Motorsport

FORMULA ONE has been rocked by yet another bombshell after Red Bull boss Christian Horner told Max Verstappen he could leave the team if he wanted.It comes after a whirlwind 10 days following Horner being cleared of inappropriate action towards a female colleague.Christian Horner gave Max Verstappen a shock messageCredit: EPAMercedes supremo Toto Wolff wold love to replace outgoing driver Lewis Hamilton with Max VerstappenCredit: GettyThe subsequent fallout has become toxic between the 50-year-old and Verstappen’s father Jos, who accused Horner of ripping the team apart.There has also been accusations of a power play at the top of the energy drink’s HQ, which is based in Austria and their Thai majority shareholder.Now, after growing frustrated by bombastic claims from Verstappen’s father, Horner appears to have called his driver’s bluff while Mercedes boss Toto Wolff said he would do” handstands” to try and get the three-time world champion in his car for next season as Lewis Hamilton’s replacement.Speaking after Verstappen won the Saudi GP, Horner said: “You can’t force somebody to be somewhere just because of a piece of paper.READ MORE TOP STORIES”If somebody didn’t want to be at this team, then you know, we’re not going to force somebody against their will to be here.”That applies whether it’s a machine operator or a designer or somebody in one of the support functions, that runs through the business.”Being involved in a team like this involves commitment and passion. And Max has that, we’ve seen that.”He’s been here since he was 18 years of age. And I have no doubt that his commitment and passion.Most read in MotorsportCHELTENHAM BETTING OFFERS – BEST FREE BET DEALS FOR THE FESTIVAL “But no individual is bigger than the team.”We have a phenomenal car. We’ve got one seat open for next year. I probably got 16 drivers that are desperate to be in that car for next year.F1’s Christian Horner says ‘time to draw a line’ on claims of inappropriate behaviour “I’m sure every team in the paddock would love to have Max but as Toto also said the best drivers always want to be in the best cars.”Wolff was quizzed if he would want Verstappen in his team to fill the void left by Ferrari-bound Lewis Hamilton.He said: “I’d love to have him.”I think this is a decision that Max needs to take and there is no team up and down the grid that wouldn’t do handstands to have him in the car.”Meanwhile, Horner reiterated that he would not force his driver to stay against his wishes after being asked if he feared losing the 26-year-old.He said: “You can never say never. If a driver doesn’t want to be somewhere, then they’ll go somewhere else.”But as a team, I can’t see any reason why anybody would want to step out of this team. I think he’s got a great support around him. And he’s doing a wonderful job with a great car.”We’re focused on winning, and that’s what we do. That’s what we’ve done today. That’s how we’ve started this season.”Obviously, I’m aware of all that noise, but it hasn’t distracted the team from the job and we are one team now obviously.”We all have a common interest, which is the performance of the team and that is what comes first for every single member who has a role to play in the team.The situation of Red Bull team Consultant Helmut Marko, seen with Max Verstappen, appears uncertainCredit: Getty”From the very top to the very bottom. And without the team working in absolute harmony, it is impossible to achieve performances like this.”But if an individual doesn’t want to be at the team, we don’t force people to be here.”People are here and they work in this sport and this team because they want to be here, because they’re passionate about what they do.”It is that passion that enables us to deliver not average results, but exceptional results. And it’s that passion and commitment by every member which is the DNA of Red Bull Racing.”And that will continue not just this week, not next week. But we’ve done 20 years and will continue for the next 20 years.”It comes after 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.READ MORE SUN STORIESMarko, who is a Red Bull employee as opposed to a member of the race team, told the Austrian broadcaster ORF the “theoretical possibility exists”.But he added: “In the end I decide for myself what I’m going to do.” More

