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      Jos Verstappen dodged jail for assault before running Max’s F1 career with iron fist, now he’s fighting Christian Horner

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      IT can be hard to stand up to family.But that’s exactly what Max Verstappen has to do.Ex-F1 star Jos Verstappen has managed his son’s careerCredit: PABut Max Verstappen has a decision to make about his futureCredit: GettyHis father Jos has ruled over his son’s career with an iron fist.A former F1 driver himself, his private life 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.In 2008 he appeared in court, charged with assaulting his wife, Sophie Kumpen and while he was found not guilty of assault, he was found guilty of threatening Kumpen in text messages and of violating a previously-issued restraining order.READ MORE IN F1And 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following accusations that he drove a car into his ex-girlfriend but was released two weeks later after the charge was withdrawn.Verstappen Snr had been plotting his son’s rise to the top alongside his chum Raymond Vermeulen, who acts as the F1 star’s manager.Assisted in no small part by his son’s skill behind the wheel, Verstappen became the youngest ever F1 driver when he made his debut in 2015 at the age of 17 years and 166 days old.Integrated in the Red Bull family who control four seats in F1, together they accelerated his career path.Most read in MotorsportThere are growing tensions between Horner and Verstappen SnrCredit: SplashBut now, though, as a three time world champion – perhaps four by the end of this season – the 26-year-old simply must now go it alone.He’s become embroiled in the toxic battle between his father and his team boss Christian Horner after his dad told reporters his son would quit the all-conquering team if he had to.Geri Halliwell breaks cover to stand by her scandal-hit husband Christian Horner at F1 as couple rocked by sext stormThe row comes after Horner was cleared of inappropriate behaviour following an internal investigation by Red Bull.And then a smear campaign of leaked WhatsApp messages designed to take him down.It’s not known if Verstappen Snr had a role in the murky plot to force Horner to quit. Or indeed why he decided to call for his head in the first place.Toppling Horner, who has the support of the race team, also threatens the position of his close ally, F1’s greatest-ever car designer, Adrian Newey.Insiders say that Max has privately offered his support to Horner but is unwilling to do so in public given his father’s stance.This week he will face a grilling in Jeddah about his position, putting him awkwardly in the spotlight, when incidentally his dad won’t be there to front up to his own words, having scurried back home.Like others before him, most notably Lewis Hamilton, who famously cut paternal ties with his dad Anthony in 2010, now is the time for Max to go it alone. Be his own man and make his own decisions.Whatever you think of Horner, his alleged behaviour, or Red Bull HQ’s failure to disclose the report, Max has been thrust into a difficult choice.Whether he stays with Red Bull – against his father’s wishes, or choses to jump ship – presumably to Mercedes.It is the biggest decision of his career however, he must be allowed to make it on his own.***TALK about being tone deaf. Amid all the accusations of inappropriate behaviour in the workplace, FIA president Mohammed Ben Sulayem posted an image on his Instagram account during the Bahrain GP weekend. It was taken in 2004 at the inauguration of the Bahrain circuit where he sat next to Prince Andrew and with Max Mosely. The caption read: “Bahrain GP memories”.***F1 Academy launches in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia this weekCredit: GettyF1 will launch their F1 Academy this week at the Saudi GP, aimed at helping young women racers reach F1.I think the series is a brilliant idea and has the backing of all the F1 teams and F2 and F3 team, Rodin.A total of 15 drivers will race  in identical cars powered by a 165-horsepower turbocharged four-cylinder engine.Brits Abbi Pulling and Jessica Edgar will drive for Rodin while the daughter of motorsport legend Ken Block, Lia Block, also stars.The series comes after the excellent W Series ran into financial troubles and went into administration.***THE leaked messages claiming to be evidence from the Horner investigation were all sent via WhatsApp. Ironically, the social media app owned by Meta – which was formerly named as Facebook – have recently started sponsoring Red Bull’s rivals, Mercedes, with the logo plastered across their race car.***FIA chiefs have urged F1 staff not to post images of their accreditation on social media through fear it could be used by counterfeiters to make bogus paddock passes***Alpine struggled badly in BahrainCredit: RexIT was not just Red Bull going into a meltdown in Bahrain. Alpine – the former Renault team – saw their drivers Esteban Ocon and Pierre Gasly finish in 19th and 20th place respectively.A dreadful start to the season and to make matters worse, it emerged that technical director, Matt Harman, and head of aerodynamics, Dirk de Beer, both resigned before the race team flew out to Bahrain.***NOT to be out-done by their bigger-brother, the drivers at the Red Bull B-term – Racing Bulls (formerly AlphaTauri) also had a spat in Bahrain.Daniel Ricciardo took issue with his teammate Yuki Tusnoda at one point and said over the team’s radio: “What the f***! I’ll save it… he’s a f***ing helmet!”The Aussie later said: “I came on the radio and was trying to stay cool. READ MORE SUN STORIES”A bit of immaturity, let’s say. I’m being very sensible right out but let’s call it immaturity.”Meow.🏁 Complete F1 2024 race calendar – details on every Grand Prix and start time this year 🏁  More

