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      Max Verstappen’s dad ‘SNUBS Christian Horner from his 52nd birthday party’ after F1 boss’s sexts to Jos’s ‘close friend’

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      CHRISTIAN Horner was reportedly not invited to Max Verstappen’s dad’s lavish birthday bash in Dubai last weekend.The alleged brutal snub came as Jos, 52, and Horner, 50, were filmed locked in a fiery exchange in Bahrain as the Red Bull chief continues to be embroiled in an embarrassing “sexting” scandal.Jos allegedly delivered a major snub to Horner by not inviting him to his big bash last weekendCredit: GettyVerstappen Snr and Horner appeared to have a heated debate in BahrainThe rift between Jos and the Red Bull team boss risks tearing apart the team if Max were to moveCredit: GettyVerstappen Senior celebrated his birthday in style at a luxurious hotel in Dubai alongside his three-time world champ son, the driver’s manager Raymond Vermeulen and director of Red Bull Helmut Marko.However, cracks in the Red Bull camp are showing as team boss Horner is said to have been NFI’d despite also staying in Dubai after the Bahrain Grand Prix, according to German Outlet Bild.Jos, a former team-mate of Michael Schumacher, has also been dragged deeper into the chaos engulfing Red Bull amid claims that he is close to the woman Horner is accused of sexting.The heat is back on Horner as he battles to save face at his £8million-a-year job after his private conversations with an alleged female colleague were leaked online last week.read more on christian hornerOnly 24 hours before, the F1 chief had been cleared of misconduct towards the woman by an internal probe – allegations he had always denied.The Red Bull chief met with Max Verstappen’s rep on Monday in a bid to calm soaring tensions after the driver’s dad warned the team will “explode” if Horner stays.But the pair appear to be at odds as rumours continue that Jos wants Horner fired or he will push for his racing star son Max to move to rival teams Ferrari or Mercedes.Jos’s close friendship with Mercedes boss Toto Wolff could help steer Max into jumping ship and take the seat left vacant by Ferrari-bound Lewis Hamilton.Most read in MotorsportOn Sunday, Jos was even forced to deny he was behind the leaking of Horner’s alleged sexts.When asked if he was involved, Jos shot back: “That wouldn’t make sense. Why would I do that when Max is doing so well here?”Watch moment Christian Horner & Max Verstappen’s dad Jos have ‘heated’ exchange as team ‘torn apart’ by sext rowRumours suggest Verstappen Snr and Horner have been clashing for months – a row that is threatening to rip Red Bull apart if Max is forced to choose between his father or his boss.After the race in Bahrain, Jos bluntly told the media that Red Bull Racing will “explode” if Horner remains team principal.“There is tension here while he remains in position,” he said.”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.”Jos has overseen his son’s career like a hawk after taking part in 106 races as an F1 driver himself.On Sunday, Max wished Jos happy birthday on X, formerly Twitter, posting a picture of him as a youngster in a model racing car with his dad crouched behind him.Who is Jos Verstappen?A FORMER F1 driver himself, Jos achieved two podiums in 106 races but is been better known for being the father of three-time world champ 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 of a 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

      Meanwhile, Horner’s outward message has been “business-as-usual” as he prepares for this week’s race in Saudi Arabia.His Spice Girl wife Geri Halliwell has been standing by her man and the couple staged a very public show of unity in Bahrain.The pair were seen holding hands, tightly embracing and even kissing in front of cameras locked on their every move in the paddock.However, the Red Bull chief is said to still be in contact with his accuser as she still works at Red Bull’s HQ in Milton Keynes, Bucks.Geri has reportedly laid down ground rules over her husband’s future behaviour and has demanded he cut contact with the employee.And despite the performance in Bahrain, the Spice Girl is still trying to come to terms with the situation.A pal told the Daily Mail: “Geri is wondering how on earth this all happened.”She very much believes that things happen for a reason and so she can’t understand why this has been thrown her way and what it all means.”While Geri was seemingly supported by her Spice Girls pals over the course of the investigation, they now seem to be “conflicted” over her scandal-hit husband.An F1 source also told the Mail: “The humiliation is very hard for Geri.”I think that will be the main problem. The other Spice Girls are very sympathetic and all feel really conflicted about Christian now.”All those celebrity friends of hers who were happy to hang out with him will also be steering very clear. It’s a bad mess.”When Horner was hit by the “sexually suggestive” messages allegations, Mel B, Mel C, Emma Bunton and Victoria Beckham were said to be rallying around Geri.A source said at the time they were all quietly supporting her behind the scenes making sure she was okay.Horner and Geri put on a united front in Bahrain despite the scandalCredit: GettyReports suggest that Jos and Horner have been butting heads for monthsCredit: RexJos is said to be considering moving his racing star son to a rival teamCredit: RexGeri and Jos were pictured on good terms during the season opener in BahrainCredit: Getty More

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      Christian Horner ‘holds face-to-face meeting’ with Max Verstappen’s agent after ‘heated’ exchange with F1 champ’s dad

