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      Red Bull forced to respond to bombshell claim team owners are ‘considering FIRING Christian Horner’ over sexting scandal

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      RED BULL Racing has been forced to respond to shocking claims that they’ve changed tactics and are considering firing Christian Horner.Reports over the weekend said shareholders were looking at axing the Formula One boss after his embarrassing sexting scandal.Christian and Geri at the Saudi Arabia Grand Prix over the weekendReports have surfaced that Horner, who earns £8million a year, could lose his jobTensions within the Red Bull team have been strained in recent weeksWhat started as Horner’s personal controversy has morphed into a power struggle within Red Bull in recent weeks.Outlets including Bild and F1-Insider reported yesterday that Red Bull’s major Thai shareholder could have changed his mind about keeping Horner on.Erik van Haren, the journalist who broke the story, reported that a spokesperson for the racing camp was forced to respond and quell rumours of a firing following the bombshell claims.They said: “As Christian has said, he is grateful for the full support of the shareholders and that remains the case.”READ MORE CHRISTIAN HORNERThe shareholder in question, Chalerm Yoodivhya, has been an ally to Horner, 50, through weeks of embarrassing revelations after allegations made by a female colleague.But the Thai businessman, who owns a whopping 51% of Red Bull, met with partners on Sunday to potentially discuss next steps, the Telegraph reports.And F1 Insider said that other high-profile Red Bull names including Mark Mateschitz and Oliver Mintzlaff are set to look at his future before the Australian Grand Prix on March 24.While Horner was cleared of the colleague’s initial accusations of controlling behaviour on February 28 – the company turmoil did not end there.Most read in MotorsportJust 24 hours later a dossier of the father-of-two’s embarrassing and seedy text messages were leaked.The intimate messages raised questions about Red Bull’s international investigation and put the spotlight firmly on wife Geri Halliwell’s appearance in Bahrain days later.While the couple put on a public – if awkward – display of support for the F1 opener, reports suggest things behind the scenes are rocky.The former Spice Girl, 51, reportedly laid down the law for his behaviour moving forwards and demanded he cut off contact with the woman.She was later suspended from Red Bull.Tensions within the team itself have also been steadily increasing for weeks.The biggest rift so far has sprung up between Horner and his star driver – Max Verstappen’s – father Jos.Jos, 52, has backed Horner’s accuser and has called for £8million-a-year Horner to be axed, accusing the boss of ripping the team apart.SCANDAL… LAP BY LAP
      FEBRUARY 5: A Dutch newspaper reports a female Red Bull employee has made serious allegations of “inappropriate, controlling behaviour” about Horner to parent company Red Bull GmbH.
      FEB 9: Horner is quizzed for nine hours by the lawyer hired by Red Bull to investigate.
      FEB 15: He denies the allegations and says they are a distraction for the team.
      FEB 15: F1 says it hopes the matter will be clarified at the earliest opportunity after a fair and thorough process.
      FEB 26: Red Bull’s engine partner Ford says it is increasingly frustrated by the team’s handling of the complaint.
      FEB 28: Horner is cleared of all wrongdoing. The employee is said to have the right of appeal.
      FEB 29: Horner says he is pleased the investigation is over.
      FEB 29: WhatsApp texts and pictures claimed to be between Horner and the employee are sent to journalists and F1.
      MARCH 1: Horner refuses to comment on what he calls “anonymous speculation from unknown sources”.
      MAR 2: Horner and wife Geri are pictured hand-in-hand, as Red Bull’s Max Verstappen wins the Bahrain Grand Prix. Horner says before the race: “It’s been very testing for my family but we are very strong and our focus is on this race.”
      MAR 3: Verstappen’s dad Jos, claims Red Bull is in “danger of being torn apart” if Horner stays in the job. He denies being the source of the WhatsApp leak, saying: “It can’t go on the way it is. It will explode. He is playing the victim, when he is the one causing the problems.”
      MAR 6: Max Verstappen sides with his dad in the row.
      MAR 7: Horner says he wants to draw a line under the scandal and hails Geri’s support — as Red Bull suspends the employee.

