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      Geri Halliwell planning to skip first F1 race with Christian Horner as she’s ‘flattened’ by ‘sext’ probe, pals claim

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      GERI Halliwell is set to skip the first F1 race of the season as she’s been left “flattened” by the “sext” probe into her husband Christian Horner, pals have claimed. The Red Bull Racing chief, 50, is the focus of an internal investigation by the team into his alleged behaviour towards a female colleague.
      Horner pictured with his wife – former Spice Girl Geri HalliwellCredit: PA
      Geri’s pals said she has allegedly been struggling to eat and sleep amid her husband’s ‘sext’ probe
      He strongly denies any wrongdoing.
      Geri is said to be taken aback by the probe but is vowing to stand by her husband.
      But now the ex-Spice Girl may skip next week’s Bahrain Grand Prix as she doesn’t want to face the ongoing scrutiny, a pal has claimed.
      A source said: “Geri is devastated and has been struggling to eat and sleep.
      Read more on Christian Horner
      “Her family and fellow Spice Girls are worried.
      “I hear Christian is trying to pep her up to stay positive, but she has gone to ground in the way she did after she left the Spice Girls.”
      “She’s not speaking to anyone,” they told the Daily Mail.
      Geri is supported by her Spanish mother, Ana Maria, and her sister, Natalie, but she has “just a few” other friends on whom she can count on.
      Most read in Motorsport
      Meanwhile, she is doing her best to be there for her adoring husband.
      The pal said: “I believe she is in on all the lawyers’ calls.”
      Christian Horner praises Red Bull’s ‘very inclusive team culture’ in first public appearance since ‘behaviour’ probe
      “Christian has been telling her that everything is fine – and will be fine – but she just wants it to go away.”
      The insider continued: “It’s a real problem as her focus is absolutely him.
      “She is completely loyal to him; that remains.”
      Christian Horner’s fate at Red Bull will reportedly be decided within 10 days – leaving the F1 boss potentially out of a job ahead of the season opener.
      His future at the all-conquering team of world champion Max Verstappen still hangs in the balance after shock allegations of “inappropriate and controlling behaviour” were made by a female staffer.
      But in recent days, fresh claims allege that Horner also sent the colleague “sexually suggestive” texts.
      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 arrived in Bahrain on Tuesday evening for pre-season testing, with Horner still in his £8-million-a-year role .
      So far, it has been “business as usual” in the pit lane – the team principal’s go-to phrase since news of the scandal broke.
      However, results of the independent inquiry will reportedly be handed over to the Red Bull board in the next few days.
      The probe threatens to overshadow the start of the new F1 season – but a final decision is expected before the opening Grand Prix race kicks off on March 2, the Mail reports.
      On Thursday, he addressed the new bombshell sexting probe and declared he wanted a conclusion as “soon as possible”.
      He refused to comment directly on the allegations made against him during the press conference, stating “I cannot comment on the process or the time scale.”
      READ MORE SUN STORIES
      “I think everybody would like a conclusion as soon as possible but I am really not at liberty to talk about the process,” he added.
      The racing boss, who has led the Austrian team since its formation in 2005, was all smiles yesterday as he signed autographs, posed for selfies with fans and spoke to his drivers.
      The F1 boss was all smiles with Spice Girl wife Geri Halliwell last weekendCredit: Alamy
      Horner looked strained at a press conference this week as he said he wished for a swift end to the sexting probeCredit: EPA
      A decision over his career at Red Bull is reportedly expected in 10 daysCredit: RexChristian 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 More

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      Christian Horner’s fate ‘will be decided within 10 days’ & Red Bull boss could be gone before F1 season over sexts probe

