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      Red Bull supremo set to QUIT F1 team over Christian Horner sexting scandal in huge blow with rivals ready to pounce

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      RED BULL design chief Adrian Newey is set to leave the team following the controversy surrounding team principal Christian Horner.The BBC have reported that Newey has informed Red Bull that he wants to move on after almost 20 years with the team.Adrian Newey is set to step down from Red BullCredit: GettyNewey’s exit is reportedly rooted from the controversy surrounding Christian HornerCredit: GettyNewey, 65, is said to be “unsettled” by the situation at Red Bull in the wake of Horner’s sexting scandal.And it is reported that his decision to call an end to his time with Red Bull can be traced back to the situation involving Horner.Red Bull cleared Horner of any wrongdoing after an internal investigation into alleged sexual harassment and coercive and abusive behaviour by a female employee.The unnamed complainant has since been suspended by the team and has launched an appeal against the decision.READ MORE ON F1Newey’s seemingly forthcoming exit will reignite rumours around a switch to another major F1 team.The Brit, who has won 12 World Constructors’ titles, has been linked with a move to Ferrari and is understood to have previously received an offer from Aston Martin.Newey is under contract with Red Bull until 2025 but the BBC claim that he believes he can negotiate a deal that would see him work for another team from next season.It would be a huge blow for Red Bull to lose Newey who is regarded as one of the best designers in the history of F1.Most read in MotorsportWhile many consider the former McLaren designer as the brains behind the dominance and success that Red Bull have experienced over recent years.Red Bull have seen an internal power battle crop up following Horner’s controversy.The Spice & Speed Empire: Christian and Geri Horner’s £50M JourneyThere has been widespread concern over the future of Max Verstappen who is also said to be unnerved by the situation.Speaking at the Chinese Grand Prix last weekend Verstappen discussed his desire to keep the chiefs at Red Bull in place and keep a “peaceful environment”.The star, who is contracted until 2028, said: “I signed a long deal with team.”The only thing I said from the beginning is we want to have a peaceful environment, lately we have been talking about the car. “I am happy about that, I am happy with the team and there has never been a reason to leave.”Who is Adrian Newey?
      Adrian Newey is the current design chief at Red Bull Racing.
      The 65-year-old has played a crucial role in designing the cars that have helped Sebastian Vettel and Max Vertappen win SEVEN drivers’ world championships.
      Newey began designing in Formula One back in 1988 with March, where his cars were far more competitive than expected.
      After March he spent time with Williams and McLaren before joining Red Bull in 2005.
      Throughout his career he has contributed to the cars that have secured 12 World Constructors’ titles and 13 World Drivers’ championships.
      He is widely considered to be the greatest designer in the history of F1. More

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      F1 ‘could introduce major rule change for 2025 season’ in bid to help teams outside ‘Big Five’ teams

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      FORMULA ONE are set to introduce a new points system next season that will boost competition on the track.The likes of Red Bull, Ferrari, McLaren, Mercedes and Aston Martin have been been dominating F1 for a great part of the last few years.Formula One will introduce a new points system for the top 12, instead of the top 10Credit: SplashThat will create more competition for the Big Five, including FerrariCredit: RexBut racing chiefs are considering a new rule that will create a more equal competition between the Big Five and smaller teams.According to Bild, points will be awarded to the 12 best drivers from 2025 onwards.That will see more F1 teams reaping the rewards rather than just the top 10.The amount of points earned will remain the same for the top 7 as they will be gaining 25, 18, 15, 12, 10, eight and six – in that order.Read More on F1However, come next year, eighth place will lead to five points – one more than it used to be – ninth doubles to four points while 10th will become three instead of one.And 11th and 12th place will earn drivers two and one points respectively.Red Bull team principal Christian Horner has spoken in favour of that initiative.Horner said: “The competition is tough. Two groups have formed.Most read in MotorsportBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKER”There are the top 5 and then the teams from sixth to tenth place.“There is a fight for every single point.Kay Adams pretends to faint live on her show after Darius Butler delivers ‘huge’ F1 news like to ‘Tom Brady to Cowboys’Inside track on Hamilton’s lifeLEWIS HAMILTON has driven his way into pole position as Formula One’s most prolific winner.

