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      Christian Horner flies to Bahrain for F1 season opener as Red Bull boss expected to learn fate over ‘sexts probe’ TODAY

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      CHRISTIAN Horner is flying to Bahrain ahead of the F1 season opener as he awaits the outcome of an investigation into his behaviour.It is understood the embattled Red Bull Racing chief, 50, will find out his fate today following an internal probe.
      Christian Horner pictured on February 22Credit: Getty
      Horner shares a laugh with world champion Max Verstappen at pre-season testingCredit: Getty
      Horner was initially under investigation over alleged controlling behaviour at work.
      But it was later alleged that he sent the female employee “sexually suggestive” messages.
      Horner has vehemently denied all claims that threaten his position as leader of the all-conquering team of world champion Max Verstappen.
      It is widely expected the result of the probe – being handled by the energy drink’s HQ in Austria – will be revealed today as his position at the team’s helm hangs in the balance.
      More on Christian Horner
      Over the three-week process of the probe, the message from within the team has been that it is “business as usual”.
      And that stance has not changed as Horner, who is not believed to know the outcome of the investigation, is today jetting out to the island, Sky Sports reports.
      It is reported he will not be present for the media day today, but is due in the paddock for practice tomorrow.
      But The Sun this week told how the full report on the probe may be kept secret by Red Bull.
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      Horner was present at the pre-season testing in Bahrain last week and Red Bull’s 2024 car launch days prior.
      Last week, Horner addressed the new bombshell probe and declared he wanted a conclusion as “soon as possible”.
      Christian & Geri Horner Mansions
      He was previously reportedly urged to resign by ex-F1 boss Bernie Ecclestone – and F1 insiders did not “expect him to survive in his role”, according to BBC Sport.
      Horner’s wife Geri Halliwell, 51, is understood to be standing firmly by her husband, who she married in 2015.
      Earlier this month, she was pictured smiling alongside her husband at a horse racing event in Badbury Rings, Dorset.
      She was allegedly reduced to tears when news of the scandal broke – but privately insisted he did nothing wrong.
      Horner, who has led the Austrian team since its formation in 2005, was quizzed by an independent barrister in a private location late into the afternoon on February 9.
      He is said to have privately vowed to his friends he will “clear his name and come through this,” a source told the Daily Mail.
      Horner joined Red Bull Racing in 2005 and is the sport’s longest-serving team principal.
      The F1 chief has overseen a huge period of success for the racing team – winning multiple F1 championships with Sebastian Vettel and Verstappen.
      The bombshell claims that have rocked F1F1 was rocked earlier this month by the sudden news that the sport’s longest-standing team principal had been placed under investigation by Red Bull’s Austria-based parent company.
      This was thought to be over a “dossier of incriminating material” regarding “inappropriate and controlling behaviour” towards one female, The Telegraph reported.
      Red Bull’s Austrian parent company flew an independent lawyer to the UK to question the multi-millionaire race ace and his accuser.
      The former racing driver, who runs world champion Max Verstappen’s all-conquering Red Bull team, endured an eight-hour grilling over the claims last week.
      Most recently however, more allegations have come out as the De Telegraaf reported that Horner allegedly sent sex messages to his employee “over an extended period of time”.
      Messages were said to have been saved and presented as evidence to the external ­barrister running the inquiry after the woman made a complaint last December.
      Mr Horner categorically denied the new allegations and is thought to be taking legal action against De Telegraaf.
      An F1 source told The Sun last week that “Christian has not been sacked or asked to resign and he is not going to resign”.
      The investigation raises the question of who could take over the helm of the all-conquering racing team of world champion Max Verstappen.
      His wife Geri Halliwell is also said to be “terrified her life will unravel” amid Horner’s “inappropriate behaviour” probe.
      The ex-Spice Girl, who was “in floods of tears” when the Red Bull boss was hit with the bombshell allegations, fears the drama will drag on for years, a source has claimed. 
      But Geri, 51, is understood to be standing by her husband.
      She has told pals: “Christian has done nothing wrong.”
      Horner has overseen a huge period of success for the racing team – winning multiple F1 championships with Sebastian Vettel and Verstappen.
      Red Bull has won seven Formula One world drivers’ championships and six world ­constructors’ titles under Horner’s leadership.
      Last season, the team won 21 of the 22 races on the global F1 tour, and Verstappen, 26, won the drivers’ crown.
      Horner was awarded a CBE for services to motorsport in the 2024 New Year’s Honours List

