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      Oliver Bearman passed driving test in MAY and had just hour to practise in Ferrari before becoming youngest Brit F1 star

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      ESSEX boy Oliver Bearman has become Britain’s latest – and youngest – F1 star after making his debut for Ferrari.The 18-year-old, who only passed his driving test in May, was called up as an 11th hour replacement for Carlos Sainz, who suffered appendicitis.Ferrari’s reserve driver Oliver Bearman stepped onto the main stage at the last minute with a superb drive in JeddahCredit: AFPBearman and girlfriend Estelle Ogilvy have had a momentous few monthsBearman turned in a stunning display to earn 11th spot on the gridCredit: GettyHis partner Estelle is a law student and TikTok starCredit: Instagram/silly_lettuceThe Spaniard was taken to hospital where he underwent an operation as said to be recovering well.Bearman only had an hour’s practice to get up to speed with the Ferrari before qualifying for Saturday’s Saudi Arabian GP.And he defied the odds with a brilliant performance to take 11th on the grid – coming within just 0.036 seconds from knocking Lewis Hamilton out from qualifying.Bearman made the slightest of mistakes during turns 22 and 23 otherwise he’d have dumped out Hamilton from the second qualifying session.READ MORE TOP STORIESHe was cheered on by his dad, David, who watched in Ferrari’s garage and winced as his son brushed the walls at high speed and bounced over the kerbs.And Bearman Junior revealed he was in the dark about his incredible call-up until the eleventh hour.He said: “I woke up this morning fully prepared for my F2 race and I got the call late in the day, just a few hours before FP3 that I would be doing it.”Not the circumstance I would wish to be making my F1 debut. I wish the best to Carlos and I hope he recovers well but this is a great opportunity.Most read in Motorsport”I honestly did not have time to get nervous, because I did not have time and it was so late that I needed to get ready to go out on track and make up for lost time.”That made my life a little more difficult and I was flat out with the engineers trying to figure everything out to get up to speed as quickly as possible.TikToker Estelle Ogilvy’s glam life as she splits time between jetting to watch F1 boyfriend Oliver Bearman and studying Bearman drove for the Haas F1 team last season in the practice sessions in Mexico City and Abu Dhabi.Raised in Chelmsford, and schooled at King Edward VI Grammar, he joined Ferrari’s driver academy, aged only 16.He quit school – against his mum’s request and moved to Modena close to Ferrari’s headquarters in northern Italy.He has previously won the Italian Formula Formula 4 and German Formula 4 titles , both in 2021.Last year he was sixth in the Formula Two championship and on Thursday he qualified for the F2 race here in Saudi Arabia on pole.However, he will now ditch his F2 commitments for this weekend after being promoted to replace Sainz.Bearman is the first Brit to drive for F1’s most famous team since Nigel Mansell in 1990.He added: “I have honestly spoken to no one since the announcement, my phone is going crazy but I will try and have a chat with my mum tonight.The Chelmsford starlet reflects on a job well doneCredit: Getty”I think my dad was in the garage but I did not see him at all. I was in the car and then in the garage and back in the car.” It has been such a quick progression in my career. Two years ago I was still in F4 and I only did my first F1 test three or four months ago.”So it has been a quick progression. And to make my F1 debut in red, hopefully it is a sign to come.”Meanwhile, Max Verstappen took a routine pole as nobody was able to match his pace around the street circuit in Jeddah.He put aside the internal conflict between his dad Jos and team boss Christian Horner.And in the latest development in the on-going saga, Red Bull’s motorsport advisor, Helmut Marko could now face disciplinary action.The 80-year-old is understood to be under investigation for his role in the internal investigation.He was also under strict instructions not to speak to the media, but in an interview with Austrian broadcaster ORF he said he could now miss the next race in Australia.READ MORE SUN STORIESIt is another sensational development and should he be found guilty of releasing confidential information then he could face disciplinary action.Should he be sacked, there is a suspicion in the paddock that it could trigger a clause in the Dutchman’s contract, paving a way for him to break his contract with Red Bull to join Mercedes. More