      “But in the end you have to ask yourself what it would really change.”I’m completely impartial. But of course, points bring money. So I understand the concern.”🏁 Complete F1 2024 race calendar – details on every Grand Prix and start time this year 🏁  More

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      Max Verstappen wins Chinese Grand Prix to make if four victories out of opening five races

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      MAX VERSTAPPEN won again after overcoming two safety restarts to open up a 25 point lead in the championship.The Red Bull man was otherwise untroubled as he cruised to his 58th victory while his team-mate Sergio Perez was beaten by Lando Norris.Max Verstappen celebrates after winning the Chinese GPCredit: AFPVerstappen, 26, hoists the trophy in ShanghaiCredit: AFPThe McLaren man, who is still searching for his first win in F1, was the best of the rest as he split the Red Bulls.Charles Leclerc was fourth and Carlos Sainz was fifth as the Ferrari duo failed to trouble the top three.Verstappen crossed the line nearly 14 seconds clear of Norris, a whopping margin given there were two safety cars to bunch up the pack of drivers.Verstappen, who also won the sprint race the previous day, said: “It felt amazing. The whole weekend we were incredibly quick.READ MORE IN SPORT”We survived the restarts well and the car was basically on rails and I could do whatever I wanted with it.”Those kinds of weekends are amazing to feel and to achieve what we did this weekend is fantastic.”Norris’ was crowned as the Driver of the Days in the fans’ vote, took his 15th podium in F1 as he squeezed past the Ferraris and Perez, who is second in the championship.He said: “[I am] surprised, so I’m very happy. I’m happy for the whole team, they deserved it. Good pit stops. Just today worked out.Most read in MotorsportBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKER”It was not the race I was expecting to have, but just got comfortable and could manage the tyres a lot, which was an easier task than what I could have yesterday.”And I could just push, the car felt great and I felt comfortable. So a good day, good points, and another podium. I am so very happy.The richest Wags in F1 revealed with some earning thousands from Instagram”I was surprised by many things: the lack of pace from Ferrari, our good pace, and I guess us comparing to the Red Bull which was so surprising.”I got everything ready to go home early and not be on the podium, so it’s a pleasant surprise.”But it shows the team have done a good job, have worked hard and it’s paying off.”I made a bet how far behind the Ferrari we would finish today. I thought 35 seconds – and I was very wrong by that.”So, I am happy to be wrong with myself, and my own bets, but a good day for everyone.”We were definitely lacking some paceSergio PerezPerez, who was upset he could not finish second, added: “Unfortunately we got the Safety Car and lost two places.”We did most of the lap on the hard and fighting like that in the early laps, the life of the tyre goes off dramatically but at least we got onto the podium. But it would have been good to be one and two.”We were definitely lacking some pace, especially on the medium compound, we struggled a bit with the balance.”We changed a lot from yesterday to today, so we didn’t read the conditions as perfectly as we could.”But overall it was a strong weekend and we understand the reasons today why the race pace was a little down.”Chinese GP results in full

      Max Verstappen
      Lando Norris
      Sergio Perez
      Charles Leclerc
      Carlos Sainz
      George Russell
      Fernando Alonso
      Oscar Piastri
      Lewis Hamilton
      Nico Hulkenberg
      Esteban Ocon
      Alex Albon
      Pierre Gasly
      Zhou Guanyu
      Lance Stroll
      Kevin Magnussen
      Logan Sargeant