      Red Bull has won seven Formula One world drivers’ championships and six world ­constructors’ titles under Horner’s leadership.
      Last season, the team won 21 of the 22 races on the global F1 tour, and Verstappen, 26, won the drivers’ crown.
      Horner was awarded a CBE for services to motorsport in the 2024 New Year’s Honours List.
      Should he quit his role, Red Bull would be seeking a replacement to lead their defence of the two titles they won in 2023, with Max Verstappen winning his third world championship.
      But F1 insiders say the probe has already caused “loss of image” to the team.
      Ex-F1 team owner Eddie Jordan told F1-Insider.com: “I have experienced many wrong decisions.
      “But the Red Bull situation is the most absurd thing I’ve ever seen. Of course, there is initially the presumption of innocence for Horner.
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      “But does anyone seriously believe that the employee made up her mind about the allegations?
      “If Horner is innocent, is she guilty? Red Bull’s loss of image is already huge. Someone has to pull the ripcord now.”
      Horner with wife Geri HalliwellCredit: GettyA look at Christian Horner’s life and careerCHRISTIAN Horner is among the most well-known names in Formula One having helped build Red Bull into one of the biggest teams in the sport.

      1973 – Born in Leamington Spa, Warwickshire
      1991 – Wins a Formula Renault scholarship after impressing in karting races
      1993-1997 – Competed in a host of competitions including British Formula Three, British Formula Two, and Formula 3000
      1997 – Founded and developed the F3000 team Arden
      1999 – Retired from driving and continued developing the Arden team
      2005 – Appointed head of Red Bull team, becoming the youngest ever team principal at that time
      2009 – Wins his first races as team principal with Sebastian Vettel and Mark Webber
      2010 – Wins the Constructors’ Championship and Drivers’ Championship with Vettel – the first of four doubles in a row
      2013 – Has a daughter with ex-wife Beverly Allen shortly before the couple split
      2014 – Gets engaged to Spice Girls member Geri Halliwell
      2015 – Marries Halliwell in Woburn, Bedfordshire
      2017 – Horner and Halliwell welcome their son
      2021 – Wins another Drivers’ Championship with Max Verstappen, beating Lewis Hamilton on the final lap of the season
      2022-23 – Red Bull win the Drivers’ Championship and Constructors’ Championship two years in a row More

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      Terrifying moment 18-year-old racer crashes 590-horsepower superboat at high speed as it flips and bursts into flames

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      THIS WAS the moment that two superboat racers were fortunate to escape with their lives after a terrifying crash.The shock incident occurred at Griffith in New South Wales at the Australian championships last weekend.
      Two superboat racers were lucky to escape alive after a terrifying crashCredit: 9 News Australia
      The shock incident happened in Australia when Nate Mullan, 18, flipped the boat on the last cornerCredit: 9 News Australia
      Nate Mullan, 18, and his navigator were leading their V8 Superboats Championship race when their 590-horsepower boat came off course on the last corner.
      They flipped out of the water and onto the grass with the navigator quickly managing to escape the rubble.
      However, Mullan only emerged from the upside-down boat as it became engulfed in flames.
      Terrified spectators could hear the PA commentator shout over the tannoy: “Have we got them both out? I can’t quite see.
      READ MORE ON SPORT
      “I think we have. Get the buckets, guys. Where’s some more extinguishers?”
      The superboat was completely destroyed in the crash, but Phonsy Mullan, a fellow racer and Nate’s father, was just happy to see two youngsters escape with their lives.
      He told Channel Seven: “At the end of the day the boat can be replaced. The boys can’t be. That’s the biggest thing.”
      He later provided an update on social media, writing on Facebook: “We certainly had a mixed fortune of events on the weekend Racing.
      Most read in Motorsport
      “Ultimately all are ok with some mild concussion symptoms and neck injuries (Navi copped some groin treatment).
      “While Myself and Bastian had wins Nate nearly pulled off a win but ran off the track in the last corner.
      West Ham fans delayed getting to Craven Cottage for Fulham clash as boat CRASHES into Hammersmith Bridge
      “A reasonable impact but only a 4-5K damage. That was until a fire started and that burnt the boat down to the ground. A total loss.”
      The team is now looking to try and get a replacement boat in time for the next race, which is less than a month away.
      Nate and his brother Bastian have created a GoFundMe page in order to try and raise the targeted £41,120.
      And that also provided more details about the scary accident.
      They wrote in the description of the page: “Thankfully both driver and navigator are ok but if they did not get themselves out of the boat in the seconds they had , they would not have been here to tell the story.”
      The two escaped the upside down boat as it burst in to flamesCredit: GoFundMe More