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      Max Verstappen’s dad Jos ‘to SKIP Saudi Grand Prix’ after bombshell row with sexting boss Christian Horner

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      FORMULA One champion Max Verstappen’s dad Jos is set to skip the Saudi Arabia Grand Prix this week after his explosive row with Christian Horner.The pair fell out over Horner’s bombshell sexting scandal after intimate texts sent by him to a female colleague were leaked online, rupturing the Red Bull team.Jos Verstappen and Christian Horner have come to blows after the recent sexting row – and Verstappen Senior is apparently skipping the Saudi Grand Prix this weekCredit: GettyJos Verstappen pictured in Bahrain over the weekendCredit: GettyMax Verstappen and Christian Horner at training in Bahrain last weekCredit: RexThe pair were filmed in what looked to be a heated argument just days agoHorner, 50, was cleared by an internal investigation after shocking allegations of inappropriate behaviour just weeks ago.But only hours later an anonymous dossier of his seedy and sexually suggestive messages were leaked widely online.Verstappen Senior has made it clear he’s not happy with the F1 boss – telling press the team “is in danger of being torn apart” and things “can’t go on” the way they are. Now as tensions reach a boiling point, the former racer has decided to pull out of attending this weeks races in Jeddah, ESPN reports.READ MORE ON CHRISTIAN HORNERRumours suggest Verstappen Senior and Horner have been clashing for months, and the pair reportedly had an explosive row on Friday evening.Not long after Sky Sports footage of what appeared to be a fresh argument between the pair suggests cracks in Red Bull’s team are widening under rising pressure.Jos even said Horner’s Red Bull Racing team would “explode” if Horner is allowed remained in the top slot.His close friendship with Mercedes boss Toto Wolff could even see Max forced to jump ship and take the seat left vacant by Ferrari-bound Lewis Hamilton.Most read in MotorsportJos bluntly told press after Max bagged a win in the F1 opening race: “There is tension here while he [Horner] 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.”The Sun alleged over the weekend that a mole inside the Red Bull camp could have sent the dossier of texts to F1 personnel.And Jos, a former team-mate of Michael Schumacher, was asked if he was involved.He strongly denied the claims, saying: “That wouldn’t make sense.”Why would I do that when Max is doing so well here?”Jos, 51, has overseen his son’s career like a hawk after taking part in 106 races as an F1 driver himself.Now his row with Horner has left son Max, 26, in an awkward position and could drive a bigger wedge through the Red Bull team.And according to the Sunday Telegraph, Jos even told pals his son will “move on from Red Bull Racing if he has to” after the recent drama.Horner did not comment on the leak while in Bahrain for the Grand Prix.While it is not clear yet whether the messages are authentic, and serve as evidence against him – they showcased a series of seedy and sexually suggestive conversations.Horner was joined in Bahrain on Saturday by wife Spice Girl Geri Halliwell, 51, who displayed a clear show of support for her husband.The pair were seen holding hands, tightly embracing and even kissing in the F1 paddock.READ MORE SUN STORIESBut sources said furious Geri “read the riot act” to him before putting on a brave face for the cameras — to her husband’s “relief”.Horner had always denied the allegations of inappropriate behaviour and was cleared by Red Bull to continue in his role on Wednesday after the employee’s claim for grievance was dismissed.Geri putting on a show of support for husband Christian on SaturdayCredit: SplashMax Verstappen with his dad Jos in the paddock ahead of the Bahrain Grand PrixCredit: Getty More

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      Watch moment Christian Horner & Max Verstappen’s dad Jos have ‘heated’ exchange as team ‘torn apart’ by sext row

