Motorsport

MAX VERSTAPPEN refused to be drawn into a debate over the future of Red Bull boss Christian Horner – swerving questions about their relationship.Horner was cleared of wrongdoing following an internal investigation focusing on alleged “coercive behaviour”.
Max Verstappen would not comment on the results of the probeCredit: Rex
Horner is likely to find out the result of Red Bull’s investigation soonCredit: Getty
The investigation was launched following a complaint from a female member of staff.
The 50-year-old was en-route to Bahrain for the opening race of the season earlier today, with many inside the paddock already seeing this as a clue he had been given the green light to continue in his role as team boss of the Red Bull Racing team.
Horner strongly denied the allegations and complied fully with the internal investigation which had been headed up by the energy drink’s Austrian HQ.
Verstappen faced several questions from the media ahead of the Bahrain GP centering on the internal investigation and said it would not affect his performance.
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He said: “It doesn’t [affect me]. I’m very focused on just the performance of the car, myself, and hopefully it will just be resolved very soon.
“It’s a whole team effort, everyone has to stick together, and work towards more success. That’s why it’s important of course to get everything resolved very soon.”
When asked by SunSport if he was 100 percent behind Horner, Verstappen said: “Well, I’m trusting the process, that’s what’s happening right now.
“When you talk about performance, it’s of course very important that everyone sticks together.”
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He was then asked for some more information on the process that Horner is going through and whether he had “full confidence in his team principal”.
He added: “I do not want to get into that. Because it’s not my case anyway, and I don’t want to be involved with that.
Christian & Geri Horner Mansions
“But as a team, yeah, we do trust that process and we just have to be patient, because there’s no need to start saying things, start screaming things out loud.
“You have to be patient. I think I’ve learned that over the years anyway.”
Horner has been with Red Bull Racing since January 2005 and overseen their phenomenal rise.
He has won 13 titles, including both the constructors’ and drivers’ championships last season, with Verstappen taking his third world crown.
Verstappen admitted Horner was crucial to the success of the team and said he would have been missed if he was dismissed from his post.
He said: “He’s very important, otherwise he wouldn’t be in that position right for such a long time.
“Let’s say if your team boss disappears for whatever reason for one or two races, not much is going to happen, because everyone is in their role and they know what they have to do in the short term, but it’s all about people management over time.
“And then of course things will start to be different, if one of the leaders starts to not be there any more.
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“But we are not thinking like that. Like I said before, we just trust the process that we are in as a team of course, to see what the outcome will be.
“Besides that, at the moment, everyone is just very focused on the performance here at the track, and everyone is in a good mood and just excited to get going again.” More

LEWIS HAMILTON says the pending decision on Christian Horner’s future is an “important moment for the sport”.The Red Bull boss is expected to be CLEARED of inappropriate behaviour and remain in control of the F1 team.
A female at Red Bull has complained about Christian Horner’s behaviourCredit: Getty
Lewis Hamilton has had his say on accusations about Christian HornerCredit: PA
Horner is at the centre of a complaint from a female member off staff amid accusations of inappropriate behaviour.
The 50-year-old has denied the accusations and complied with the internal investigation being run by Red Bull’s Austria HQ.
Hamilton, 39, was asked about how the situation is being handled prior to any official announcement.
And he said teams have a responsibility to take any allegation seriously.
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Hamilton said: “We always have to do more to try to make the sport and the environment and people’s work feel safe and inclusive, and any allegations have to be taken very seriously.
“Obviously we don’t know everything that’s gone on.
“But it does need to be resolved as it’s hanging over the sport, and it’ll be really interesting to see how it’s dealt with.
“Moving forward, in terms of the effect it may or may not have on the sport.
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“I think it’s a really important moment for the sport to make sure that we stand true to our values.”
The F1 season gets underway this season in Bahrain.
Christian & Geri Horner Mansions
It will be Hamilton’s last with Mercedes before he joins Ferrari in 2025. More

CHRISTIAN Horner is set to be CLEARED of any wrongdoing after bombshell claims were made by a female colleague about his behaviour.The F1 chief, 50, has been the subject of an internal investigation following allegations of inappropriate behaviour made by a female staffer. 
Christian Horner pictured ahead of practice in Nevada in November 2023Credit: Reuters
Horner leads the all-conquering racing team of world champion Max VerstappenCredit: Getty
Horner with wife Geri, who he married in 2015Credit: Getty
Embattled Red Bull team principal Horner, who is married to former Spice Girl Geri Halliwell, 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 vehemently denied all claims threatening his position as leader of the all-conquering team of world champion Max Verstappen.
It is understood Horner is due to be cleared of misconduct after an independent barrister was employed to review the evidence, SunSport understands.
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Red Bull is due to confirm its verdict later this afternoon. Any decision made could be appealed.
Horner today flew out to Bahrain ahead of the F1 season opener Grand Prix on Saturday – not knowing the outcome of the probe.
Over the more than three-week process of the probe, the message from within the team has been that it is “business as usual”.
Horner was present at the pre-season testing in Bahrain last week and Red Bull’s 2024 car launch days prior.
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The team principal, 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.
Horner is said to have privately vowed to his friends he will “clear his name”.
Christian Horner makes FIRST public appearance since bombshell ‘inappropriate behaviour’ claims at Red Bull F1 launch
Red Bull has been under pressure to resolve the matter with Ford CEO Jim Farley demanding a resolution as he expressed his disapproval of “the unresolved allegations of inappropriate behaviour by Red Bull Racing leadership”.
Last week, Horner addressed the new bombshell probe and declared he wanted a conclusion as “soon as possible”.
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.
F1 was rocked by the news that the sport’s longest-standing team principal had been placed under investigation by Red Bull’s Austria-based parent company.
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.
And a source said she is “mortified and angry” with her husband according to the the Daily Mail.
Horner previously praised his wife for her support and told Dutch journalists: “I have a very supportive family and a very supportive wife.
“My focus has been on the job and the season ahead. I’m not going to talk about private matters, but my family have been hugely supportive.”

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The Red Bull Racing boss has reportedly referred to the allegations as “nuts”.
The F1 chief 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.
Ahead of the probe into Horner’s conduct, there were reports of an unrelated internal power struggle waging within Red Bull.
Rumours of issues between the team’s leadership have swirled since the death of billionaire co-founder Dietrich Mateschitz in 2022 and the team drafted a new board of directors.
Former RB Leipzig CEO Oliver Mintzlaff was appointed chief executive.
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Despite Red Bull enjoying its most successful season in F1 history in 2023, there was speculation of a rift between Horner and Helmut Marko – Red Bull GmBH’s motorsport advisor.
Rumours even went as far as to suggest Horner was determined to get rid of Marko, 80, from the team.
Spice Girl Geri Halliwell has spent a day at the races with her husband on SundayCredit: christianhorner/Instagram
Verstappen and Horner the F1 Grand Prix of Qatar in October 2023Credit: Getty
A 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

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.
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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

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.
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“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.
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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.
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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