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      Red Bull chief Helmut Marko ‘faces SUSPENSION’ in fresh chaos for F1 team following Christian Horner sexting storm

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      RED BULL’S team advisor Helmut Marko reportedly fears he could be SUSPENDED following the Christian Horner sexting storm.The 80-year-old has played a major role in Red Bull’s Formula One success over recent years.Red Bull’s consultant Helmut Marko pictured with Christian HornerCredit: GettyThe 80-year-old says he could potentially be suspended after this weekendCredit: GettyHowever, he now thinks that his future working with them may be up in the air and he may not even make it to the Australian GP on March 24.Marko was also under strict instructions not to speak to the media and, should he be found guilty of releasing confidential information, then he could face disciplinary action.Marko was quizzed about the rumour that he would be forced to miss the next race in Australia and he told the Austrian broadcaster ORF the “theoretical possibility exists”.Should he be sacked, there is a suspicion in the paddock that it could trigger a clause in Verstappen’s contract, paving a way for him to break his pact with Red Bull to join Mercedes.READ MORE ON BOXINGIt comes a day after Sun Online revealed that the female employee who raised the initial complaint had been suspended on full pay.But 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.Most read in Motorsport”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.BEST 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.”This new distraction is something neither team principal or Verstappen will want to see.F1 Correspondent Ben Hunt on Red Bull and Christian Horner and the Formula One testing in BahrainThe 50-year-old Horner has been battling a female aide’s discredited claims that he bombarded her with “sexually suggestive” messages.Horner 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.Geri – 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.Meanwhile, Verstappen has sided with his dad in the bitter row that threatens to rip Red Bull apart.Jos Verstappen claimed following his son’s win in Bahrain last week that Red Bull would “explode” should Horner remain in charge.Verstappen, who as a result of his dad’s row with Horner, has since been linked with a switch to Mercedes, said: “My dad is always very outspoken. He’s not a liar, that’s for sure.”When asked further about his relationship with his father and manager, Raymond Vermeulen, Verstappen says they will ALWAYS be by his side while he is racing in F1.Geri Halliwell will be behind her man Christian Horner again this weekendCredit: GettyMax Verstappen (R) has sided with his dad Jos (L) in Red Bull’s bitter rowCredit: GettyHe added: “I don’t see myself in F1 without them by my side for sure.”He was then asked about his dad’s comment that Red Bull could “explode”, to which Verstappen replied: “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.”If you have arguments or not, there’s always things that can be worked out.“Everyone is man enough and respectful enough to each other in that sense.“I’ve also not also agreed with everything that happened, not talking about lately or whatever, just in general in F1.“Sometimes it’s good to have a discussion about things. You might agree to disagree sometimes, that’s what happens in a relationship.READ MORE SUN STORIES“It’s not about being isolated from it. I think you could see in Bahrain that it doesn’t affect the performance of the team.“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.”🏁 Complete F1 2024 race calendar – details on every Grand Prix and start time this year 🏁  More

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      ‘Sorry’ – Brit F1 star Oliver Bearman’s gutted reaction as 18-year-old is knocked out of Saudi Arabian GP qualifying

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      OLIVER BEARMAN narrowly missed out on making Q3 on his Formula One debut in Saudi Arabia.The teen will start P11 in Saturday’s race after an impressive qualifier.”That was a good lap” “Sorry” 💔Ollie Bearman was so close to making Q3 on his F1 debut and will start P11 in tomorrow’s race 😮 pic.twitter.com/k8PuyPOt4W— Sky Sports F1 (@SkySportsF1) March 8, 2024