      DNF Daniel Ricciardo
      DNF Yuki Tsunoda
      DNF Valtteri Bottas

      George Russell was sixth in his Mercedes while Lewis Hamilton battled back from 18th on the grid to finish in ninth place.Meanwhile, Chinese driver Zhou Guanyu finished 14th and race bosses allowed him to park on the grid after the chequered flag.And the Sauber driver waved to his fans before bursting into tears after an emotional weekend.READ MORE SUN STORIESWhile Verstappen was untroubled, there were plenty of battles behind with some excellent racing, albeit for the lower positions.There were safety cars first when Valtteri Bottas’s car stopped and then when Kevin Magnussen and Yuki Tsunoda tangled, sending debris across the track.Lewis Hamilton received a great reception from the Chinese fansCredit: EPA More

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      ‘Not the smartest thing’ – Max Verstappen slams F1 decision as Chinese Grand Prix returns for the first time in 4 years

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      MAX VERSTAPPEN has slammed F1 ahead of the return of the Chinese GP after a four-year absence.The Shanghai International Circuit was last used in 2019 when Lewis Hamilton won the race.Max Verstappen wants more than one hour to practice at the Chinese GPCredit: SplashDespite the drivers not visiting the track for almost half a decade, F1 officials are only allowing them one hour to practice.The circuit had been a regular fixture on the calendar, however, when the pandemic disrupted world sport it was removed.It makes its return this weekend and will include a sprint race.With the new schedule, drivers will start the weekend with their practice hour before sprint qualifying.READ MORE ON MOTORSPORTOn Saturday, there will be a sprint race, and then qualifying with the Grand Prix on Sunday.However, the decision to limit practice to just one hour has proved to be an unpopular decision amongst the drivers.When asked about the situation, Red Bull star Verstappen could only give a sarcastic response.He said: “Yeah, it’s very smart to do that!”Most read in MotorsportCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSHe continued: “I think it’s not great, let’s say like that, to do that.”Because when you have been away from a track for quite a while, I think you never know what you’re going to experience, right?The Sun’s Ben Hunt reveals his five greatest Formula One Drivers Ever – with Michael Schumacher in between two Brits”So it would have been better to have a normal race weekend there.”But on the other hand, it probably spices things up a bit more, and that’s maybe what they would like to see.”But yeah, purely from a driving perspective, performance perspective of the sport, I think it’s not the smartest thing to do.”Verstappen’s sentiments were echoed by Ferrari star Carlos Sainz.He added: “It’s just a great racing track and a track that offers a good possibility to overtake, so a Sprint makes sense to have it there.”At the same time, it’s what we said in the drivers’ briefing.READ MORE SUN STORIES”We say to FIA and Formula One, with these kinds of cars to go to a track with one hour of practice and straight into qualifying, with the regulations that they put us, with the plank wear and things like this, and how tricky one bump could make the car.”I think it’s not a good choice to choose to put the Sprint after four or five years absence.”🏁 Complete F1 2024 race calendar – details on every Grand Prix and start time this year 🏁  More

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      Lewis Hamilton ‘back to normal’ as he out qualifies Mercedes team-mate for first time this season at Japanese GP