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      Teen motocross rider narrowly escapes death after shattering face in horror crash that saw her helmet filled with blood

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      A MOTOCROSS rider feels “lucky to be alive” after suffering a horror crash in training that saw her helmet fill with blood.Taylah McCutcheon was knocked unconscious after losing control of her bike and breaking several bones in her face.
      Taylah McCutcheon suffered a horror crash in training
      Teen broke multiple facial injuries in the fall
      She said she feels “lucky to be alive”
      The crash happened on a downhill and with McCutcheon travelling at speed she lost control of the handlebars, so was unable to reach for her brakes, resulting in the 19-year-old falling face first into the bottom of a dirt mound.
      The impact knocked her out but after regaining consciousness McCutcheon managed to crawl to the top of the dirt mound to call for help, as nobody had witnessed the crash.
      Paramedics then gave her treatment and McCutcheon was rushed to The Royal Melbourne Hospital, where she underwent nose surgery after falling in and out of consciousness for an hour and a half.
      The rider, who hails from Queensland, Australia, has been left black and blue after shattering her nose, breaking both eye sockets, left cheekbone, left jaw and her Maxilla – the main facial bone.
      READ MORE IN SPORT
      She is set to undergo more surgery to treat her facial injuries with McCutcheon “thankful to still be alive” after revealing her helmet saved her life.
      McCuthceon shared an update on Instagram and thanked those who came to her aid.
      She wrote in the caption: “Grateful to still be here🤍
      “We are still yet to discover what cut my face as it’s still unknown, this is as much information we could gather from what we know as I don’t remember a thing and no one really saw much of it. But thank you once again to everyone who has messaged or called me.
      Most read in Motorsport
      “Especially to every person who was helping me out during my incident, I thank you all more than anything!!
      “There was definitely someone in my corner that day and I’m just blessed to be here. Enjoy every day as it comes.
      ‘They’re racing each other… f***ing hell’, rants F1 star as Lewis Hamilton caught up in bizarre pre-season tussle
      “Will keep everyone updated!”
      McCutcheon’s horror crash comes just a week after fellow Motocross star Jayden Archer, 27, died after attempting a dangerous trick in training.
      McCutcheon is from Queensland, Australia More

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      Eddie Jordan launches scathing attack on Red Bull and Christian Horner & blasts ‘absurd’ sexting probe