      A source told The Sun said over the weekend: “Christian’s enemies are making it clear they will not give up.“But he and Geri are staying strong and will face them down.”Christian will be back at work at Red Bull’s HQ first thing on Monday to get on with the business of running his team and winning races.”And on Saturday at the Saudi races, Horner hugged and shared a joke with Red Bull’s CEO Franz Watzlawick on the grid before the race as both parties tried to draw a line under their recent spat.READ MORE SUN STORIESEven Helmut Marko, the outspoken Austrian who works as Red Bull’s motorsport advisor and who had clearly aligned himself with Horner’s rival, Jos Verstappen, appealed for calm – just 24 hours after hinting he could be suspended.Horner has saluted his “phenomenally supportive” wife but insisted it was time to “draw a line” under the scandal.Max Verstappen with his dad Jos – who has called for Horner to be firedHorner with Red Bull’s CEO Franz WatzlawickGeri Horner – former Spice Girl – holding her and Christian’s son Monty More

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      Brit F1 sensation Oliver Bearman’s law student and TikTok star girlfriend set for modelling career after lavish shoot

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      FORMULA 1 prodigy Oliver Bearman looks set to watch TikTok star girlfriend Estelle Ogilvy begin her modelling career.Law student Estelle, 21, is reportedly in a relationship with the 18-year-old racing driver – who made his F1 debut over the weekend.Oliver Bearman and Estelle Ogilvy are reportedly datingEstelle is studying a postgraduate law degreeCredit: Instagram / @silly_lettuceThe 21-year-old is also a TikTok starCredit: InstagramShe has 100,000 followers on InstagramCredit: Instagram/silly_lettuceBearman replaced Ferrari’s Carlos Sainz for the Saudi Arabian Grand Prix and impressed as he secured a seventh place finish.Now his reported partner Estelle looks poised for her own time in the spotlight after she took part in a photoshoot for Swiss watch company Longines.According to The Telegraph, the shoot was conducted in South Kensington back in December, with the online influencer snapped by well-known photographer James Kelly.Kelly has taken pictures for the likes of Dua Lipa and Kylie Minogue in the past. READ MORE IN F1Estelle was joined on the shoot by model and close friend India Rawsthorn.And while it has not yet been confirmed whether she has had any more shoots since then, she is racking up a substantial following online.Estelle regularly shares fashion and lifestyle-related posts on Instagram and TikTok – where she boasts 100,000 and 75,000 followers respectively.The majority of Estelle’s clips on TikTok feature her showing off her outfits.Most read in MotorsportEstelle also boasts 75,000 on TikTokCredit: Instagram/silly_lettuceShe often shares videos of her trying on outfitsCredit: TikTok/silly_lettuceEstelle will have been cheering Bearman on over the weekendCredit: Instagram/silly_lettuceShe often racks up tens of thousands of views on her short videos, which see her backing away from the camera and showing her followers what she is wearing.The influencer has also been known to film “Day in the Life” videos which have become a popular way for content creators to share their lives with their followers.Who is Ferrari’s new star Oliver BearmanOne of Estelle’s videos, a rundown of her favourite outfits from 2023, has over 150,000 views on TikTok.She has shared with her followers that she likes to shop on Vinted, the online marketplace that allows users to buy and sell secondhand items.The London resident is studying a Postgraduate Diploma in Law and plans to complete a Solicitors Qualifying Examination afterwards.Despite their romance reportedly going strong, Estelle and Bearman do not post about each other on social media.Bearman’s Ferrari team-mates are said to be “well aware” of his girlfriend and have supposedly “teased him” about being loved up.The Mail reports that Bearman’s fellow racers have been winding him up about his romance in recent TikTok videos referencing Estelle.She regularly shares fashion and lifestyle-related photosCredit: Instagram / @silly_lettuceEstelle took part in a lavish photoshoot in South Kensington back in DecemberCredit: Instagram / @silly_lettuce More