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      MAX VERSTAPPEN bounced back from his early exit in Oz to take pole position for the Japanese Grand Prix while Lewis Hamilton was encouraged by Mercedes’ progress. The Red Bull ace was quickest at Suzuka and edged out his team-mate Sergio Perez and McLaren’s Lando Norris, who were second and third respectively.Lewis Hamilton was encouraged by Mercedes progress as he out-qualified George Russell for the first time this seasonCredit: GettyMax Verstappen claimed pole in JapanCredit: GettyHamilton said the car was ‘enjoyable driving’Credit: ReutersVerstappen, 26, had dominated qualifying but a late surge from Perez saw him close the gap to within 0.066 seconds.Hamilton qualified in seventh – the first time he has outdone team-mate George Russell this season – but said he was still encouraged by his team’s progress after telling them not to “eff it up”.He said: “I was giving it everything. “The team did a really great job this past week making adjustments to our set-up – this is actually the first weekend I’ve not gone crazy with set-up and am not testing a bunch of things, so I’m back to a bit more normal.READ MORE IN F1″I think we’ve got the car into a much nicer working window and so it’s been really enjoyable driving, it’s just the guys are just a little bit faster.”We were a second or just over a second off last year to the Red Bull and seven tenths is better.”Maybe if we had done something a little bit different maybe we could have been another tenth faster, maybe, but other than that that was everything.”Meanwhile, Verstappen – who retired in Melbourne with brake failure – said: “It was quite close at the end. Overall, this track is very sensitive with the tyres.Most read in MotorsportCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERS”The tarmac is really aggressive and when you want to go to the limit it doesn’t always work out.”Nevertheless, most importantly it’s to be on pole. Of course you want every lap to be perfect but around a track like this, it’s not always the case.The Sun’s Ben Hunt reveals his five greatest Formula One Drivers Ever – with Michael Schumacher in between two Brits”Overall, a very good day and a good starting position for tomorrow and tomorrow is what counts.”It’s great as a team to be P1 and P2. Hopefully we can keep that going for tomorrow.”Perez added: “It was close, really close with Max. It felt like a good lap.”It was quite tricky out there actually, especially closing out the laps.”It was quite easy to lose a couple of tenths into the last section and into the chicane, so we hooked it all together. Unfortunately it was not quite enough.”Russell was down in ninth place and added: “It’s just so tight out there between ourselves, McLaren, Aston Martin and Ferrari.READ MORE SUN STORIES”If you nail that lap, you will be at the front of that pack, if you don’t, you will be at the back.”I think it will be a good race. If you do a good job and nail it, you will jump three, four, five positions and compared to last year that would be one position.”🏁 Complete F1 2024 race calendar – details on every Grand Prix and start time this year 🏁  More

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      Max Verstappen may have BREACHED his F1 contract as Red Bull chief admits ‘I’ve told you too much’

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      MAX VERSTAPPEN could have breached the terms of his Red Bull contract – by going skiing.The F1 world champion spent time on the slopes between the Australian GP, where he was forced to retire with a brake problem, and this week’s Japanese GP.Max Verstappen may have breached his Red Bull contract ahead of the Japan GPCredit: AlamyRed Bull revealed Verstappen had been skiing in Japan before saying he had said ‘too much’Credit: GettyThe three-time world champion was forced to end his race early in Melbourne due to a brake failure, allowing Carlos Sainz – who had already passed him on track – to claim the eventual race win.With no race last weekend, Verstappen has had time to relax – but may have landed himself in hot water after his winter sports trip.The 26-year-old has a dangerous sports clause inserted in his £43m a year deal at Red Bull to prevent him from the risk of getting injured.And that is understood to include skiing – although that did not stop him according to Red Bull’s motorsport advisor, Helmut Marko.READ MORE IN F1Speaking about Verstappen’s DNF in Melbourne, Marko landed the F1 star in it by telling Austrian media: “Unfortunately, such a defect happens sometimes.”In the meantime, Max was skiing in Japan in the most wonderful, best deep snow in the world.”When quizzed if Verstappen should indeed be skiing in the first place, Marko added: “I’ve already told you too much…”.In the past Verstappen has explained how he was prevented from doing dangerous sports by having a clause in his contract with the F1 team.Most read in MotorsportCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSHe said: “There is a risk in everything. I haven’t skied in five years because of the risk of breaking or twisting something with all the consequences that entails.”And of course also in the knowledge that there are still years to come in which I have a great chance of becoming champion again and winning races.Watch moment Christian Horner & Max Verstappen’s dad Jos have ‘heated’ exchange as team ‘torn apart’ by sext row”If you think about that, you automatically take fewer risks.”Verstappen, who has been linked with a move from Red Bull following a public spat between his boss Christian Horner and his father Jos Verstappen.However, ahead of the Japanese GP, Verstappen said: “It all depends on if I want to also drive next year or not.I’ve already told you too much…Helmut Marko”But from my side, no, I’m very happy where I’m at. And, yeah, we want to keep it that way.”During the winter off-season Mercedes’ George Russell was seen at ski slopes in Austria alongside team principal Toto Wolff, while Aston Martin’s Fernando Alonso also enjoyed some of his own skiing fun.Russell himself also admitted some drivers break a strict no-drinking rule on F1 weekends, but did not name any culprits.🏁 Complete F1 2024 race calendar – details on every Grand Prix and start time this year 🏁  More