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      RED Bull chief Christian Horner met with Max Verstappen’s rep on Monday in a bid to calm soaring tensions in his F1 team.The crisis talks in Dubai came just 48 hours after the Dutch driver’s dad, Jos, said Red Bull would “explode” if Horner remained in his job.Christian Horner (L) held crisis talks with reps from the Verstappen camp in Dubai on Monday, he is pictured here with Jos Verstappen at the Bahrain GP on SundayCredit: GettySpeaking after his son won this weekend’s Bahrain Grand Prix, Verstappen senior hinted ‘victim’ Horner should resignCredit: GettyMax’s manager Raymond Vermeulen is understood to have acted on behalf of the Verstappens, who weren’t in attendance.A source said the summit – reportedly attended by senior Red Bull figures – “went well”.Horner has faced intense scrutiny in recent weeks following “sext” and harassment allegations made against him by a female colleague.An internal investigation by Red Bull cleared the 50-year-old who always denied the claims.Read More on Christian HornerSpeaking after his son won this weekend’s Bahrain Grand Prix, Verstappen senior hinted “victim” Horner should resign.He told the Daily Mail: “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 the one causing the problems.”Most read in MotorsportThe comments came as a video emerged of Jos locked in a “heated” exchange with Horner before the start of Sunday’s race.Following the race Horner said he was “absolutely confident” he would stay on as Red Bull boss for the remainder of the season after overseeing Verstappen lead a one-two finish from team-mate Sergio Perez.Verstappen breaks silence on Christian Horner ‘sexting’ probe as pressure mounts on Red Bull 3 weeks after shock claimsResponding to Jos Verstappen’s comments, a Red Bull Racing spokesperson said: “There are no issues here. The team are united and we are focused on racing.”The next grand prix takes place in Saudi Arabia on Saturday. More

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      Christian Horner ‘still in contact with accuser’ despite wife Geri Halliwell wanting her ‘out of the picture’

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      SEXT probe F1 boss Christian Horner’s accuser is apparently still in contact with him at work.The unidentified woman’s complaint that Red Bull Racing boss Horner, 50, sent her “sexually suggestive” messages threatens to wreck his marriage and career.Geri Horner is said to want Christian’s accuser ‘out of the picture’ amid news she is still in contact with him at workCredit: GettyBut she has stayed at work at Red Bull’s HQ in Milton Keynes, Bucks, despite being locked in an explosive dispute with her boss.And embattled Horner is having to carry on daily “business as usual” with the staff member who detonated the scandal.Sources told The Sun today the attractive employee even asked to fly to the Bahrain Grand Prix to support the team last weekend.Geri — who staged a toe-curling public show of support for Horner in Bahrain — is said to want the woman “out of the picture”.READ MORE ON CHRISTIAN HORNERThe heartbroken Spice Girl, 51, is also understood to have read her hubby the riot act over his behaviour and messages he sends on his phone.But she was left frustrated today after learning the woman at the centre of the storm was staying put and has engaged high-powered lawyers to fight her corner.A source told The Sun: “It’s frustrating for everyone and ridiculous to try to maintain business as usual in the circumstances.“The woman’s role involves continuing contact with Christian and they are having to get on with day-to-day work as though nothing has happened. But something has to give.Most read in Motorsport“She wanted to fly to Bahrain in her work role but that would have created a circus which no one wants and would be good for no one.“Everyone at Red Bull and the wider world of F1 knows the identity of the woman at the centre of this.Christian Horner gives defiant seven-word statment amid sext leak storm after Bahrain Grand Prix win“She has also acquired very expensive lawyers who have been advising her since the scandal blew up — but no one knows who’s paying for them.“It all plays into claims that there’s a conspiracy to unseat Christian.”The woman — one of 1,400 Red Bull Racing staff based in the team’s state-of-the-art Milton Keynes HQ — was at her desk earlier today while Horner was in Saudi Arabia preparing for this weekend’s F1 race.Tensions mounted after Jos Verstappen, father of Red Bull’s world champ and top driver Max, warned the team will “explode” if Horner stays in his £8million-a-year role.The two men were seen locked in what looked like a fiery argument during the Formula One season opener at the weekend — in which Red Bull stormed to first and second places thanks to Max and team-mate Sergio Perez.Sky Sports footage showed Horner and Jos Verstappen app­ar­ently arguing, following reports they have previously clashed in a rift that has lasted for months. More

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      Is Max Verstappen’s dad Jos fuelling Christian & Geri Horner’s marriage crisis? Inside toxic feud rocking F1