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      CHRISTIAN Horner and Max Verstappen’s dad Jos were seen locked in what looked like a fiery argument during the Formula One season opener.Reports of cracks in the Red Bull camp follow Horner’s embarrassing sexting scandal – where intimate text messages sent by him to a female colleague were leaked online.Jos Verstappen and Christian Horner have reportedly come to blows after the recent sexting rowCredit: GettyChristian Horner and Jos Verstappen having what looked like a heated debate on Saturday nightCredit: SKY SPORTSJos with son Max, who won the F1 season opener over the weekendCredit: GettyHorner with wife Geri Halliwell, who put on a show support for her husband at the Grand PrixAnd F1 world champion Verstappen was dragged into the drama when his father, Jos Verstappen, called for Christian Horner’s head.Rumours suggest Verstappen Senior and Horner have been clashing for months, and the pair reportedly had an explosive row on Friday evening.The Sky Sports footage of what appeared to be a fresh argument between the pair on Saturday suggests cracks in Red Bull’s team are widening under rising pressure.Jos even said Horner’s Red Bull Racing team would “explode” if he remained in the top slot and could be “torn apart”.READ MORE ON CHRISTIAN HORNERAnd his close friendship with Mercedes boss Toto Wolff could see Max forced to jump ship and take the seat left vacant by Ferrari-bound Lewis Hamilton.Jos bluntly told press after Max bagged a win in the F1 opening race: “There is tension here while he [Horner] 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 MotorsportLast week Horner, 50, was cleared in an internal Red Bull investigation of inappropriate behaviour after a complaint was raised by a female colleague. But just 24 hours after the fact – hundreds of messages were leaked on social media via an anonymous email.The racing boss did not comment on the leak while in Bahrain for the Grand Prix.While it is not clear yet whether the messages are authentic, and serve as evidence against him – they showcased a series of seedy and sexually suggestive conversations.Horner was then joined in Bahrain on Saturday by wife Spice Girl Geri Halliwell, 51, who displayed a clear show of support for her husband.The pair were seen holding hands, tightly embracing and even kissing in the F1 paddock.But sources said furious Geri “read the riot act” to him before putting on a brave face for the cameras — to her husband’s “relief”.The Sun alleged over the weekend that a mole inside the Red Bull camp could have sent the dossier of texts to F1 personnel.And Jos, a former team-mate of Michael Schumacher, was asked if he was involved.He strongly denied the claims, saying: “That wouldn’t make sense.”Why would I do that when Max is doing so well here?”Jos, 51, has overseen his son’s career like a hawk after taking part in 106 races as an F1 driver himself.Now his row with Horner has left son Max, 26, in an awkward position and could drive a bigger wedge through the Red Bull team.Max wished Jos happy birthday on Twitter today, posting a picture of him as a youngster in a model racing car with his dad crouched behind him.READ MORE SUN STORIESAnd according to the Sunday Telegraph, Jos even told pals his son will “move on from Red Bull Racing if he has to” after the recent drama.Horner had always denied the allegations of inappropriate behaviour and was cleared by Red Bull to continue in his role on Wednesday after the employee’s claim for grievance was dismissed.Who is Jos Verstappen?A FORMER F1 driver himself, Jos achieved two podiums in 106 races but has recently been better known as the father of world champion Max Verstappen.
      Jos can frequently be seen behind the scenes at Red Bull during the race weekends and takes pride in supporting his son publicly.
      However, he has been the subject of some scrutiny in the past.
      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.

      Horner could be seen waving his hands around and gesturing as he talked intently with JosCredit: SKY SPORTSHorner and Verstappen look stressed as they gear up for the race over the weekendCredit: GettyGeri and her husband share sharing an intimate moment before the opening race of the seasonHorner points at Jos during their exchange after the season openerCredit: SKY SPORTSHorner with F1 champ Max Verstappen after he won the season opener in BahrainThe troubled couple stood next to Red Bull key shareholder Chalerm Yoovidhya and his wife as they watched from the paddock More

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      Fuming Geri Halliwell demands husband Christian Horner cut ties with colleague and lays down ground rules over behaviour