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      F1 legend Eddie Jordan has launched a scathing attack on Red Bull over its handling of the Christian Horner sexting probe.The former racing team owner blasted the formal investigation into Horner’s behaviour as “absurd” and said the damage it had done to the team was “already huge”.
      Christian Horner’s future at Red Bull is still hanging in the balance – with a decision expected in 48 hoursCredit: PA
      F1 legend Eddie Jordan blasted the investigation as ‘absurd’ and deeply damaging to Red BullCredit: Getty
      Red Bull has been pushing the message of ‘business as usual’ at pre-season testing in BahrainCredit: Reuters
      Jordan, who founded the now defunct Jordan Grand Prix team which competed from 1991 to 2005, told Red Bull to “pull the ripcord now” and make a decision over Horner’s fate at the team.
      The Red Bull chief, 50, is expected to find out within the next 48 hours if he is out of a job after a three-week probe into controlling behaviour and sexting allegations made by a female colleague.
      Speaking to F1 Insider, Jordan said: “I have experienced many wrong decisions.
      “But the Red Bull situation is the most absurd thing I’ve ever seen.
      read more on christian horner
      “Of course, there is initially the presumption of innocence for Horner. But does anyone seriously believe that the employee made up her mind about the allegations?”
      Jordan, a close friend of Red Bull’s design maestro Adrian Newey, added: “Red Bull’s loss of image is already huge. Someone has to pull the ripcord now.”
      Horner vehemently denies all the allegations and has repeatedly said he hopes for a swift end to the investigation.
      F1 insiders believe the decision will come before the season-opening Grand Prix which first kicks off on Wednesday.
      Most read in Motorsport
      It comes as the full report into the behaviour probe, which is being handled by the energy drink’s HQ in Austria, could be kept secret by Red Bull.
      It is understood that the investigation, which was carried out by a specialist barrister and included an eight-hour grilling on February 9, has now concluded.
      Red Bull chief Christian Horner arrives for press conference ahead of testing for Bahrain Grand Prix
      Yesterday, two-time world champion Max Verstappen spoke out again about the investigation of his racing boss.
      Speaking to reporters at the Milton Keynes launch, he said it will be “nice for everyone” when the investigation is resolved.
      The Red Bull driver added: “So it’s better that I just focus on my own performance because that’s already the day job.
      “But I guess…for everyone, it’s nice, of course, when things are resolved. But that’s the only thing that I can say about that.
      “Everyone who is here, they’re all focusing on the performance of the car, as they should.”
      His statements echo those from inside the Red Bull Racing team whose go-to phrase has been “business as usual” while they wait for a conclusion to the saga.
      The bombshell claims that have rocked F1F1 was rocked earlier this month by the sudden news that the sport’s longest-standing team principal had been placed under investigation by Red Bull’s Austria-based parent company.
      This was thought to be over a “dossier of incriminating material” regarding “inappropriate and controlling behaviour” towards one female, The Telegraph reported.
      Red Bull’s Austrian parent company flew an independent lawyer to the UK to question the multi-millionaire race ace and his accuser.
      The former racing driver, who runs world champion Max Verstappen’s all-conquering Red Bull team, endured an eight-hour grilling over the claims last week.
      Most recently however, more allegations have come out as the De Telegraaf reported that Horner allegedly sent sex messages to his employee “over an extended period of time”.
      Messages were said to have been saved and presented as evidence to the external ­barrister running the inquiry after the woman made a complaint last December.
      Mr Horner categorically denied the new allegations and is thought to be taking legal action against De Telegraaf.
      An F1 source told The Sun last week that “Christian has not been sacked or asked to resign and he is not going to resign”.
      The investigation raises the question of who could take over the helm of the all-conquering racing team of world champion Max Verstappen.
      His wife Geri Halliwell is also said to be “terrified her life will unravel” amid Horner’s “inappropriate behaviour” probe.
      The ex-Spice Girl, who was “in floods of tears” when the Red Bull boss was hit with the bombshell allegations, fears the drama will drag on for years, a source has claimed. 
      But Geri, 51, is understood to be standing by her husband.
      She has told pals: “Christian has done nothing wrong.”
      Horner has overseen a huge period of success for the racing team – winning multiple F1 championships with Sebastian Vettel and Verstappen.
      Red Bull has won seven Formula One world drivers’ championships and six world ­constructors’ titles under Horner’s leadership.
      Last season, the team won 21 of the 22 races on the global F1 tour, and Verstappen, 26, won the drivers’ crown.
      Horner was awarded a CBE for services to motorsport in the 2024 New Year’s Honours List

      Horner, who has led the Austrian team since its formation in 2005, oversaw pre-season testing last week in Bahrain and was all smiles as he pictured in the pit lane.
      But other team principals have been calling for greater “transparency” in the world of F1 in the wake of the scandal engulfing Red Bull.
      Mercedes team boss Toto Wolff described it as “an issue for all of Formula One”, while Mclaren chief Zak Brown called the allegations “extremely serious”.
      Brown hoped that they were being handled in a “very transparent way” and “swiftly” as “these are not the headlines that Formula One wants or needs.”
      Since the scandal broke, Horner’s Spice Girl wife Geri Halliwell, 51, has stood by her husband.
      Last weekend, she was pictured smiling alongside Horner, who she married in 2015, at a horse racing event in Badbury Rings, Dorset.
      READ MORE SUN STORIES
      However, fresh reports say the Spice Girls star is “mortified and angry” over the probe.
      But she has privately insisted her husband, with whom she shares a son, has done nothing wrong.
      Horner shares a laugh with world champion Max Verstappen at pre-season testingCredit: GettyChristian Horner’s life and careerCHRISTIAN Horner is among the most well-known names in Formula One having helped build Red Bull into one of the biggest teams in the sport.