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      CHRISTIAN Horner’s fate at Red Bull will reportedly be decided within 10 days – leaving the F1 boss potentially out of a job ahead of the season opener.Horner, 50, is facing a formal investigation over controlling behaviour and sexting allegations made by a female staffer – which he hopes will end as “soon as possible”.
      Horner looked strained at a press conference yesterday as he said he wished for a swift end to the sexting probeCredit: EPA
      A decision over his career at Red Bull is reportedly expected in 10 daysCredit: Rex
      The F1 boss was all smiles with Spice Girl wife Geri Halliwell last weekendCredit: Alamy
      Horner’s future at the all-conquering team of world champion Max Verstappen still hangs in the balance after shock allegations of “inappropriate and controlling behaviour” were made by a female staffer.
      But in recent days, fresh claims allege that Horner also sent the colleague “sexually suggestive” texts.
      The embattled Red Bull chief strongly denies the allegations.
      Red Bull arrived in Bahrain on Tuesday evening for pre-season testing, with Horner still in his £8-million-a-year role .
      read more on christian horner
      So far, it has been ‘”business as usual” in the pit lane – the team principal’s go-to phrase since news of the scandal broke.
      However, results of the independent inquiry will reportedly be handed over to the Red Bull board in the next few days.
      The probe threatens to overshadow the start of the new F1 season – but a final decision is expected before the opening Grand Prix race kicks off on March 2, the Mail reports.
      Yesterday, he addressed the new bombshell sexting probe and declared he wanted a conclusion as “soon as possible”.
      Most read in Motorsport
      He refused to comment directly on the allegations made against him during the press conference, stating “I cannot comment on the process or the time scale.”
      Christian Horner praises Red Bull’s ‘very inclusive team culture’ in first public appearance since ‘behaviour’ probe
      “I think everybody would like a conclusion as soon as possible but I am really not at liberty to talk about the process,” he added.
      The racing boss, who has led the Austrian team since its formation in 2005, was all smiles yesterday as he signed autographs, posed for selfies with fans and spoke to his drivers.
      Other team principals have been calling for greater “transparency” in F1 in the wake of the scandal engulfing Red Bull.
      Horner’s nemesis in the pit lane, 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.”
      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

      Last week, he spoke publicly about the allegations for the first time as he made an appearance at the recent RB20 launch event.
      He said: “Inevitably there has been a distraction, but the team are very together.
      “Everybody’s focused on the season ahead, so it’s been very much business as ­normal and the support has been fantastic.
      “In situations like these, you see where the strengths are, and it’s been overwhelming the support that I’ve had from within the team.
      “There have been some allegations made, which I fully deny, so that the investigation is very much going on in the background whilst preparing for the season ahead, and hopefully it will be concluded in the near future.”
      And in one interview, he praised his Spice Girl wife Geri Halliwell and said: “I have a very supportive family and a very supportive wife.”
      Halliwell, 51, is understood to be standing firmly by her husband, who she married in 2015.
      She was allegedly reduced to tears when news of the scandal broke – but privately insisted he did nothing wrong.
      Last weekend, she was pictured smiling alongside by her husband at a horse racing event in Badbury Rings, Dorset.
      Red Bull has won seven Formula One world drivers’ championships and six world ­constructors’ titles under Horner’s leadership.
      READ MORE SUN STORIES
      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 motor sport in the 2024 New Year’s Honours List.
      Horner is gearing up for the start of the 2024 season which kicks off in Bahrain on March 2Credit: Reuters
      The scandal is threatening to overshadow the new championship as Horner’s future at Red Bull still hangs in the balanceCredit: Splash
      His racing foe, Toto Wolff, described the allegations as an ‘issue for all of F1’Credit: 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 More

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      Inside Red Bull’s Christian Horner & F1 rival Toto Wolff’s toxic feud… & how wives Geri & Susie battle to keep the peace