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      Blow to Christian Horner and Geri Halliwell as woman at centre of sexting scandal switches lawyers and is set to appeal

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      EMBATTLED racing boss Christian Horner shared loving snaps of wife Geri Halliwell on Mother’s Day — and thanked her for being there for the family.The Red Bull F1 chief — cleared of misconduct over sexting claims —posted two of Geri with their son Monty.Despite being cleared of misconduct, Christian Horner could be set to defend himself in the courts againCredit: GettyHorner and wife Geri were dismayed to learn that the F1 boss’ unidentified accuser has switched lawyers and is poised to appeal on last month’s verdictCredit: ReutersHe also added another of his mum, Sara.Horner, 50, wrote: “So appreciative of the mums in our family for everything they do.“We’re always grateful, today and every day.”Geri, 51, flew out to grand prix in Bahrain and Saudi Arabia to back her husband after an internal probed found in his favour over a colleague’s sexting claims.READ MORE ON CHRISTIAN HORNERBut the couple, who share three kids, were dismayed to learn the unidentified woman had switched lawyers and is poised to appeal.A source said: “Christian and Geri are braced for more fireworks but a thorough investigation has already found in his favour.“The woman’s honesty has been called into question and her evidence was shown to be flawed.”Horner and Geri flew home after Red Bull’s Max Verstappen and Sergio Perez grabbed a 1-2 triumph in Saudi Arabia.Most read in MotorsportMax’s father Jos, 52, has backed Horner’s accuser, who has been suspended from Red Bull’s UK HQ.He has called for £8million-a-year Horner to be axed.The Sun’s source added yesterday: “Christian’s enemies are making it clear they will not give up.“But he and Geri are staying strong and will face them down.F1’s Christian Horner says ‘time to draw a line’ on claims of inappropriate behaviour “Christian will be back at work at Red Bull’s HQ first thing on Monday to get on with the business of running his team and winning races.”Chris shared loving snaps of wife Geri and his children on Mother’s DayCredit: InstagramHorner thanked her for being there for the familyCredit: Instagram More

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      Mercedes star stripped of race win in rarely seen incident because team were too busy celebrating her victory

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      A MERCEDES star was stripped of a win after failing to realise the race was over in a rarely seen incident.A huge mix up meant the driver went past the chequered flag TWICE and was demoted from first to ninth.Mercedes-backed F1 Academy driver Doriane Pin saw her second race win stripped awayCredit: GettyPin had bizarrely continued racing after the race the had finished because she had not been told to stopCredit: RexRace Control handed Pin a 20-second penalty which demoted her from P1Credit: RexIt came in the all-female F1 Academy, which was enjoying it’s first weekend of the season in Saudi Arabia alongside the Formula One action.And while British 18-year-old Oliver Bearman took the headlines in F1 for his impressive P7 finish for Ferrari, it was a stripped race win for Doriane Pin which sparked controversy in the sister series.Pin, 20, had dominated on track throughout the weekend, claiming pole in qualifying before winning both of the weekend’s races.However, Mercedes-backed Pin saw her victory in the second race cruelly taken away in a rarely seen sequence of events. READ MORE IN F1After taking the chequered flag, Pin’s Prema team were busy celebrating the double win on the pit wall.But because her engineers were too busy toasting her success, Pin continued to drive around the Jeddah Corniche Circuit at race speed on what should have been the cooldown lap.Pin went on to complete two full laps before the red flag was shown to stop her.As a result of her driving much faster than she should have been, Race Control had to impose a drive-through penalty as per the rules, but because it could not be applied mid-race it was applied afterwards. Most read in MotorsportCHELTENHAM BETTING OFFERS – BEST FREE BET DEALS FOR THE FESTIVAL This converted into a 20-second time penalty and consequently caused Pin to drop to P9 in the standings, allowing Alpine junior Abbi Pulling to inherit the win in race two.F1 Academy explained: “Doriane Pin has received a drive-through penalty for crossing the chequered flag twice and completing two laps at full speed until the red flag was shown.Brit F1 sensation Oliver Bearman, 18, seals impressive 7th in first ever GP as Max Verstappen wins in Saudi Arabia”As the penalty could not be served in-race, it has been converted into a 20-second penalty added to her elapsed race time.”Following the race Pin said a radio issue meant she kept going at race speed as she was unsure whether it was the last lap or not.She said: “I had a little bit of an issue with the radio. I couldn’t hear anything by the engineers so I didn’t know if it was the last lap or not. I kept pushing in case it was.”It had not been evident on the broadcast as her engineer asked: “Doriane, what are you doing? It’s the chequered flag.” To which she replied: “You didn’t tell me!”One of the craziest things i’ve ever seen in racing. Dorian Pin wins the race, but her engineers are too busy celebrating to tell her, so she keeps barrelling down the track at full speed, to the confusion of everyone pic.twitter.com/PqKnAW7nTq— 2Fast2Sickos (@2Fast2Sickos) March 9, 2024