      Oliver Bearman will start P11 in Saturday’s raceThe teen apologised after missing out by a fraction of a secondCredit: AFPBearman was a late call up to the Saudi Arabian Grand Prix after Ferrari team-mate Carlos Sainz withdrew due to injury.But he impressed in qualifying and almost made Q3, which would have given him a chance to place higher on the grid.Bearman lost out to compatriot Sir Lewis Hamilton but his team bosses offered encouragement as he finished.One said: “That was a good lap, good last sector.”READ MORE IN F1The 18-year-old replied: “Sorry.”Bearman missed out on Q2 by just 0.036 seconds, with the teen describing it as a “messy session”.His team responded saying: “It was a tough one. Super difficult.”Bearman’s team-mate Charles Leclerc also impressed and qualified for Saturday’s race in second place on the grid, with Max Verstappen taking pole.Most read in MotorsportCHELTENHAM BETTING OFFERS – BEST FREE BET DEALS FOR THE FESTIVAL But for Bearman it is all a learning experience with the Essex youngster set to become Britain’s youngest ever Formula 1 driver.He will also be the first Brit to represent Ferrari since Eddie Irvine in 1999.Who is Ferrari’s new star Oliver BearmanAfter qualifying Bearman said: “I woke up this morning fully prepared for my F2 race and I got the call late in the day, just a few hours before FP3 that I would be doing it.”Not the circumstance I would wish to be making my F1 debut. I wish the best to Carlos and I hope he recovers well but this is a great opportunity.”I honestly did not have time to get nervous, because I did not have time and it was so late that I needed to get ready to go out on track and make up for lost time.”That made my life a little more difficult and I was flat out with the engineers trying to figure everything out to get up to speed as quickly as possible.”I have honestly spoken to no one since the announcement, my phone is going crazy but I will try and have a chat with my mum tonight.”I think my dad was in the garage but I did not see him at all. I was in the car and then in the garage and back in the car.READ MORE SUN STORIES”It has been such a quick progression in my career. Two years ago I was still in F4 and I only did my first F1 test three or four months ago.”So it has been a quick progression. And to make my F1 debut in red, hopefully it is a sign to come.” More

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      Meet Oliver Bearman, 18, the record-breaking Brit F1 star making Ferrari debut who is ‘dating famous TikTok star’

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      OLIVER BEARMAN will make his Formula One debut at this weekend’s Saudi Arabian Grand Prix.Ferrari’s Carlos Sainz has withdrawn from the race to undergo emergency surgery after being diagnosed with appendicitis.Oliver Bearman will make his F1 debut this weekendCredit: GettyBearman will replace the ill Carlos Sainz at the Saudi GPCredit: GettyHe has impressed in F2 this seasonCredit: GettyBearman was picked up by Ferrari at the age of 16Credit: Instagram / @davidbearman87He left his family home in Essex aged 16 to pursue a career at FerrariCredit: Instagram / @davidbearman87Bearman, 18, has been selected as his replacement after he secured pole position in yesterday’s F2 qualifying at the Jeddah Corniche Circuit.He will break Lando Norris’ record as Britain’s youngest ever F1 driver and be the first Brit to represent Ferrari since Eddie Irvine in 1999. Bearman