      1973 – Born in Leamington Spa, Warwickshire
      1991 – Wins a Formula Renault scholarship after impressing in karting races
      1993-1997 – Competed in a host of competitions including British Formula Three, British Formula Two, and Formula 3000
      1997 – Founded and developed the F3000 team Arden
      1999 – Retired from driving and continued developing the Arden team
      2005 – Appointed head of Red Bull team, becoming the youngest ever team principal at that time
      2009 – Wins his first races as team principal with Sebastian Vettel and Mark Webber
      2010 – Wins the Constructors’ Championship and Drivers’ Championship with Vettel – the first of four doubles in a row
      2013 – Has a daughter with ex-wife Beverly Allen shortly before the couple split
      2014 – Gets engaged to Spice Girls member Geri Halliwell
      2015 – Marries Halliwell in Woburn, Bedfordshire
      2017 – Horner and Halliwell welcome their son
      2021 – Wins another Drivers’ Championship with Max Verstappen, pipping Lewis Hamilton on the final lap of the season
      2022-23 – Red Bull win the Drivers’ Championship and Constructors’ Championship two years in a row

      Geri Halliwell is reportedly ‘mortified and angry’ at the probe into her husband’s behaviourCredit: Getty
      The scandal has overshadowed the gear up to the F1 racing seasonCredit: Getty
      Horner has denied all the allegationsCredit: Getty More

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      F1 stars face staggering £855,000 fines as chiefs clamp down – but Lewis Hamilton will refuse to pay

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      FORMULA ONE stars face huge possible fines in the 2024 season after FIA chiefs QUADRUPLED the maximum punishment.The previous maximum penalty that could be imposed on drivers for a serious offence – such as causing a collision – was £214,000 (€250,000).
      Lewis Hamilton has declared he will not pay new FIA fines unless they meet certain conditionsCredit: Rex
      F1 stars now face a maximum penalty fine of €1million under FIA rulesCredit: Getty
      However, drivers could now be slapped with fines as high as £855,000 (€1million).
      These new rules were approved by a World Motorsport Council meeting in Geneva last October.
      The FIA explained the amendment to the International Sporting Code was made as previous rules “do not reflect the current needs of motorsport” after not being reviewed or amended in the 12 years prior.
      Drivers were not consulted about the penalty hike, and many have already voiced dissenting opinions against the change.
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      Following the announcement, seven-time world champion Lewis Hamilton declared he would refuse to pay the fines unless they met his conditions.
      He said: “We do need to be thinking about the message that sends out to those watching. If they are going to be fined a million, let’s make sure 100 per cent goes to a good cause.
      “It is a lot of money in this industry and there is a lot more we need to do in terms of creating better accessibility and diversity, that’s the only way they’ll get that million from me.”
      The 39-year-old received the heaviest fines of any F1 driver last season with £43,400 (€50,700), including a half suspended €50,000 fine for crossing a live track at the Qatar Grand Prix following a crash with Mercedes team-mate George Russell.
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      Russell, 26, is the director of the Grand Prix Drivers’ Association also slammed the decision.
      He said: “I think it’s pretty ridiculous that a driver could be fined a million Euros.
      ‘They’re racing each other… f***ing hell’, rants F1 star as Lewis Hamilton caught up in bizarre pre-season tussle
      “In my first year in F1, I was on a five-figure salary and actually lost over six figures in that first year paying for a trainer, flights, an assistant and that’s probably the case for 25 per cent of the grid.
      “We are doing what we love, so not complaining about that but if you fine him a million, I don’t know what’s going to happen.
      “We’ve requested before from FIA to hear where these fines are going towards, what causes. It needs to be invested in grassroots but so far had no response on where that’s going.
      “I would love to get some clarity and transparency, if they truly believe a million fine is worthwhile and going to reinvest into sport, then maybe one of the drivers who earns a lot is happy to pay that, but it seems obscene.
      “We just want transparency and understanding. I think already the fines are getting out of control.
      “Max Verstappen was fined €50,000 for touching a car in Brazil, Lewis being fined €50,000… it feels like these numbers are being plucked out of the air.
      WHO COULD REPLACE HAMILTON AT MERCEDES? Mercedes will have a vacant seat for 2025.
      Here, SunSport’s F1 correspondent Ben Hunt looks at FIVE potential candidates who could replace him and partner George Russell in the Silver Arrows.
      Oscar Piastri – McLaren have sewn up Lando Norris to a new long-term contract that should (in theory) put him out of Mercedes’ reach. However, they are yet to tie down his teammate Piastri, 22. The Aussie has an excellent record and won the Formula 3 and Formula 2 titles before spending a year on the sidelines with Alpine and getting his chance in F1 with McLaren. He impressed on his debut season last year and has the potential to be a world champion.
      Daniel Ricciardo – The experienced driver’s future remains in doubt as he bides his time at Red Bull’s B-team. Ricciardo would be low-hassle and offer some stability but by that time he would be 35. It seems unlikely that they would opt for him at this point in his career, but if he has a good season this year, he could come into the reckoning.
      Kimi Antonelli – You may not have heard of the Italian, but he is mustard. Still only 17, he has won at all the junior categories and has been part of the Mercedes young driver programme since 2019. This season he has been promoted from F4 to F2, where he has been tipped to shine. A good debut season in F2 could sway Mercedes into taking a risk on him for 2025. Antonelli and his family are close to Mercedes boss Toto Wolff.
      Mick Schumacher – Wolff has always been so incredibly supportive of Schumacher and spoken highly of him, that you’d at least expect him to come into consideration. He knows the team from his role as reserve driver and consequently would get up to speed. But speed is also the problem. He was shocking at Haas and if he really was THAT good, he’d still be driving in F1.
      Alex Albon – A more-sensible choice would be the London-born Albon. A great guy who is also very quick. He has a fantastic relationship with Russell and would be the low-maintenance quick partnership similar to Hamilton and Valtteri Bottas that swept to successive titles. Albon would take little convincing to join from Williams and Mercedes would not need to pay him half of the £50million they were dishing out to Hamilton.