      After having the win stripped away, Pin took to social media to say: “An unfortunate end to an incredible first weekend in F1 Academy, the team and the car were amazing, but a post race penalty drops me to P9. “Will come back even stronger in Miami. Congrats to @AbbiPulling on P1.”The change sees Pulling also inherit the lead of the drivers championship with 44 points.Ferrari-coloured Maya Weug is also now above Pin on 33 points with the Pin herself sitting on 32 points, 14 clear of McLaren-backed Bianca Bustamante.READ MORE SUN STORIESThe next event for F1 Academy will be in Miami between May 3 and 5.Meanwhile, the next F1 race will be in Australia on March 24.🏁 Complete F1 2024 race calendar – details on every Grand Prix and start time this year 🏁  More

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      ‘We’re always grateful’, says Christian Horner as he hails wife Geri Halliwell in Mother’s Day post amid sexting scandal

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      RED Bull boss Christian Horner has shared a series of snaps of his wife Geri Halliwell to Instagram wishing her a happy Mother’s Day.The post comes amid the storm of controversy currently surrounding Geri’s marriage with scandal-hit Horner.Red Bull boss Christian Horner posted a tribute to his wife Geri on InstagramCredit: InstagramHorner said he was ‘always grateful’ for the mums in his familyCredit: InstagramThe couple cuddles up at the Saudi Arabian Grand Prix in Jeddah yesterdayCredit: ReutersTwo pictures showed Geri, 51, holding the couple’s seven-year-old son Monty, while a third picture showed his own mother Sara.Horner’s post read: “Happy Mother’s Day – So appreciative of the mums in our family for everything they do.”We’re always grateful, today and every day.”Horner, 50, and Geri have been married since 2015.Read more on Christian HornerThe F1 chief was cleared of any wrongdoing last month after a female colleague made bombshell claims about his behaviour.But a “sext bomb” of flirty messages supposedly sent by Horner to his accuser were then leaked to hundreds of journalists, keeping him – and his wife Geri – firmly in the limelight.In a display of unity, the Spice Girl joined her husband at the Saudi Arabian Grand Prix yesterday after his sext messages were leaked.Geri appeared red-eyed last week as she and Horner walked through the F1 paddock at the Bahrain Grand Prix, kissing and holding hands.Most read in MotorsportThe former popstar was understood to be mid-air, en route to Bahrain, when the hundreds of flirty messages were leaked.She appeared to be more relaxed yesterday in Jeddah.Spice Girl Geri Horner looks incredible as she slips into stylish swimsuit for lake day with her kidsInsiders said Geri had spent time relaxing in Dubai before the recent F1 event and was in a better frame of mind than in Bahrain when the Red Bull “sext bomb” had just dropped.Geri arrived at the trackside yesterday wearing a long-sleeved white dress cinched by a belt with a large gold clasp, chatting with Red Bull employees and cuddling up with Horner during the team’s podium celebrations.Body language Judi James expert told The Sun that there may have been more to the couple’s show of togetherness.She said Geri “appears to dominate her husband with her body language” and suggested her “very visible and quite dramatic profile” hinted that the display of unity “might be partly under her terms”.Geri is reportedly “in turmoil” over the sexting scandal and having “second thoughts” over the Spice Girls’ upcoming 30th anniversary reunion.A source told the Mail that she wants “a low-profile existence now”.It was said that Geri wanted Horner’s accuser, who worked at Red Bull’s HQ in Milton Keynes, Bucks, “out of the picture”.Horner was said to have found it impossible to comply as he and the woman had to be in regular contact at work.It comes asThe unidentified woman was suspended after the row hit breaking point and the “sexually suggestive” messages were leaked.A source told The Sun the employee was suspended on full pay while internal inquiries continued.There is no suggestion that Geri’s wish to have the woman taken “out of the picture” is what led to the suspension.Geri was said to be “too upset” to talk to “anyone” when news of the allegations broke last month.A defiant Horner this week insisted it was time to “draw a line” under the situation and “focus on what is going on on track”.He also heaped praise on his “phenomenally supportive” wife and admitted it had been a “trying” time.Horner said on Thursday: “My wife has been ­phenomenally supportive throughout this as have my family.READ MORE SUN STORIES”It’s obviously been a very trying period. I’m married and have three children.”When that intrusion includes your children and the scrutiny that is placed on my marriage, I’m very fortunate that I have a beautiful family and a very supportive wife. And I’m the only one that has been named in this.”Christian Horner also shared a snap of his own mother Sara in the Mother’s Day postCredit: InstagramThe Spice Girl appears to ‘dominate her husband’ by using most of their shared space, says a body language expertCredit: GettyHorner and Geri talk in the Paddock yesterday during the Saudi F1 Grand PrixCredit: GettyGeri and Horner hold hands at the Bahrain Grand Prix last weekCredit: Getty More