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      FUMING Geri Halliwell has demanded her scandal-hit husband Christian Horner cut contact with the female colleague he is accused of sexting.The Spice Girl, who staged a public show of support for F1 boss Horner in Bahrain, wants the employee “out of the picture”.Furious Geri Halliwell wants husband Christian Horner to cut contact with the colleague he’s accused of sextingCredit: GettyGinger Spice wants the employee ‘out of the picture’Credit: PADevastated Geri, 51, is also understood to have laid down ground rules over her hubby’s future behaviour — including on messages he sends on his phone.It was also reported that the woman at the centre of the sexts storm has struck up a close friendship with another senior figure in Horner’s Red Bull team.Meanwhile, tensions mounted after top driver Max Verstappen’s dad warned the team will “explode” if Horner, 50, stays.A showbiz source said: “Although she smiled for the cameras at the grand prix, Geri has laid down some strict ground rules.READ MORE ON CHRISTIAN HORNER”One is that Christian cuts or reduces contact with the woman — but that is difficult because of her role at Red Bull.“And she has definitely had her say over what messages he sends. For obvious reasons, Geri would like the female colleague — who she knew before her appointment — to be out of the picture as much as possible.“But they cannot sack her as there are no grounds to do so.”An F1 insider said Geri, mum to Horner’s seven-year-old son, had shown “nothing but support” to her husband.Most read in MotorsportIt comes after the pair shared an awkward hug and kiss for the cameras in the Middle East.The paddock source added: “Christian will be heading to Saudi Arabia for the race next weekend and I doubt Geri will be there — but that is because she is incredibly busy.”A torrent of sexually suggestive messages were leaked after Horner was cleared of “coercive behaviour” towards the female employee in a Red Bull probe.Geri Halliwell breaks cover to stand by her scandal-hit husband Christian Horner at F1 as couple rocked by sext stormSome appeared to show him asking for pics and discussing a solo sex act in a plane toilet.Horner has not commented on the messages, sent anonymously last Thursday to 149 F1 figures including journalists.Meanwhile, Red Bull pulled a promo video over the weekend after trolls targeted Horner’s accuser. The 11-minute Race to Miami film, featuring the team boss, was set to “private” on YouTube after a string of vicious comments aimed at the female employee.A spokesman for Red Bull Racing insisted: “There is no issue and we are focusing on the racing.READ MORE SUN STORIES“The team is united.” A spokeswoman for Geri was approached for comment.Geri is also understood to have laid down ground rules over her hubby’s future behaviourCredit: PAThe pair shared an awkward hug and kiss for the cameras in the Middle EastCredit: PAHow 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 More

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      Max Verstappen’s dad spotted with Mercedes boss Toto Wolff as Jos tells pals son ‘will move from Red Bull if he has to’

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      MAX Verstappen’s dad has been spotted cosying up to Mercedes boss Toto Wolff amid rumours Max could make a shock Red Bull exit.Jos Verstappen, 51, reportedly told pals his son will “move on from Red Bull Racing if he has to” after publicly blasting Horner a “problem” amid the sexting scandal.Jos Verstappen has made his feelings clear on Red Bull chief Christian HornerCredit: GettyJos has even told pals his son would leave Red Bull if he felt he had too, say reportsCredit: GettyToto Wolff and Jos Verstappen have been seen having frequent chats in the past weekCredit: Twitter/Frederic FerretSources say Max could be forced to pick between his dad and his boss as his future has come under speculationCredit: RexSources in and around the paddock now believe Jos is lining his son up for the available Mercedes seat next season in a blockbuster switch.Jos has been seen with pal and Mercedes boss Toto Wolff for more regular and cheerful chats than ever since the sexting allegations against Horner came out.The pair were spotted together deep in conversation on several occasions at the first race of the F1 season in Bahrain as a very public feud between Jos and Horner continues to rumble on.Verstappen could be forced to make the tricky decision whether he sticks with Red Bull and tries to continue his domination or jump ship to another team to keep his dad happy.read more in HornerA seemingly toxic Red Bull have Max – the three time world champion – under contract for the next four years until 2028, however.But sources say Jos and Toto’s close relationship could pave the way for Max to replace Ferrari-bound Lewis Hamilton next year.Hamilton achieved unbelievable success at Mercedes but in recent years Max has taken over as the best driver on the grid..The pair – who have been friends for a while – were even seen talking at their hotel The Four Seasons, Telegraph Sport understands.Most read in MotorsportWolff was also quizzed on Verstappen’s future post-race and quickly shut down the rumours of a potential blockbuster move.The Mercedes boss noted Verstappen has the best car on the grid at the moment and is in a perfect position in terms of his role in the team as the clear lead driver.Inside Christian Horner’s 4-week fight for his career from 8hr grilling to Geri Halliwell’s agony…& why saga may go on He said: “I think the driver will always choose the quickest car.“That is fundamentally what it’s all about. At the moment, the Red Bull is the quickest car so that will always be in my opinion the priority.”But Toto was unusually complimentary of the Dutchman saying he was “in a different galaxy” to the other 19 drivers before labelling him as “extraordinary”.The public flirting comes as Mercedes tried to sign Max when he was a junior driver before Red Bull swooped in and made him a superstar.Mercedes stalwart Wolff – who started at the Silver Arrows at the same time as Hamilton and has led them to eight titles – is widely regarded as Horner’s arch nemesis.Wolff was bought into Mercedes to squash Red Bull’s dominance after Sebastian Vettel claimed four world titles in a row.And Wolff quickly got the team firing as they stayed at the top of the sport for almost a decade.This led Horner and Wolff to be caught up in a war of words for years with each one battling to be the top team principle in the paddock.The team is in danger of being torn apart. It can’t go on the way it is. It will explodeJos VerstappenJos has also been in a long-running feud with Horner, say sources, as he ‘blew his top’ with bombshell comments about the Red Bull chief in Bahrain.The Dutchman said Red Bull Racing will “explode” if Horner remains team principal.Continuing on to say: “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.”It comes asHorner was cleared of any inappropriate behaviour following an internal investigation after a complaint was raised by a female colleague at his F1 team.However, 24 hours after the issue seemed squashed an anonymous email was leaked revealing damning WhatsApp messages claiming to be from part of the report.Horner 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.Some have even speculated saying Jos could’ve been the mastermind behind the leaks.But when asked if he was involved, Jos strongly denied the claims, saying: “That wouldn’t make sense.”Why would I do that when Max is doing so well here?”Wolff stoked more fire over the 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.”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.READ MORE SUN STORIESHorner, 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.Who is Jos Verstappen?A FORMER F1 driver himself, Jos achieved two podiums in 106 races but has recently been better known as the father of world champion Max Verstappen.
      Jos can frequently be seen behind the scenes at Red Bull during the race weekends and takes pride in supporting his son publicly.
      However, he has been the subject of some scrutiny in the past.
      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.

