit his 49 per cent of shares and while Dietrich was an avid supporter of Horner, Mark is not thought to be.He is allegedly joined in the power struggle against Horner by Oliver Mintzlaff, who oversees Red Bull’s other sporting operations as well as F1, Helmut Marko and Max Verstappen’s father Jos, according to The Mail.They claim that Mark, along with the Austrian faction of Red Bull wanted Horner to be dispatched “quickly” while the investigation was still ongoing.But the support of Chalern Yoovidhya and the Thai branch of Red Bull has seen Horner remain as Red Bull’s team principal. More

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      Christian Horner makes first Instagram post since sext leak storm & hails ‘perfect start to season’ after Bahrain GP win

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      CHRISTIAN Horner has taken to Instagram to express his gratitude to the Red Bull Racing team.He hailed the “perfect start to the season” after his team won at the Bahrain Grand Prix today.Christian Horner hugged Max Verstappen after his win todayCredit: Instagram/@christianhornerHorner posted on Instagram for the first time since his scandalCredit: Instagram/@christianhornerSpice Girl Geri was seen in Bahrain supporting her husbandCredit: PABoss Horner congratulated driver Max Verstappen following his win.The victory was secured despite the build up to the race being dominated by one topic – the internal investigation into Horner surrounding claims of inappropriate behaviour towards a female colleague.In a post on Saturday night, Horner thanked his “hard working team” and their support.He wrote: “What a weekend. The perfect start to the season.read more on horner”A big thank you to all the hard working team back in Milton Keynes for all their work over the winter to produce another great and very competitive car.”To our stakeholders, illustrious partners and everyone here in Bahrain, thank you for your unending support and commitment to get us off to the best possible start.”The post comes after Horner was pictured on his own today walking into the paddock ahead of the race.Geri Halliwell, 51, was later seen standing by her husband despite the shock bombshell leak. Most read in MotorsportThe trove of texts sent anonymously to F1 bosses and media outlets confirmed Horner did send inappropriate messages behind his wife Geri Halliwell’s back, despite being cleared in a Red Bull probe.The team boss refused to comment on the leaked WhatsApp sexts.Christian Horner gives defiant seven-word statment amid sext leak storm after Bahrain Grand Prix winSome of the grubby messages were reported, including a request for a “Santa PJ selfie”.He also regularly joked about Spanx, telling the woman she looks “attractive” in them.In another, Horner starts by asking if he can make a “confession”.He then describes a trip on a private jet to Dubai where he claims that the woman got him “out of control”.It was reported that the Red Bull chief – who has won 13 world titles since heading the team as a 31-year-old in 2005 – had been hauled in for crisis talks with F1 bosses.The tension was palpable down in the paddock, with Red Bull team members avoiding mentioning the simmering scandal, other than the odd whisper.Horner was also seen holding hands with his wife after the race.An emotional Horner had said: “I have the support of an incredible family, an incredible wife, an incredible team and everybody within that team.READ MORE SUN STORIES”And my focus is going racing, winning racing and doing the best I can.”It was a day about starting the season in the best possible way. My focus is on this team, my family, my wife and racing.” More

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      Two F1 chiefs ‘QUIT’ as team part-owned by Hollywood duo suffer nightmare start to the season at Bahrain Grand Prix

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      TWO chiefs at Alpine have quit as the team suffered a horror start to the new F1 season.Both technical director Matt Harman and head of aerodynamics Dirk de Beer have resigned.Technical director Matt Harman has quit Alpine as the team made a horror start to the F1 seasonCredit: AFPThis year’s first race took place in Bahrain today as Red Bull’s Max Verstappen cruised to victory. He lapped both Alpine drivers Esteban Ocon and Pierre Gasly.The French duo finished 17th and 18th in the Bahrain GP.It is understood Harman and De Beer resigned prior to the opening race weekend of the season due to the “uncompetitive” testing of the car.READ MORE IN F1It remains unclear when they will leave as they work out their notice periods.They are the latest chiefs to leave after principal Otmar Szafnauer and sporting director Alan Permane quit halfway through last year’s Belgian GP.Experienced engineer Pat Fry left for rivals Williams and CEO Laurent Rossi also departed last season.CASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSAlpine are part-owned by Hollywood actors Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney.Most read in MotorsportThey joined with Otro Capital and RedBird Capital Partners to take a 24 per cent share of the team that used to be known as Renault.Jeremy Clarkson and Kaleb Cooper deliver beer to Alpine F1 Racing Team headquarters after Esteban Ocon achieved a podium positionTheir latest business move after buying football club Wrexham supposedly cost them £170million.NFL star Travis Kelce, boyfriend of pop sensation Taylor Swift, also owns a small portion of Alpine.Alpine have declined to comment on Harman and De Beer’s resignations. More