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      Oliver Bearman set to return to F1 next season with different team after beating Lewis Hamilton on debut for Ferrari

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      BRITISH F1 hero Oliver Bearman is set to be rewarded with a place in F1 next season with the Haas team.The 18-year-old finished seventh for Ferrari in the Saudi Arabian GP on Saturday after just an hour-long practice session and qualifying in 11th place the previous day.Oliver Bearman impressed on his Formula 1 debutCredit: GettyThe 18-year-old beat Lewis Hamilton in the FerrariCredit: The Mega AgencyBearman impressed Hamilton with his performanceCredit: GettyBearman, who was cheered on by his dad, was called up as an 11th hour replacement for Carlos Sainz who had appendicitis.Sainz underwent surgery in Jeddah and was unable to take part in qualifying or the race, giving Essex-born Bearman his big chance.And the Ferrari young driver is now poised to be signed for next season by Haas, as part of their partnership with the Italian team.Bearman, who will also compete in the Australian GP should Sainz not be passed fit, will otherwise resume this season in Formula 2.READ MORE BEARMANHowever, he has already impressed Ferrari-bound Lewis Hamilton, who will join the Italian team next season.Hamilton said: “The Ferrari firstly is very strong, obviously it’s the closest to the Red Bulls.”But to be pulled out of your class and put straight into a Ferrari – a top team – and have to go straight into practice without long runs and all that sort of stuff, he’s done such a phenomenal job this weekend.”But if you’ve got the speed and the talent, then it’s another race car.Most read in MotorsportCHELTENHAM BETTING OFFERS – BEST FREE BET DEALS FOR THE FESTIVAL He clearly had the confidence straight from the off, pushing the car to the limit.”I respect him for the job he’s done, and fully expect to see him on the grid next year or the year after.”Meet Oliver Bearman the Brit F1 star making debut with Ferrari who speaks with Italian twang and has famous brother Meanwhile, Ferrari boss Fred Vasseur was more cautious about over-hyping the teenager.He added: “The best way to help him is not to draw a conclusion, we have to take it easy.”He will have other opportunity during the season to do FP1, to test the car, and we will do it properly.”The main focus is and will stay the F2 this season where he has a huge challenge that I will keep in mind.”When asked if Sainz would be fit enough to race in Melbourne in two weeks time, he said: “It was a strange situation, we thought it was food intoxication.”He struggled a lot Thursday with fever and stomach issues and at the end he was convinced it would be much better the day after.”He was in the hospital and it was quite clear we were not going in the right direction. Thanks to the hospital in Jeddah and everybody from the organisation they did the surgery and he was completely okay.READ MORE SUN STORIES”He has the pain and is struggling to walk, but it’s a huge recovery.Now we have to be focused on Melbourne, he needs to have a good rest this week and we’ll see next week.”Bearman chats with Scuderia superstar Charles LeclercCredit: RexBearman pictured with girlfriend Estelle Ogilvy More