GERI Halliwell joined her F1 boss husband Christian Horner today at the Saudi Arabian Grand Prix in another public display of support.Her appearance comes after hundreds of embarrassing messages were leaked and Horner’s sext accuser was suspended from Red Bull.Oracle Red Bull Racing Team Principal Christian Horner and wife Geri talk today in the Paddock during the Saudi F1 Grand PrixCredit: GettyThe pair continue to put on a united frontCredit: GettyGeri Halliwell looks on in the Paddock today before the Saudi Arabia F1 Grand PrixCredit: GettyThe Spice girl enters the Red Bull hospitality suite at Jeddah Corniche CircuitCredit: GettyGeri, 51, was spotted arriving in the Paddock on Saturday afternoon, greeting a number of Red Bull employees before walking into the team’s motorhome.The Spice Girl last week flew to Bahrain for the first race of the Formula One season in what was an awkward show of solidarity.She has been staying in Dubai while Horner, 50, battled a female aide’s discredited claims that he bombarded her with “sexually suggestive” messages.Horner this week said he wanted to “draw a line” under the scandal while saluting his “phenomenally supportive” wife.Read more on Christian HornerGeri was left in tears when the scandal broke but has demonstrated her unwavering loyalty to her embattled husband by continuing to stand by his side in public.Fellow Spice Girl Mel B yesterday revealed how the pop girl group have rallied around Geri in the wake of her husband’s sexting scandal.She said it had been “horrible” to see her suffer and that she, Mel C, Emma Bunton, and Victoria Beckham would “take a bullet” for their friend.A source told Sun Online yesterday: “It was tough for Geri in Bahrain but she was determined to show her marriage is still strong and she will do the same at the Saudi Grand Prix.Most read in Motorsport”Christian has been full of praise for her support and she wants the world to know they are still very much a couple.”She has lived her life in the public eye for years as a Spice Girl and can deal with the attention.”Horner and Geri held hands and kissed during a stilted clinch in front of a battery of cameras at last week’s Bahrain Grand Prix, where Red Bull world champ Max Verstappen triumphed.Watch moment Christian Horner & Max Verstappen’s dad Jos have ‘heated’ exchange as team ‘torn apart’ by sext rowMeanwhile, Max’s dad Jos Verstappen claimed that Red Bull would “explode” if Horner remained in charge.Jos and Horner were seen locked in what appeared to be a fiery argument during the F1 season opener as rumours swirled that the pair had been clashing for months.The Sun revealed on Thursday that Horner’s accuser had been suspended, with insiders alleging that the aide had been sent home on full pay over “inconsistencies” in her evidence to a barrister-led probe into her boss’s conduct.Pals said Horner was finding it impossible to avoid his accuser at work who, according to insiders, demanded to continue working in regular contact with her boss among 1,600 employees at the team’s HQ in Milton Keynes, Bucks.HR bosses stepped in and suspended her on full pay.Speaking for the first time since the woman was suspended, Jos told MailOnline: “I sympathise with the woman, with all that she went through, but we will see what happens.”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.