      “There’s a lot greater global issues going on and so much poverty around the world how can a federation make up these fines?
      “I don’t know what you have to do to get a fine of million euros, I don’t know of any sport or profession outside of the corporate world where you can be fined that amount.
      “For me, it sounds obscene and there needs to be a lot more transparency about where these fines are going.
      “There needs to be a much better dialogue between FIA and drivers.”
      Ferrari driver Charles Leclerc argued: “It’s a huge amount of money. I have no idea what deserves a 1m euros penalty, some drivers are making less than that.”
      Meanwhile, RB’s Daniel Ricciardo said it was “scary” and Haas driver Kevin Magnussen added it was “ridiculous”.
      But the FIA point out that while the previous limit was €250,000, no offence had been deemed worthy of issuing the maximum penalty.
      READ MORE SUN STORIES
      The new F1 season begins this Saturday in Bahrain.
      Sky Sports F1 pundit Ted Kravitz has revealed where he believes the teams rank after pre-season testing, with Kravitz not having the best news for Hamilton and Russell with Mercedes.

      🏁 Complete F1 2024 race calendar – details on every Grand Prix and start time this year 🏁  More

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      ‘Greatest F1 track on Earth’ created featuring iconic parts from Silverstone, Spa and Suzuka

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      FANS have created the ultimate Formula One track with the help of artificial intelligence.Sky Sports polled over 4,000 racing fanatics on their favourite twists and turns on the calendar.
      This incredible AI ultimate track has been createdCredit: Sky Sports
      It starts at the Circuit of AmericasCredit: Sky Sports
      Drivers then have to deal with the bends of MonzaCredit: Sky Sports
      The luxury of Monaco is also includedCredit: Sky Sports
      The racers go along the Monaco waterfrontCredit: Sky Sports
      Before the terrible rainy conditions at SpaCredit: Sky Sports
      Baku has also been incorporatedCredit: Sky Sports
      AI has brought the “Greatest F1 track on Earth” to life with realistic images.
      The dream circuit incorporates elements from ten different locations, including Monaco, Silverstone and Spa.
      Circuit of Americas straight into turn one is at the start of the track before drivers whizz into Italian territory.
      The bends of Monza’s Parabolica and Imola’s Acque Minerali come next.
      READ MORE ON F1
      A dash of Monaco glam has also been added via the iconic swimming pool and the Grand Hotel Hairpin.
      Spa’s Eau Rouge into Raidillon is followed up by the Kemmel Straight to see cars pick up speed as they approach the narrow castle section at the Azerbaijan Grand Prix.
      AI pokes fun at the British weather with rain pouring down on Silverstone’s part as the Red Arrows fly above.
      The 6km track then takes drivers around the Esses of Suzuka and past the ferris wheel that looks over the Japanese track.
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      A daunting lap around the Brabham and Jones sections of the Melbourne circuit come next before reaching a Brazilian-inspired race to the chequed flag.
      Both the Senna S and turn 14 to the finish, as seen at Interlagos, ends the incredible track.
      The Sun’s Ben Hunt reveals his five greatest Formula One Drivers Ever – with Michael Schumacher in between two BritsElements of The Greatest Track

      Straight into turn 1 – Circuit of the Americas, United States
      Parabolica – Monza, Italy
      Acque Minerali – Imola, Italy
      Swimming Pool – Monaco
      Grand Hotel Hairpin – Monaco
      Eau Rouge into Raidillon – Spa, Belgium
      Kemmel Straight – Spa, Belgium