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      ‘Dominating’ Geri Halliwell put on show of ‘togetherness’ with ‘awkward’ scandal-hit husband Christian Horner at F1

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      GERI Halliwell appeared to “dominate” her scandal-hit Red Bull F1 boss husband Christian Horner at the Saudi F1 yesterday, according to a body language expert.The Spice Girl, 51, joined her husband at the Grand Prix after his sext messages were leaked.Red Bull team principal Christian Horner and his wife Geri Halliwell cuddle up at the Saudi Arabian Grand Prix in Jeddah yesterdayCredit: ReutersGeri wore flowing white robes as she walked ahead of Horner who sports a ‘rather awkward-looking smile’Credit: EPAThe Spice Girl appears to ‘dominate her husband’ by using most of their shared space, says a body language expertCredit: GettyHorner, 50, was cleared of any wrongdoing last month after a female colleague made bombshell claims about his behaviour.But a “sext bomb” of flirty messages supposedly sent by the F1 chief to his accuser were then leaked to hundreds of journalists, keeping him – and his wife Geri – firmly in the limelight.The pair have continued to put on a public show of unity, including at the Bahrain Grand Prix and yesterday’s Saudi Arabian Grand Prix.Geri arrived at the trackside yesterday wearing a long-sleeved white dress in keeping with Saudi Arabia’s strict religious dress code cinched by a belt with a large gold clasp.Read more on Geri HalliwellShe also wore matching gold earrings, light makeup, and her hair up and twisted into a bun as she chatted with Red Bull employees and cuddled up with Horner during the team’s podium celebrations.Body language expert Judi James suggested there may be more to the show of “togetherness”.She told The Sun: “Geri seems to have re-branded here in her virginal-looking, ‘surplice-chic’ flowing white robes and prim bun.”Dominating the poses, she also appears to dominate her husband with her body language, walking ahead or using the max of their shared space in front of the stage while he sports a rather awkward-looking smile.Most read in Motorsport”As they stand together it’s Geri at the rail, looking up with wide rounded eyes and with her hands clasped together as though seeking inspiration from something on stage.”Judi added that Geri’s eye expression looked “a little startled” but her smiling mouth and rounded cheeks added a sense of blissful happiness, perhaps to let the world know she is standing by her man.Ben Hunt gives update Christian Horner sexting accuser is SUSPENDED by Red Bull after Geri Halliwell’s demands she be ‘out of the picture’Pictures showed Geri standing by the rail with Horner directly behind her, while others showed them smiling together and with other Red Bull employees over cups of coffee.The expert added: “Her hand clasp involved straight rather than bent fingers, in a ‘praying hands’ shape and her crossed thumbs hint at decisive thinking.”Although Geri is offering a side-eye to Christian in some poses, the composition of their bodies, with him pressed into the back of her torso and their heads held close, again seem intended to project those important messages of togetherness, with Geri’s very visible and quite dramatic profile hinting that it might be partly under her terms.”She seems to be emphasising her own status and profile here in a rather classy way that suggests she has no intention of looking compliant or passive.”It comes asJudi continued: “Geri is the one investing most effort into their smiles over coffee and when they walk together it’s Geri walking ahead confidently while Christian appears to lean across the spatial gap to grab her arm to steer her or appearing to ‘present’ her to the fans with one hand on her back.”Geri appeared red-eyed last week as she and Horner walked through the F1 paddock at the Bahrain Grand Prix, kissing and holding hands.READ MORE SUN STORIESThe Spice Girl appeared more relaxed yesterday in Jeddah.Insiders said Geri had spent time relaxing in Dubai before the F1 event and was in a better frame of mind than in Bahrain when the Red Bull “sext bomb” had just dropped.Geri looks up at the rail with wide rounded eyes and her hands clasped together as if seeking inspiration from something on stageCredit: APHer eye expression looks a little startled but her smile and cheeks add a sense of happinessCredit: AFPHorner and Geri talked yesterday in the Paddock during the Saudi F1 Grand PrixCredit: GettyGeri Halliwell looks on in the Paddock today before the Saudi Arabia F1 Grand PrixCredit: GettyGeri has continued to stand by her man in public settings throughout the scandalCredit: GettyRed Bull’s Sergio Perez celebrates with Horner after finishing second at the Saudi Arabian Grand Prix PoolCredit: ReutersGeri and Horner walk in the Paddock at the Bahrain Grand Prix last week holding handsCredit: GettyThe pair continue to put on a united frontCredit: Getty More