has been tipped as a future star after winning the F4 series in both Italy and Germany in 2021.After climbing up to F3, the teen sensation finished third and was then promoted to F2 last year with Prema Racing.READ MORE IN F1He has already caught the attention of his fellow F1 racers after impressing in practice sessions during the 2023 season.Bearman got behind the wheel of a Haas car in Mexico City last year.His best lap time at the Autodromo Hermanos Rodriguez was just 1.6 seconds slower than three-time champion Max Verstappen, and three tenths adrift of experienced team-mate Nico Hulkenberg.However, the Brit was quicker than veteran Fernando Alonso, who won the 2005 World Championship when he was just a matter of months old.Most read in MotorsportBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSMeanwhile, Bearman has also turned heads away from the track and is reportedly dating TikTok star Estelle Ogilvy.The influencer has 72,000 followers, with the loved-up couple choosing to keep their relationship off fans’ social media feeds for the time being. The Sun’s Ben Hunt previews ‘high speed’ and ‘dangerous’ Saudi Grand PrixBorn in Chelmsford, Bearman comes from a racing obsessed family.His father David is a former go-kart driver, who also drove under the No87, and his young brother Thomas is also a highly-rated racer for KR Sport.Bearman dominated British Karting, having hit the circuit for the first time at the age of eight.He was spotted by Ferrari aged 16 and was snapped up as part of their young driver programme.Interest from the Italian giants saw Bearman quit school – to the annoyance of his mother Terri – in favour of moving within a few miles of Ferrari’s HQ in Modena.Since relocating from Essex, his voice has slightly changed with some claiming he now has an Italian twang.On the move, Bearman said: “A lot of people have told me my accent has changed even if I don’t notice it. “I spend a lot of time with Italians and to communicate with people where English is not their first language is not easy, so I have changed my word order and ended up with this everywhere accent.”Maybe I got a bit lucky not to get the Essex accent.”When I moved to Modena it happened pretty quickly. “It was like going to university two years early, but I have loved every moment so far. “My mum was very pro-school and very pro-education, but we managed to convince her in the end.”I miss my family, my two dogs – that is the negative side.”But the food in Italy is a big chunk above the English stuff, the weather is better, too.”Bearman’s boyhood hero is Jenson Button, who has already singled out the wonderkid for praise. On his love for the 2009 champion, Bearman said: “I heard Jenson was praising me on Sky, and that was amazing for me to hear.”I don’t know why, but he was always the guy I loved and really looked up to. READ MORE SUN STORIES”It is cool that he recognised my performance in practice and I will try to speak to him.”Bearman will take to the grid for qualifying tonight ahead of tomorrow’s race at 5pm.Bearman first raced at the age of eightCredit: Instagram / @davidbearman87The No87 is nod to his dad, who also used the numberCredit: Instagram / @davidbearman87His father David is a motorsport enthusiastCredit: Instagram / @davidbearman87Bearman was on pole in Saudi in F2 before getting the call amid Sainz’s illnessCredit: GettyHe is a future star and impressed in practice sessions for Haas last termCredit: Getty More