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      F1 Japanese Grand Prix 2024: UK start time, FULL schedule, TV channel, live stream as Suzuka hosts fourth race of season

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      SUZUKA will host the fourth race of the 2024 F1 season this weekend as the Japanese Grand Prix takes centre stage.Ferrari will be hoping they can keep up the pressure on Red Bull following Carlos Sainz’s triumph at the Australian Grand Prix last time out.Carlos Sainz and Ferrari were victorious in Australia last time outCredit: GETTYMax Verstappen failed to make it 10 consecutive race wins Down Under after a brake issue forced him to retire after just four laps.However, the Dutchman is still at the top of the F1 driver standings following wins at the opening two races of the 2024 season.Verstappen was victorious in Suzuka last year, while Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri finished second and third respectively.Lewis Hamilton is seeking his first Podium finish of the season in Japan after an underwhelming start for the British racing legend.READ MORE IN F1When is the Japanese Grand Prix?
      The Japanese Grand Prix will take place on Sunday, April 7.
      Lights Out is expected to be at 6am BST.
      The Suzuka International Racing Course will host.
      What TV channel is the Japanese Grand Prix on and can it be live streamed?
      The Japanese Grand Prix will be broadcast live on Sky Sports Main Event.
      Coverage is set to begin at 5am BST.
      Sky Sports customers can live stream the race via the NOW app/website.
      Japanese Grand Prix schedule (All times BST)Friday, April 5Most read in Motorsport
      First practice: 3.30am – 4.30am
      Second practice: 7am – 8am
      Saturday, April 6
      Third practice: 3.30am – 4.30am
      Qualifying: 7am – 8am
      Sunday, April 7
      Race – 6am
      Current F1 Driver StandingsHere are the current F1 Driver Standings ahead of the Japanese Grand Prix:
      Max Verstappen, Red Bull – 51
      Charles Leclerc, Ferrari – 47
      Sergio Perez, Red Bull – 46
      Carlos Sainz, Ferrari – 40
      Oscar Piastri, McLaren – 28
      Lando Norris, McLaren – 27
      George Russell, Mercedes – 18
      Fernando Alonso, Aston Martin – 16
      Lance Stroll, Aston Martin – 9
      Lewis Hamilton, Mercedes – 8
      Yuki Tsunoda, RB – 6
      Oliver Bearman, Ferrari – 6
      Nico Hulkenberg, Haas – 3
      Kevin Magnussen, Haas – 1
      Alex Albon, Williams – 0
      Zhou Guanyu, Kick Sauber – 0 
      Daniel Ricciardo, RB – 0
      Esteban Ocon, Alpine – 0 
      Pierre Gasly, Alpine – 0
      Valtteri Bottas, Kick Sauber – 0
      Logan Sargeant, Williams – 0
      🏁 Complete F1 2024 race calendar – details on every Grand Prix and start time this year 🏁  More

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      Christian Horner sexting accuser left ‘upset & scared’ over scandal but is ‘determined for truth to come out’, pal says