      by

      IT’S a rivalry as fierce as that between the drivers on the track – and as the new Formula One season approaches it’s set to crank up a gear yet again.But Red Bull boss Christian Horner and Mercedes chief Toto Wolff’s feud dates back to long before Max Verstappen clinched that controversial world title back in 2021.
      Rivals Toto Wolff and Christian Horner have been involved in ‘mud slinging’ matchesCredit: PA
      Toto and his wife, Susie Wolff, are one of F1’s top power couplesCredit: Getty
      Christian and Geri Horner have been rocked by allegations about his behaviour
      This week Wolff couldn’t resist a dig at his rival – who is under investigation over allegations of “inappropriate behaviour” by a female colleague, which he denies.
      The Austrian, 52, called for “transparency” amid the probe, adding that it has repercussions for F1 as a whole.
      He said: “I think for Red Bull it started as an independent investigation, if this is done in the right way with transparency and with the rigour, I think that’s something that we need to look at whatever the outcomes are.”
      Wolff and Horner are renowned for trading insults – often shown on the Netflix hit Drive to Survive, the new series of which drops today – and at times their wives Susie Wolff and Geri Horner have stepped in to help simmer tensions.
      READ MORE ON F1
      As both men try to focus on pre-season testing in Bahrain, we reveal how their feud has played out over the years – and looks to continue firing on all cylinders.
      Red Bull’s beef with Mercedes can be traced back to 2014, when rule changes saw them emerge as the most dominant team on the grid.
      Wolff was at the helm when the team – having made a triumphant return to F1 in 2010 – clinched its first world title with Lewis Hamilton.
      Mercedes won the Constructors’ title with a 296 point lead over Red Bull Racing.
      Most read in Motorsport
      At the time Horner was pushing for changes to the rules which would allow teams to keep developing their cars throughout the season, with no limits.
      Rules stated teams could only change 92 per cent of their designs.
      F1 fans in meltdown over ‘that Lewis Hamilton bit’ as trailer for Netflix series Drive to Survive released
      Horner’s pleas angered Wolff, who raged: “Nobody can really be in favour of an all-out engine war from 2016.
      “No serious company would allow that to happen and none of the current engine suppliers could allow that to happen because costs would escalate totally out of control.”
      A year later Horner was still banging the drum, claiming people would lose interest in F1 if the FIA made no changes to halt Mercedes, to which Wolff hit back: “Just get your f*****g head down, work hard and try to sort it out.”
      ‘Meddling’ with Max
      Team principal Horner celebrates with driver Max Verstappen in 2021
      Red Bull have knocked Toto and Lewis Hamilton off their perch in recent seasonsCredit: Getty
      Tensions have boiled as the Mercedes team has fallen awayCredit: Rex
      Things came to a head in 2016 when Wolff phoned Vertstappen’s dad Joss to discuss Max’s aggressive driving following his crash with Nico Rosberg.
      Horner was furious, stating: “It’s totally wrong. They’ve got their own business. To be meddling in other teams’… maybe he does that with Ferrari, but he shouldn’t do it.
      “He’s got no right to tell Max how he should drive and conduct himself.”
      Things really boiled over in 2021, with Wolff branding Horner a “windbag who just wants to be on camera” during a row over Red Bull’s so-called ‘bendy wing’.
      He added: “It’s about being punchy – it’s easy to be punchy when you’re on top of the timesheet, but he should be a little bit more modest I think.”
      It’s totally wrong. They’ve got their own business. To be meddling in other teams’… maybe he does that with Ferrari, but he shouldn’t do itChristian Horner on Toto Wolff
      It came after Horner warned Wolff to “keep his mouth shut” and “be careful what you wish for” after hinting Red Bull could decide to protest Mercedes’ flexi front wings, alleging they looked “a bit worse than ours”.
      During the close-run season, Wolff seemed rattled, at one point telling Hamilton over the team radio following a sprint race: “F**k them all.”
      Horner added fuel to the fire, adding: “We worked hard to get into this position. It’s the first time they [Mercedes] have been challenged. It’s interesting to see how people react when they are under pressure, when they are challenged.”
      When Hamilton and Verstappen collided at the British Grand Prix, both bosses rigorously defended their drivers.
      It led to a “heated exchange” between the two principals, according to Horner.
      Tensions then reached fever pitch when Verstappen snatched the world title from Hamilton on the final lap in Abu Dhabi thanks to a controversial safety car decision.
      The moment Verstappen snatches the world title from Lewis Hamilton in 2021
      Horner and Wolff rarely see eye to eyeCredit: Getty
      Horner told Tom Clarkson on the F1: Beyond the Grid podcast: “It really permeated at Silverstone where suddenly there was an awful lot of dialogue from Toto to [then race director] Michael [Masi].
      “Then he’s (Wolff) sending him an email, and then he’s coming up. And I thought: ‘Right, okay, I’m not having that, I’m going up.’
      “I felt it was incredibly one sided that a team principal should not be able to lobby and influence the race director and with hindsight, Toto and I had a fairly heated exchange in Race Control.
      “At that event, where Toto was obviously arguing his corner that his driver shouldn’t be penalised, and I’ve got a driver in hospital and the car taken out of the race and was obviously feeling pretty aggrieved by it.”