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      Inside Christian Horner’s amazing lifestyle, from hobnobbing with Prince Harry to luxury sky breaks with Spice Girl Geri

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      THANKS to a career in F1, Christian Horner lives an epic lifestyle.While he didn’t quite make it as a driver himself, as a team principal he’s led Red Bull Racing to multiple titles.Christian Horner lives an epic lifestyle and has a combined fortune of almost £100m with wife Geri HalliwellWhen he’s not on the F1 circuit, Horner is living the high-life in his country pileHorner and wife Geri also enjoy glam holidays when he’s not on the F1 circuitIt is believed he has amassed a net worth of £50million, while pop star wife Geri Halliwell buffers their wealth furthermore with her own £40million fortune.Between them, they have connections galore that allow them to live a luxurious life.Hobnobbing with royalty in Prince Harry, a movie star in Daniel Craig, and football manager Jose Mourinho is the norm.He owns a stable in his Oxfordshire pile, and enjoys sky breaks, relaxing on yachts and fun watersports.Read Christian Horner newsCelebrity minglerWorking in the F1 paddock gives Horner access to many famous faces, who he meets on a race day.Last year, the Duke of Sussex jetted to the Austin Grand Prix as a guest of the Mercedes-AMG Petronas team.And while he was spotted socialising with Toto Wolff, he made time to visit Horner for a chinwag.Ex-Chelsea boss and Formula One fan Mourinho has crossed paths a number of times with Horner.Most read in MotorsportThey mingled at a TAG Heuer Yacht Party to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the Monaco Grand Prix.Ultimate F1 team principal’s rich list including Red Bull’s Christian Horner and Mercedes boss Toto WolffHe was also snapped alongside Horner at the same race in the paddock.One thing he shares in common with David Beckham is falling in love with a Spice Girl.The football legend is a Red Bull and Max Verstappen fan, and regularly attends Grand Prix races around the globe – stopping for a chat with Horner.While James Bond star Daniel Craig has socialised with the motorsport executive at the British Grand Prix and for the premiere of No Time To Die, happily posing for a selfie alongside Geri.Celebrities like Tom Holland enjoy meeting Horner in the paddockF1 fan Daniel Craig meets up with Horner and Halliwell at a James Bond premierePrince Harry was a guest of Mercedes, but popped in for a chat with Horner at the Austin Grand PrixDavid Beckham, who is also married to a Spice Girls, poses for a snap with the F1 team principalJose Mourinho and Horner’s paths have crossed many times, with the Special One enjoying the Monaco Grand PrixYachts & watersportsWhen you’re as moneyed as Horner, and you have some time off from the hectic F1 calendar, an epic break is just the ticket.He often whisks the missus away on a jet set holiday to a stunning location.Wherever they go, it’s five-star all the way.They appear to have a penchant for living the yacht life, and are snapped regularly on board a luxurious boat.Trips to amazing locations like St Lucia and St Tropez have been shared on their Instagrams.But even in his downtime, Horner craves the need for speed.Watersports like jet skiing and wind surfing fulfil that particular desire.Horner and Geri often take to the slopes for winter trips to France for some ski thrills.Event appearances at Ascot, NBA games with driver Max Verstappen, and baseball ensure he’s living his best life.Horner enjoys ski breaks with Geri to FranceCredit: InstagramExpensive beach holidays in St Lucia also give Horner and Halliwell some downtimeCredit: InstagramOn social media, Horner and Halliwell love sharing photos on board various yachtsCredit: InstagramHorner lives a luxurious existence away from his hectic sporting scheduleCredit: InstagramCraving the need for speed, Horner also enjoys watersportCredit: Instagramread more sport featuresGetting to a concert in styleUsually, helicopters are reserved for the talent.How often have you seen an act flown into Glastonbury’s Worthy Farm for a show?Well, forget the headliner – that was exactly how Horner and Geri descended upon the festival for Paul McCartney’s headlining gig back in 2022.It’s as extravagant a date night as one could get.They flew directly from their family home in Oxfordshire to Somerset to see Macca’s set.Geri shared a snap of them embarking on their trip, captioning the photo: “Date night to see a legend. @PaulMcCartney [star emoji]”Horner and Halliwell took an epic date night to Glastonbury – getting there by helicopterCredit: InstagramHorner and Halliwell share a photo backstage at Worthy FarmCredit: InstagramThe pair went to see Paul McCartney’s legendary headline set in 2022Credit: GettyStable ownerWhen Horner’s not in the paddock, or jet-setting around the world, he’s at home lauding it in his country pile.One of two residences, it’s the stable in Oxfordshire he cherishes the most.Back in 2019, he told Luxury London that the sprawling country abode was the “perfect home to relax in.””Restoring the farm has been my hobby – the way I put racing out of my mind,” he added.”The main house is finished but now the barns are being converted. We’re currently putting the finishing touches to an indoor swimming pool.”Getting into the spirit of his surroundings, Horner has been spied riding horses and tractors.This outdoorsy existence only gets better in the summer, when he uses his massive garden.Horner takes on the role as chief barbecuer, serving a spread to his family.READ MORE SUN STORIESHorner plays the role of farmer when he’s not running Red Bull RacingCredit: InstagramOften, Horner is out in his tractor and Geri rides their horsesCredit: InstagramThe power couple made restoring the farm in Oxfordshire a projectCredit: InstagramHome life sees Horner taking control of the barbecue in their huge gardenCredit: InstagramWhile even Santa paid a visit to the amazing abode one ChristmasCredit: InstagramOne Christmas, they even welcomed Santa to their abode – who surely got indulged with a glass of milk and a mince pie.High-life? No, this is THE life you would want to live. More

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      Who is Oliver Bearman? Carlos Sainz’s replacement for Ferrari at the Saudi Arabian Grand Prix