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      AS Max Verstappen triumph­antly held aloft the Bahrain Grand Prix trophy, his team boss Christian Horner might have sighed with relief.Not only had the Red Bull chief tasted victory but Spice Girl wife Geri had been at his side heaping on public displays of affection like treacle.With Christian Horner engulfed in a sexting row that is said to have ‘really hurt’ Spice Girl wife Geri, it seems that Red Bull’s F1 team has become engulfed in a civil warCredit: PAMax Verstappen’s dad Jos has taken a flamethrower to the carefully PRed plot line amid his rivalry with HornerCredit: Rex FeaturesSurely, the sexting row that has swirled around Horner would now slowly deflate like a punctured tyre?Enter stage left Verstappen’s uncompromising dad — known during his own racing days as “Jos the Boss” — to take a flamethrower to the carefully PRed plot line.Verstappen senior insisted Horner is “playing the victim, when he is the one causing the problems”. His barbed comments came after sexually suggestive text messages Horner allegedly sent to a female Red Bull employee were leaked on Thursday.READ MORE ON THE FEUDThe dad of three-times World Champion Max added of Horner: “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.”A simmering months-long feud between two of Formula One’s big beasts had plunged into the open.And Horner — well acquainted with the rough and tumble of F1 — will know that in Verstappen Snr he has a formidable adversary.Most read in MotorsportBritish ex F1 champion Damon Hill once said of Dutchman Jos, who he competed alongside in the 1990s: “He can, and has, very much looked after himself.”Ruthless mentor Verstappen Snr, 52, has coached and managed 26-year-old son Max to become one of F1’s greatest drivers — and the jewel in Red Bull’s crown.Verstappen breaks silence on Christian Horner ‘sexting’ probe as pressure mounts on Red Bull 3 weeks after shock claimsThough not a Red Bull employee, it has naturally given his dad considerable heft in the team run by Horner.The Red Bull chief had last month tried to quash rumours of friction between himself and the Verstappens.With his usual slick performance before the cameras, he said: “There’s always going to be speculation but we’re together as one team, that’s the way we’ve always been and that’s the way we continue to be.”It became clear that Verstappen Snr and Horner were at loggerheads when they clashed in Bahrain last weekCredit: GettyBy Friday evening it was evident that Verstappen Snr and Horner were in fact at loggerheads. The pair locked horns in Horner’s office at the F1 paddock in Bahrain.What exactly was said between them is unclear. But the pair were said to have had a “blazing row” before Verstappen Snr stormed out.He would later return to shake hands but the relationship appears severed beyond repair.The meeting had come two days after an investigation by Red Bull’s parent company had cleared Horner of “coercive behaviour” towards a woman colleague.He always told her he’d done nothing wrong. This will really hurt Geri, who has put everything into their marriageJust 24 hours after he was cleared, a cache of 79 WhatsApp screenshots and photographs allegedly sent by Horner to the female employee were leaked anonymously to F1 bosses and media outlets.Horner’s wife Geri was said to be “heartbroken and humiliated”.A source added: “He always told her he’d done nothing wrong. This will really hurt Geri, who has put everything into their marriage.”Verstappen Snr has been quick to slam suggestions he was be­hind the WhatsApp trove and that he want­ed Horner ousted from his role.The ex-driver said: “That wouldn’t make sense. Why would I do that when Max is doing so well here?”A Red Bull spokesperson said of the rift between Verstappen Snr and Horner: “There are no issues here. The team are united and we are focused on racing.”Now, as champion of the world, Max has been dragged into his father’s bitter feud with Horner. Asked about the Red Bull civil war four times over the weekend, he failed to back his long-time team manager. The fearless driver said he was “fully focused on the car and the performance”.With the toxic atmosphere damaging the F1 brand, it was claimed that Max was approached by the sport’s president Mohammed Ben Sulayem to publicly back Horner.It’s damaging the sport . . . This is damaging on a human levelMohammed Ben SulayemAfter qualifying drives on Friday the pair had a discussion which they tried to keep secret by covering their mouths with their hands.But a nearby observer heard Ben Sulayem tell the driver: “You must publicly back Christian.”While another source said Max responded by telling Ben Sulayem he should open an investigation into the WhatsApp scandal instead.Ben Sulayem wants to end the Red Bull civil war, admitting it is tarnishing the image of F1.He told the Financial Times: “It’s damaging the sport . . . This is damaging on a human level.”Meanwhile, bullish Verstappen Snr was seen dining with Mercedes team principal Toto Wolff in ­Bahrain.The Dutchman said it was just a meeting of old friends — but could it be a sign his brilliant son is ready to quit Red Bull if the Horner civil war is not resolved?After Sunday’s race Wolff was dismissive of Verstappen switching to Mercedes, saying: “The driver will always choose the quickest car.“At the moment, the Red Bull is the quickest car so that will always be, in my opinion, the priority.”Horner said of last week’s tumult: “There was a full lengthy internal process that was completed by an independent KC [King’s Counsel] and the grievance that was raised was dismissed. End of. Move on.“I’ve always been entirely confident that I would be here. My focus is on the season ahead.”Now a slew of fresh allegations against Horner has emerged in a 19-page investigation by a specialist magazine.The article names and pictures the female staff member he is alleged to have texted and documents the power struggle at the top of Red Bull.READ MORE SUN STORIESSources close to Horner dismiss­ed the piece as “full of inaccuracies”.Now the F1 circus moves to Saudi Arabia at the weekend — with the chance it will be more soap opera than motor race.Jos Verstappen has coached son Max to become the jewel in Red Bull’s crownCredit: Getty More

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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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      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