      Castle Section – Baku City Circuit, Azerbaijan
      Maggots, Becketts, Chapel Curve – Silverstone, United Kingdom
      Esses – Suzuka, Japan
      Brabham, Jones – Melbourne, Australia
      The Senna ‘S’ – Interlagos, Brazil
      T14 to finish line – Interlagos, Brazil

      Italian fans were voted as the best to add their colour and passion to the stands around Mount Fuji in the middle.
      It also comes as no surprise to see Lewis Hamilton in his Mercedes car that won five consecutive championships from 2010 to 2015 given the honour of navigating the gruelling circuit.
      Former F1 champion Jenson Button loves the dream track, saying: “The best things about F1 are the passionate fans, thevariety of circuits across the globe and the demands each one brings.
      “So for Sky Sports to have used AI to design the ultimate track really does get the imagination racing.
      “I would have loved the opportunity to compete on this track as it combines many of the things that make F1 the most unique sport in the world – the glamour of Monaco, the speed of Monza and not forgetting the unpredictable weather of Spa.”
      The Red Arrows fly above at SilverstoneCredit: Sky Sports
      The iconic Suzuka circuit is also involvedCredit: Sky Sports
      A brief corner in Australia is in the 6km circuitCredit: Sky Sports
      It is past the Senna S and to the finish lineCredit: Sky Sports
      Lewis Hamilton was voted as the driver to take on the trackCredit: Sky Sports More

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      F1 legend Rubens Barichello distraught as beloved dog Speedy dies after ‘stomach torn apart’ by cigarette butts

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      FORMULA ONE legend Rubens Barichello has been left distraught after his dog Speedy passed away.The Cavalier King Charles Spaniel fell ill after consuming cigarette butts dropped by other dog owners.
      Barrichello expressed his sadness after dog Speedy diedCredit: Newsflash
      The Cavalier King Charles Spaniel fell ill after consuming cigarette buttsCredit: Newsflash
      Barrichello paid tribute to SpeedyCredit: Newsflash
      Barrichello, 51, noticed Speedy would hang around other dogs when he took him to designated dog loos during walks.
      The former Ferrari star believes that is where his dog consumed the cigarette butts, which ended up damaging Speedy’s stomach.
      Barrichello paid tribute to his pet following his death, saying: “My Speedy… You went too soon, my friend.
      “I can only thank you for the joy that was our journey together. I love you forever.”
      READ MORE IN SPORT
      The two-time world champion explained how Speedy developed a disease that prevented his body developing a crucial protein, resulting in his death.
      He added: “One day my son went to check and saw that there were a lot of cigarette butts.
      “Speedy’s stomach was torn apart and he developed a disease which kept his body from developing a crucial protein.
      “He could no longer eat. He had bloody diarrhoea and went downhill.
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      “Eleven cigarette butts were removed from his guts.”
      Fellow former F1 driver Felipe Massa reached out, saying: “My condolences. He was so nice. I can only imagine what you’re going through.”
      I was banned from visiting Michael Schumacher – his family told me I would be sad if I saw him, says F1 rival
      Barrichello also sent a warning to fellow dog owners to be more aware about discarding cigarette butts.
      Barrichello concluded: “We take the dog’s poop with a bag and throw it in the bin, so it would be polite if people who smoke had this attitude too.
      “I’m passionate about dogs. I don’t talk bad about anyone.
      “It’s very sad. It is a shame. We really miss Speedy.” More