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      OLIVER Bearman is replacing Carlos Sainz as a Ferrari driver at the Saudi Arabian Grand Prix this weekend.Here’s everything you need to know about Formula 1’s freshest face.Oliver Bearman will replace Carlos Sainz at the F1 Saudi Arabia Grand Prix at Jeddah Corniche CircuitCredit: GettyWho is Oliver Bearman?Bearman was raised in Chelmsford and studied at King Edward VI Grammar School. The talented youngster joined Ferrari’s driver academy at the age of 16.He quit school against his mother’s wishes and moved to Modena — close to Ferrari’s headquarters in northern Italy.In 2023, he came sixth in the Formula Two championship.READ MORE ON FERRARIOn March 8, 2024, Bearman qualified for the F2 race in Saudi Arabia on pole.However, he will now ditch his F2 commitments for the weekend after being promoted to replace Spaniard Sainz.Bearman has been tipped as a future star after he was snapped up as part of Ferrari’s young driver scheme.His road to the top began in 2021 as he won the F4 series in both Italy and Germany.Most read in MotorsportAfter moving up to F3, the teen sensation finished in third and was promoted to F2 in 2023 with Prema Racing.The racer featured in Mexico City and Abu Dhabi practice sessions with Haas during the 2023 season.Meet Oliver Bearman the Brit F1 star making debut with Ferrari who speaks with Italian twang and has famous brother He impressed in Mexico, where he became Britain’s youngest-ever F1 driver, finishing ahead of two-time world champion Fernando Alonso in practice.His best lap time in Mexico City — in a Haas — was just 1.6 seconds slower than triple world champion Max Verstappen, and three tenths adrift of experienced teammate, Nico Hulkenberg.Bearman will be the 165th British F1 driver and the first to get behind the wheel of a Ferrari car since Eddie Irvine 25 years ago.His chance comes ahead of Lewis Hamilton’s switch to Ferrari in 2025, but Bearman says it was fellow Brit Jenson Button who was his boyhood hero.What is Oliver Bearman’s net worth?Reports of Oliver’s net worth are limited and vary, but not dramatically.F2 drivers are thought to typically earn between £80,000 to £150,000 per year, but pick up more money through sponsorship deals.WikiAndFact estimates his fortune to be roughly £1million.Whereas Woxikon says he has amassed around $2million (£1.6million) in his career so far.As an up-and-coming racer who’s about to compete in his first Grand Prix, it’s safe to assume his wealth is set to rise.When did Oliver Bearman join Ferrari?Bearman has been part of the Ferrari Driver Academy since 2021.He is currently the reserve driver for Scuderia Ferrari and Haas.His F1 Grand Prix debut will be at the 2024 Saudi GP.Why is he replacing Carlos Sainz in the Saudi Arabia Gran Prix?Sainz will miss the Saudi Arabian Grand Prix 2024 to undergo emergency surgery after being diagnosed with appendicitis.He was reportedly in hospital, having fallen ill since touching down in Jeddah.Sainz came third in the opening race of the season in Bahrain on March 2, 2024.But Saturday’s Saudi GP will see Oliver Bearman replace him.When will Oliver Bearman be racing in F1 Grand Prix?Bearman will be on the starting line for the Saudi GP at the age of 18.The F1 race in Saudi runs to a similar schedule to the Bahrain Grand Prix, meaning qualifying will take place a day earlier than usual.READ MORE SUN STORIESQualifying for the Saudi Arabian GP will begin at 8pm local time (5pm UK time) on Friday, March 8, 2024.The Saudi Arabian GP will start at 8pm local time (5pm UK time) on Saturday, March 9, 2024. More

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      Geri Halliwell WILL now attend Saudi Grand Prix after Christian Horner sext accuser’s shock suspension from Red Bull