When asked if it was time to “draw a line” under the situation, as Horner insisted people do, Jos said: “I think it’s a bit too late for that now.”If that’s what he wants, fine, but I don’t think it will be possible.”Horner was cleared of misconduct by the probe last week but the scandal exploded 24 hours later when a “sext bomb” of hundreds of texts between the pair were leaked.He admitted this week that it had been a “trying” time for his family, which includes his wife Geri and three children.The F1 boss said: “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.READ MORE SUN STORIES”It’s very challenging, because when there’s children involved, when there’s families, parents involved, it’s not pretty.”It is time now to focus on why we are here, which is to go Formula One racing.”Horner pictured in Saudi todayCredit: ReutersGeri also put on a display of unity with her F1 boss husband in Bahrain last weekCredit: GettyJos Verstappen, left, says it’s ‘too late’ for F1 boss Horner to ‘draw a line’ under the sexting scandalCredit: GettyF1 world champ Max Verstappen of Oracle Red Bull Racing looks on in the garage during qualifying ahead of the F1 Grand Prix of Saudi Arabia yesterdayCredit: GettyGeri Halliwell and husband Horner kiss last week at the F1 Grand Prix of BahrainCredit: Getty More

JOS Verstappen says it’s “too late” for F1 boss Christian Horner to “draw a line” under the sexting scandal which has engulfed him.The former racing driver also gave his backing to the female Red Bull employee who was suspended after the row hit breaking point.Red Bull Racing team principal Christian Horner, right, and Jos Verstappen, left, before the F1 Austrian Grand Prix in July 2023Credit: RexRed Bull CEO Franz Watzlawick and Horner speak today prior to the Saudi F1Credit: GettyWorld champion Max Verstappen, right, and his dad Jos Verstappen, leftCredit: GettyGeri Halliwell is expected to stand by her husband Horner at the Saudi F1 todayCredit: GettyGeri Halliwell, 51, is today expected to stand by her sext probe husband at the Saudi Arabian Grand Prix.The pop icon has been staying in Dubai as Horner, 50, battled a female aide’s discredited claims that he bombarded her with “sexually suggestive” messages.Former Grand Prix ace Jos, 52, who is the father of current world champion and Red Bull’s prime driver Max Verstappen spoke for the first time since the unidentified staffer was suspended.He told MailOnline: “I sympathise with the woman, with all that she went through, but we will see what happens.”Read more on Christian HornerWhen asked if it was time to “draw a line” under the situation, as Horner this week insisted people do, Jos said: “I think it’s a bit too late for that now.”If that’s what he wants, fine, but I don’t think it will be possible.”Jos denied there being any truth to speculation that he and the woman are involved in any way and said Red Bull seemed to know what they were doing with regards to her situation.He added that his chief concern was his son Max – his happiness and how the scandal was affecting him.Most read in MotorsportThe press conference in Saudi Arabia where Horner said it was time to “focus on what is going on on track” was, Jos said, all about him when it should have been about Max, his performance, and the car.He said he believed Horner is causing problems if he stays in his £8million-a-year job.Ben Hunt gives update Christian Horner sexting accuser is SUSPENDED by Red Bull after Geri Halliwell’s demands she be ‘out of the picture’Jos previously claimed that Red Bull would “explode” if Horner remained in charge.His son Max later said in reply to a question about the comment: “I don’t know, I hope not! It shouldn’t be. It’s a strong company, it’s a strong team, a lot of strong team members, so normally not.”He added: “Ideally as a team, you wouldn’t like to have these moments, but it also shows that I think we are all focused on our job and that’s to perform on the track.”Horner and Jos were this week seen locked in what appeared to be a fiery argument during the F1 season opener.Rumours had already began swirling that Jos and Horner had been clashing for months – and the pair reportedly had an explosive row on Friday evening.Allegations of inappropriate behaviour against Horner were dismissed by a barrister-led probe.Ginger Spice Geri has been left heartbroken by the scandal, which erupted when the raft of embarrassing messages were released online on the eve of the F1 season opener.The pop icon put on a toe-curling show of unity at last week’s Bahrain Grand Prix in which Red Bull pulled off a perfect 1-2 triumph led by world champ Max Verstappen.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.