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      CHRISITAN Horner’s accuser has been left “upset, scared and intimidated” over the sexting scandal, according to a family friend.The unnamed woman, who accused the Red Bull Racing chief of abusive behaviour and sexual harassment, is said to be “determined for the truth to come out”.Horner looks on in the pits during Free Practice Two at the Albert Park Grand Prix Circuit in Melbourne, Australia, on March 22Credit: EPAThe F1 boss pictured with wife Geri HalliwellCredit: GettyHorner, 50, was cleared of misconduct by a Red Bull investigation back in February.But the scandal was taken to a new level when sexually suggestive texts appearing to be sent by the F1 boss were leaked.Horner’s accuser – a female colleague – has since been suspended by Red Bull and has appealed the decision.She has been left feeling “very upset, angry, scared, intimidated and lonely” following the saga, a family friend told BBC Sport.More on Christian HornerThe insider added: “Every time I have asked her something, she breaks down in tears and says she’s got no-one to talk to because she’s not allowed to talk.”The woman lodged a complaint with Red Bull in December and now “struggles to understand” how it was dismissed following an investigation, the pal said.She plans to take her case to an employment tribunal as she wants to return to work for the championship-winning team, it is understood.The friend added: “She is determined for the truth to come out.Most read in Motorsport”She just wants to work in the sport and is very concerned about her reputation and ability to get hired by anyone.”Horner has always denied any wrongdoing over the allegations and blasted the infamous text leak as “anonymous speculation”.Christian Horner should QUIT Red Bull after sexting scandal – this is the Max Verstappen show now, ex-F1 star saysHe has demanded an end to the drama which he described as a “very trying period” for his family.His wife Geri has stood by him – appearing at his side at the races in Saudi Arabia and Bahrain, both won by Red Bull.At the weekend, the pair – who wed in 2015 – put on a united front at a Point to Point in Buckinghamshire.But there is set to be more heartache for the Ginger Spice star as Horner’s sexting scandal is set to be covered in the next season of the hit Netflix show Drive to Survive.Show chief James Gay-Rees has revealed his team plans to include the saga that rocked F1 in the documentary’s seventh season.It will potentially reopen wounds for Horner and his wife as they attempt to move on from the drama.Horner has previously raged against the scrutiny over the scandal – but now it will be the focus of the Netflix show watched by millions.Brit filmmaker Gay-Rees revealed he has spoken to the Red Bull chief since the scandal broke before the start of the F1 season.He claims the ex-racing driver told him: “This is all your fault.”READ MORE SUN STORIESHorner appears to have been referencing the new focus Drive to Survive has put on F1 – especially drama and scandal behind the scenes of the Grand Prix circus.Horner and wife Geri after the Formula One Saudi Arabian Grand Prix at the Jeddah Corniche Circuit, Saudi Arabia, on March 9Credit: APHorner and his driver Max Verstappen have already won two races in 2024Credit: GettySCANDAL… LAP BY LAP
      FEBRUARY 5: A Dutch newspaper reports a female Red Bull employee has made serious allegations of “inappropriate, controlling behaviour” about Horner to parent company Red Bull GmbH.
      FEB 9: Horner is quizzed for nine hours by the lawyer hired by Red Bull to investigate.
      FEB 15: He denies the allegations and says they are a distraction for the team.
      FEB 15: F1 says it hopes the matter will be clarified at the earliest opportunity after a fair and thorough process.
      FEB 26: Red Bull’s engine partner Ford says it is increasingly frustrated by the team’s handling of the complaint.
      FEB 28: Horner is cleared of all wrongdoing. The employee is said to have the right of appeal.
      FEB 29: Horner says he is pleased the investigation is over.
      FEB 29: WhatsApp texts and pictures claimed to be between Horner and the employee are sent to journalists and F1.
      MARCH 1: Horner refuses to comment on what he calls “anonymous speculation from unknown sources”.
      MAR 2: Horner and wife Geri are pictured hand-in-hand, as Red Bull’s Max Verstappen wins the Bahrain Grand Prix. Horner says before the race: “It’s been very testing for my family but we are very strong and our focus is on this race.”
      MAR 3: Verstappen’s dad Jos, claims Red Bull is in “danger of being torn apart” if Horner stays in the job. He denies being the source of the WhatsApp leak, saying: “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.”
      MAR 6: Max Verstappen sides with his dad in the row.
      MAR 7: Horner says he wants to draw a line under the scandal and hails Geri’s support — as Red Bull suspends the employee.
      MAR 15: Horner’s accuser allegedly launches an appeal against the investigation that saw the Red Bull chief cleared.
      MAR 16: The female employee lodges a complaint against Horner with the FIA.
      MAR 17: Horner reportedly agrees to ‘public ceasefire’ with senior Red Bull Racing management to quell the drama More