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      Christian Horner receives more backing after sexting scandal as he shares laugh with Red Bull boss on F1 grid

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      CHRISTIAN Horner breathed a huge sigh of relief after receiving more backing from Red Bull’s bosses.Horner hugged and shared a joke with Red Bull’s CEO Franz Watzlawick on the grid before the race as both parties tried to draw a line under their recent spat.Christian Horner shakes hands with Franz Watzlawick on the grid before the F1 Grand Prix of Saudi ArabiaCredit: GettyRed Bull driver Max Verstappen, right, celebrates with Horner after winning the F1 Saudi Arabian Grand PrixCredit: APThe Red Bull team leader, seen here with his wife Geri Halliwell, was cleared of inappropriate action towards a female colleagueCredit: AFPEven Helmut Marko, the outspoken Austrian who works as Red Bull’s motorsport advisor and who had clearly aligned himself with Horner’s rival, Jos Verstappen, appealed for calm – just 24 hours after hinting he could be suspended.It marked a good day for Horner as Max Verstappen, who was again miles ahead of his Red Bull teammate Sergio Perez.It was Verstappen’s 56th win and his 100th podium in yet another crushing display that will surely now concern the F1 chiefs.The Dutchman’s success goes against the model of US sports and the audience American-owned Liberty Media have tried to win over.Read More on Christian HornerVerstappen, who started on pole, said: “Overall, a fantastic weekend for the whole team and myself.”I felt really good with the car and it was the same in the race. The last stint was a bit longer than we would have liked but with the Safety Car you had to go for it.”So, the last few laps with cold tyres and backmarkers it was a bit slippery but we had good pace all-around and could manage it, so overall very pleased.”British racer Oliver Bearman impressed on his debut for Ferrari as he filled in for Carlos Sainz, who suffered appendicitis the previous day and underwent surgery.Most read in MotorsportThe Spanish ace, who was here at the track to help out Bearman’s first race in F1 where the 18-year-old was voted as Driver of the Day after finishing seventh ahead of Lando Norris and Lewis Hamilton.It was a great drive from the Essex-born racer who only had one practice session to get up to speed before qualifying yesterday.Ultimate F1 team principal’s rich list including Red Bull’s Christian Horner and Mercedes boss Toto WolffMeanwhile, Oscar Piastri was fourth for McLaren behind Charles Leclerc who took the final spot on the podium.The result and the calls for clam meant Horner had a relatively normal day after a whirlwind month following the accusations of inappropriate behaviour from a female colleague.The fallout has been spectacular and while Marko has now promised to toe the line, Verstappen’s future in the team very much remains in doubt.What started as Horner’s personal controversy has morphed into a power struggle within Red Bull involving Horner, Red Bull’s head of corporate projects and investments department Oliver Mintzlaff and Red Bull majority shareholder Chalerm Yoovidyah.Horner has the support of Yoovidyah while Mintzlaff, who was in Saudi Arabia but did not join Watzlawick on the grid with Horner as expected.Yoovidyah and Mintzlaff are expected to meet in Dubai on Sunday to try and heal any remaining rift between Red Bull’s Austrian and Thai fractions.The news comes after Horner told Max Verstappen he could leave the team