      Verstappen and Horner have dominated F1 in recent yearsCredit: GettyWolff and Horner have been in a feud for the past decade as both compete for the best boss in F1Credit: Getty More

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      Christian Horner tried to down play sext scandal by telling wife Geri Halliwell that probe was over ‘promotion row’

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      CHRISTIAN Horner tried to down play his sext scandal by telling Geri Halliwell his probe was over a “promotion row”, it was claimed.The Spice Girl, 51, presented a united front with the under-fire F1 Red Bull boss before and after ­yesterday’s Bahrain Grand Prix.Red Bull boss Christian Horner and his wife Geri Halliwell put on a united front as the pair was rocked by Horner’s sext leakCredit: GettyGeri shared an ­awkward hug and kiss with hubby HornerCredit: PAThe pair pictured tense as they walked along the paddockCredit: GettyThe pair’s public displays of affection came as sources close to Geri revealed how Horner reportedly first described the situation as a workplace row.The Sun learned that Geri knew of the female employee at the centre of the texting scandal. A Red Bull insider said she even approved of the woman working in Horner’s team, who later visited the couple’s home.The insider said: “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.Read more about Geri Halliwell”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.”Sources added that furious Geri “read the riot act” to Horner 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.Most read in MotorsportAfter 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.”Christian Horner gives defiant seven-word statment amid sext leak storm after Bahrain Grand Prix winAn 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.”But showbiz insiders said Ginger Spice had considered the future of her nine-year marriage to Horner, father of her seven-year-old son.She will most likely bunker down in the couple’s Cotswolds country home and make her decision behind closed doors, the Daily Mail reported.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.“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.”Geri’s worried pals also said she is said to have “felt like a fool” for trusting her “prince charming” husband Christian Horner after he played down sexting claims.Friends of the star reportedly stated it would “break her heart” to end things with Christian, whom she considers the “Prince Charming” she has 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.”But the question now that her inner circle is asking is whether Christian will be sent to the dog house for a few days or whether this is it for good.A source close to the pop star, who was on a Bahrain-bound private jet when the messages emerged, told The Sun Horner tried to play down the scandal.They said: “Geri is heartbroken and feels utterly humiliated. She trusted him when he tried to play down the scandal.“He always told her he’d done nothing wrong. This will really hurt Geri, who has put everything into their marriage.””She worked hard for all of this, she jumped through hoops to get him, so will she dump him?”READ MORE SUN STORIESIt is understood Geri went “into meltdown” when she landed in Bahrain to discover Horner’s sext leak.Her concerned pals added she seemed “fragile” when they saw her a few weeks ago.Sources close to the Spice Girl said she is now evaluating the next steps in her marriage to HornerCredit: Instagram @therealgerihalliwellThe couple has been married for nine years and share a seven-year-old sonCredit: Instagram/gerihalliwellhornerGeri was said to have ‘felt like a fool’ for trusting her ‘prince charming’ husbandCredit: Instagram / gerihalliwellhornerHorner and Geri pose after the F1 Grand Prix of Italy at Autodromo di Monza in 2014Credit: Getty More

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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