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      Full Christian Horner ‘inappropriate behaviour’ report may be kept SECRET by Red Bull…as F1 boss ‘learns fate in hours’

      by

      THE full report of the “inappropriate behaviour” probe into Christian Horner may be kept secret by Red Bull.The F1 boss is expected to find out within the next 48 hours whether he will remain as boss of Red Bull Racing.
      Christian Horner is expected to find out whether he will remain as boss of Red Bull RacingCredit: Getty
      Horner chats with a team member during the pre-season testing in BahrainCredit: Getty
      The 50-year-old has been the subject of an internal investigation following a complaint from a female colleague of alleged inappropriate behaviour.
      Following the three-week probe, the decision is expected to be made before the season-opening GP, which kicks off Wednesday, F1 insiders believe.
      It is understood that the investigation, which was carried out by a specialist barrister and included an interview with Horner on February 9, has now concluded.
      However, it remains unknown if the full report will be published, given it was an internal investigation, rather than a legal hearing.
      READ MORE ON HORNER
      Horner has repeatedly denied the accusations and fully-complied with the investigation, which is being handled by the energy drink’s HQ in Austria.
      Horner and his Red Bull Racing team have provided no time scale for the announcement.
      The message from within the team has been that it is “business as usual” within the Milton Keynes-based team while they wait for the investigation to be completed.
      Horner oversaw F1 testing last week in Bahrain and had previously said he expected to be in control come the race, which will be held this Saturday, also in Bahrain.
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      Horner joined Red Bull Racing in 2005 and is the sport’s longest-serving team principal.
      He has won 13 titles with the team, winning six constructors’ and seven drivers’ titles.
      Should he quit his role, Red Bull would be seeking a replacement to lead their defence of the two titles they won in 2023, with Max Verstappen winning his third world championship.
      But F1 insiders say the probe has already caused “loss of image” to the team.
      Ex-F1 team owner Eddie Jordan told F1-Insider.com: “I have experienced many wrong decisions.
      “But the Red Bull situation is the most absurd thing I’ve ever seen. Of course, there is initially the presumption of innocence for Horner.
      “But does anyone seriously believe that the employee made up her mind about the allegations?
      “If Horner is innocent, is she guilty? Red Bull’s loss of image is already huge. Someone has to pull the ripcord now.”
      Last week, Mercedes boss Toto Wolff said the investigation was “an issue for all of Formula One”, while McLaren’s called for a “swift ” and “transparent” conclusion to the investigation due to the negative headlines it was attracting.
      Everything you need to know about Christian Horner’s life and career

      1973 – Born in Leamington Spa, Warwickshire
      1991 – Wins a Formula Renault scholarship after impressing in karting races
      1993-1997 – Competed in a host of competitions including British Formula Three, British Formula Two, and Formula 3000
      1997 – Founded and developed the F3000 team Arden
      1999 – Retired from driving and continued developing the Arden team
      2005 – Appointed head of Red Bull team, becoming the youngest ever team principal at that time
      2009 – Wins his first races as team principal with Sebastian Vettel and Mark Webber
      2010 – Wins the Constructors’ Championship and Drivers’ Championship with Vettel – the first of four doubles in a row
      2013 – Has a daughter with ex-wife Beverly Allen shortly before the couple split
      2014 – Gets engaged to Spice Girls member Geri Halliwell
      2015 – Marries Halliwell in Woburn, Bedfordshire
      2017 – Horner and Halliwell welcome their son
      2021 – Wins another Drivers’ Championship with Max Verstappen, pipping Lewis Hamilton on the final lap of the season
      2022-23 – Red Bull win the Drivers’ Championship and Constructors’ Championship two years in a row

      Horner is married to former Spice Girl Geri Halliwell, who is said to be devastated by the investigationCredit: Getty More