Geri wanted her husband to cut all contact with his accuser – but he found it impossible to comply as they remained in regular contact at work.The staffer, who is understood to have worked at the team’s HQ in Milton Keynes, Bucks, was suspended on full pay.The ongoing saga dogging Red Bull has been complicated by behind-the-scenes clashes between star driver Verstappen’s father Jos and Horner.Insiders said Jos had become close to the woman – but he has strenuously denied being the text leaker while warning Horner’s team will “explode” if he is not ousted.Red Bull Racing said: “The company cannot comment on this internal matter.”Horner was seen in the Saudi Arabia paddock today for practice ahead of the next race without Geri by his side.READ MORE SUN STORIESGeri was mid-air on her way to Bahrain after her husband was cleared when the texts were published widely online via an anonymous email drop.Halliwell and Horner have been married since 2015 and share a son.Horner pictured yesterday ahead of the F1 Saudi Arabian Grand PrixCredit: RexJos during the 2023 Formula 1 Qatar Airways Hungarian Grand PrixCredit: RexMax Verstappen, centre, talks with Horner, left, and Red Bull Racing Team Consultant Dr Helmut Marko, rightCredit: GettyJos Verstappen, right, says his chief concern is his son Max, leftCredit: PAThe cleared Red Bull chief has heaped praise on his supportive wife GeriCredit: Getty More

MAX VERSTAPPEN has threatened to walk out from Red Bull if Helmut Marko is forced out as the explosive fallout from the Christian Horner investigation continues.Marko fears he could be suspended as Red Bull’s Austria HQ as they wade through the mess after Horner was cleared of inappropriate behaviour.Max Verstappen has delivered a stunning threat to Red BullCredit: APHe says he could walk out if Helmut Marko is forced to leave the F1 teamCredit: GettyHe will meet Red Bull chief Oliver Mintzlaff tomorrow at the Saudi GP after being quizzed about the rumour that he could be suspended and forced to miss the next race in Australia.Marko, who is a Red Bull employee as opposed to a member of the race team, told the Austrian broadcaster ORF the “theoretical possibility exists”.He then added: “In the end I decide for myself what I’m going to do.”It comes a day after Sun Online revealed that the female employee who raised the initial complaint had been suspended on full pay.READ MORE ON SPORTAnd Verstappen, who took pole position in Jeddah for this weekend’s Saudi Grand Prix, is furious by suggestions Marko could be forced out.He said: “I am loyal to Helmut. He is a big and important part in my decision making and important he stays within the team including everyone else.”It is important we keep people together because if an important pillar falls away, that is not good for my career as well.”So for me, Helmut has to stay. He has built this team with [Red Bull co-founder] Dietrich Mateschitz from day one and been loyal.Most read in MotorsportBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERS”You need to give the man respect for what he has done and that  comes back to loyalty and integrity and is important to why he stays part of the team.”Horner, 50, was cleared after an internal report dismissed a claim from a female employee.Watch moment Christian Horner & Max Verstappen’s dad Jos have ‘heated’ exchange as team ‘torn apart’ by sext rowHowever, he was then subject of a smear campaign after an anonymous email leaked a series of WhatsApp conversations claiming to be evidence of the internal report.It triggered a bombastic fallout between Verstappen’s father Jos, who said Horner remaining at the team would cause it to “explode”.SunSport understands Marko was also under strict instructions from Red Bull HQ not to speak to the media.However, he has now spoken about the latest twist in this on-going saga that threatens to rip the team apart.It is another sensational development and should he be found guilty of releasing confidential information then he could face disciplinary action himself.Should he be forced to go, there is a rumour in the paddock that it could trigger a clause in Verstappen’s contract.Therefore, Marko’s removal from his role would in theory allow him to break his £43m a year deal with Red Bull that still has five years to run, paving a way for him to join Mercedes.SunSport understands that Red Bull Racing could now be forced to test the Dutchman’s resolve as his future hangs in the balance.Horner has been battling a female aide’s discredited claims that he bombarded her with “sexually suggestive” messages.Max Verstappen (R) has sided with his dad Jos (L) in Red Bull’s bitter rowCredit: GettyHorner was cleared of inappropriate behaviour towards a female colleague following an internal investigation.But the Red Bull boss was then plunged back into a crisis following an anonymous email leak of WhatsApp exchanges claiming to be evidence from the investigation.He now says that he wants to “draw a line” under the scandal while saluting his “phenomenally supportive” wife, Spice Girl Geri Halliwell.READ MORE SUN STORIESGeri – who was left in tears when the scandal broke – stood by her husband last week in an awkward show of solidarity in Bahrain after hundreds of embarrassing messages were leaked.And Ginger Spice will join Horner at the Saudi Arabian Grand Prix tomorrow in another public show of support.Geri Halliwell will be behind her man Christian Horner again this weekendCredit: Getty🏁 Complete F1 2024 race calendar – details on every Grand Prix and start time this year 🏁  More