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      SPICE Girl Geri Halliwell will join sext probe husband Christian Horner at the Saudi Arabian Grand Prix tomorrow in another public show of support.Geri, 51, will stand by her man again with his Red Bull team – a week after an awkward show of solidarity in Bahrain after hundreds of embarrassing messages were leaked.Christian Horner has heaped praise on his supportive wife, Spice Girl Geri HalliwellCredit: GettyHorner arrives in the paddock on March 8 for the Saudi Arabia Grand PrixCredit: GettyGeri put on a display of unity with her Red Bull racing boss husband in BahrainCredit: GettyHorner was quizzed during a press conference ahead of Saudi Arabia’s raceCredit: GettyThe pop icon has been staying in Dubai as 50-year-old Horner battled a female aide’s discredited claims that he bombarded her with “sexually suggestive” messages.Team principal Horner said he wanted to “draw a line” under the scandal yesterday while saluting his “phenomenally supportive” wife.And Geri – who was left in tears when the scandal broke – will demonstrate her unwavering loyalty again tomorrow at her embattled husband’s side.A source told Sun Online today: “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.Read more on Horner“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.But F1 season curtain raiser win was overshadowed by the sext scandal, which snowballed further on Thursday when The Sun revealed Horner’s accuser had been suspended.Most read in MotorsportInsiders alleged yesterday 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.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.Sponsors crucial to the all-conquering Red Bull team’s continuing success were asked if they had concerns about the continuing scandal, it was revealed yesterday.All declined to comment except the team’s current engine sponsors Honda, who said: “We do not have full details on the matter at this point.“We look forward to full clarity as soon as possible.”It’s obviously been a very trying period. I’m married and have three childrenChristian HornerHorner yesterday admitted it had been a “trying” time for his family but heaped praise on Geri.He said: “My wife has been phenomenally supportive throughout this as have my family.”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.”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.”Pals said Horner — who was cleared in a Red Bull probe before the leak — was finding it impossible to avoid his accuser at work.Frustrations came to a head on Monday following a series of interventions by high-powered lawyers on behalf of the employee.It was tough for Geri in Bahrain but she was determined to show her marriage is still strongSourceHR bosses stepped in and suspended her on full pay — with some reports citing alleged “dishonesty” — pending the outcome of an internal inquiry.Insiders said the woman had demanded to continue working in regular contact with her embattled boss among 1,600 employees at the all-conquering F1 team’s HQ in Milton Keynes, Bucks.At a press conference ahead of the Saudi Arabia Grand Prix, he said: “Obviously there’s been an awful lot of coverage surrounding this.”But one has to go back to the basis that a grievance was raised, it was investigated, and it was dismissed. Obviously it’s been of great interest but I think it is time now to draw a line under it.READ MORE SUN STORIES”I’m afraid I can’t comment on anything that is confidential between an employee and the company.“I am not going to air all the discussions that are private between the parties. Discussions have been had and the team is focused on the challenges ahead of us.” More

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      F1’s richest Wag stuns in all-black outfit and asks ‘leather or latex’ as fans hail ‘literal queen’

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      FORMULA ONE’S richest Wag asked fans to guess whether she was wearing “leather or latex” after stunning in an all-black outfit.“Literal queen” Kelly Piquet turned heads in Paris as she donned a skimpy outfit for a sultry photo shoot.Max Verstappen’s Wag Kelly Piquet has stunned in a black outfit onlineCredit: instagram/@kellypiquet/Max Verstappen’s partner, and also the daughter of Brazilian F1 legend Nelson, struck a pose as she gazed longingly down the lens.And the raven-haired beauty then turned around for a different angle before glancing back over her shoulder.Fans were certainly blown away by Kelly’s latest pictures as she asked them to guess whether she was wearing “leather or latex.”One said: “You are a literal queen.”READ MORE ON F1Another declared: “Max will need to finish his race quick for this one.”One noted: “So pretty! Omg I wanna be Max now.”Another boomed: “Fire both ways.”One added: “Max is so lucky ngl.”Most read in MotorsportKelly has been dating F1 champ and Red Bull star Verstappen since 2020.She was born in Germany and raised in France before studying in England, Brazil, and America.The richest Wags in F1 revealed with some earning thousands from InstagramAs well as being a model, she is also a columnist, blogger and PR professional.Kelly is currently in the French capital for Paris Fashion Week and put on a busty display earlier this week.But she also boasts another fine accolade.That’s because Kelly tops the rich list of F1 Wags, making an average of £2,786 per Instagram post.SEE MORE OF KELLY’S GLAMOROUS LIFE BELOWKelly lives her best lifeCredit: instagram/@kellypiquet/She has been dating Verstappen since 2020Credit: GettyKelly is the daughter of F1 legend NelsonCredit: https://www.instagram.com/kellypiquet/She is the richest F1 wagCredit: Instagram kellypiquetShe earns over £2,000 for every Instagram postCredit: Instagram @kellypiquetKelly is a model amongst other thingsCredit: instagram @kellypiquetShe has been supporting Verstappen for yearsCredit: Instagram @kellypiquetKelly is currently in ParisCredit: GettyShe is turning heads at Fashion WeekCredit: Getty More