if he wanted.It follows on from a whirlwind 10 days with Horner being cleared of inappropriate action towards a female colleague.Verstappen threatened to quit Red Bull if team advisor Helmut Marko, 80, is forced out as the fallout from the Horner investigation continues.Marko will meet Red Bull chief Oliver Mintzlaff at the Saudi GP after being quizzed about the rumour that he could be suspended and forced to miss the next race in Australia.Horner and his wife, Spice Girl Geri Halliwell, put on another show of unity at the race in the wake of the sexting allegations.SCANDAL… LAP BY LAP
      FEBRUARY 5: A Dutch newspaper reports a female Red Bull employee has made serious allegations of “inappropriate, controlling behaviour” about Horner to parent company Red Bull GmbH.
      FEB 9: Horner is quizzed for nine hours by the lawyer hired by Red Bull to investigate.
      FEB 15: He denies the allegations and says they are a distraction for the team.
      FEB 15: F1 says it hopes the matter will be clarified at the earliest opportunity after a fair and thorough process.
      FEB 26: Red Bull’s engine partner Ford says it is increasingly frustrated by the team’s handling of the complaint.
      FEB 28: Horner is cleared of all wrongdoing. The employee is said to have the right of appeal.
      FEB 29: Horner says he is pleased the investigation is over.
      FEB 29: WhatsApp texts and pictures claimed to be between Horner and the employee are sent to journalists and F1.
      MARCH 1: Horner refuses to comment on what he calls “anonymous speculation from unknown sources”.
      MAR 2: Horner and wife Geri are pictured hand-in-hand, as Red Bull’s Max Verstappen wins the Bahrain Grand Prix. Horner says before the race: “It’s been very testing for my family but we are very strong and our focus is on this race.”
      MAR 3: Verstappen’s dad Jos, claims Red Bull is in “danger of being torn apart” if Horner stays in the job. He denies being the source of the WhatsApp leak, saying: “It can’t go on the way it is. It will explode. He is playing the victim, when he is the one causing the problems.”
      MAR 6: Max Verstappen sides with his dad in the row.
      MAR 7: Horner says he wants to draw a line under the scandal and hails Geri’s support — as Red Bull suspends the employee.

      But her second public show of support in a week was dented by another jibe from Red Bull world champ Max Verstappen’s dad Jos, who repeated calls for Horner’s head.And he twisted the knife by revealing he supports the unidentified team employee suspended after accusing her boss and sending hundreds of “sexually suggestive” texts.On Thursday, Horner saluted his “phenomenally supportive” wife but insisted it was time to “draw a line” under the scandal.But his accuser has won the support of UK parliament equality chief Caroline Nokes who  encouraged her to take her case to an employment tribunal.The Sun revealed on Thursday that Horner’s accuser had been suspended, with insiders alleging it was over “inconsistencies” in her evidence to a barrister-led probe.READ MORE SUN STORIESPals said Horner was finding it impossible to avoid his accuser at work who among 1,600 employees at the team’s HQ in Milton Keynes, Bucks.HR bosses stepped in and suspended her on full pay on Monday and she is currently mulling whether to appeal against the rejection of her complaint.Horner talks with Watzlawick in the Paddock before the start of the raceCredit: GettyChristian Horner was all smiles in Dubai as Red Bull bosses back himCredit: Getty More