      🏁 Complete F1 2024 race calendar – details on every Grand Prix and start time this year 🏁 
      Horner claimed he was surprised by his main rival’s behaviour during the season, telling The Telegraph: “You could see that it boiled over in the garage next door on a few occasions.”
      He admitted he enjoys winding up Wolff, telling the Guardian in October 2021: “The more Toto gets wound up, the more fun it becomes.”
      Former Benetton driver Johnny Herbert called out the two bosses for their squabbling a month later, telling the Sunday Mirror: “I think many want to tell him ‘grow up’.
      “They look like two eight-year-olds arguing in the schoolyard. One points to the other and says, ‘Look what he’s doing’.”
      Cheating claims
      The following year Red Bull was accused of cheating after it was found guilty of breaching the budget cap in 2021.
      Wolff made it clear he didn’t feel the team’s £5.5m fine and 10 per cent reduction on aerodynamic development time was a harsh enough punishment.
      He quipped: “I think they [Red Bull] have done a very good job last year in having a car out there that was half a second or more quicker than anyone else.”
      Meanwhile Horner was seen on camera telling his drivers: “[It’s]fun and games with Mercedes over all this cost cap s***. I mean it’s unbelievable how much s*** Toto says.”
      Susie Wolff keeps her husband Toto smilingCredit: Instagram/susie_wolff
      The Horners are often seen in Netflix series Drive to Survive enjoying an idyllic country lifeCredit: Instagram @therealgerihalliwell
      Geri and Christian got hitched 10 years agoCredit: Splash News
      The Horners at home with the familyCredit: Instagram @therealgerihalliwell
      F1’s Horner poses on the steps of the home with daughter Olivia from his previous relationshipCredit: Instagram @christianhorner
      At times the team principals’ respective wives, Susie Wolf and Geri Halliwell, have stepped in, in an effort to keep the peace.
      The Mercedes principal admitted he “really regrets” how things got so heated between him and his rival, and recalled being accosted by Susie for his “regretful” behaviour during the 2021 season.
      He told Formula 1 magazine: “Susie pointed that out to me very clearly.
      “She said, ‘Why are you having these kinds of discussions? You’re trying to win, respect that. Even if someone goes in that direction, you don’t have to’.
      “That’s called female social intelligence. We sometimes have too much hormones.”
      In March 2022 it seemed like the pair had put their differences aside when Horner praised Wolff for opening up about his mental health battle.
      He told Sky Sports: “All credit to Toto for having the confidence to talk out about his own personal issues.”
      Cheeky bum slap
      Geri gives Toto a big hugCredit: Getty
      Susie and Lewis take a stroll in the pit laneCredit: Instagram/susie_wolff
      In November last year, a picture emerged of former Spice Girl Geri offering Wolff a comforting hug as her husband watched on.
      Everyone appeared to be grinning in the snap, suggesting the women had potentially managed to broker a peace deal.
      Damon Hill, a Sky F1 consultant, said on social media: “Its heartening to see a bit of a moment of mirth as Geri Horner gives Toto a consolation cuddle.
      “Easy to laugh when you’ve just wiped the floor with the opposition. Harder to do when you’ve been royally thrashed.”
      It was later revealed the jovial mood came about because Geri had actually slapped Wolff’s bottom.
      Horner later told Sky Sports: “It was an amusing moment because I think my wife had just smacked his bum so hard, I think it took him a bit by surprise.
      “You probably can’t even see my clenched fist, it’s out of shot there.
      “It’s been a long season and there has to be competition on track but there still has to be respect.”
      READ MORE SUN STORIES
      With Red Bull shrouded in scandal and Mercedes losing its number one driver to Ferrari next season, it will be fascinating to see how 2024 plays out.
      Formula 1: Drive to Survive Season 6 can be streamed on Netflix now.
      Mercedes’ Toto Wolff and Red Bull’s Christian Horner have been bitter rivals since 2014Credit: Getty
      Former Spice Girl Geri holds her husband’s hand as Toto lingersCredit: Getty
      Geri is strongly standing by Horner’s side, sources sayCredit: Getty
      Formula 1: Drive to Survive season 6 airs today More

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      Red Bull boss Christian Horner addresses bombshell ‘sexting’ probe and says he wants ‘conclusion as soon as possible

      by

      CHRISTIAN Horner said he hopes the conclusion to a probe into claims he sent sexual messages to a colleague will come “as soon as possible”.The embattled Red Bull Racing chief refused to comment directly on the allegations made against him during a press conference in Bahrain today.
      Red Bull Racing team principal Christian Horner during a press conference on the second day of testing at the Bahrain International Circuit SakhirCredit: Rex
      Horner, second from right, was questioned during a panel press conferenceCredit: Getty
      Horner pictured during testing at Bahrain International Circuit, SakhirCredit: Reuters
      Christian Horner, left, pictured whispering with Sergio Perez todayCredit: EPA
      The team arrived on the island Tuesday evening for pre-season testing, with Horner still at the helm as an investigation into claims against him continues.
      Horner’s future as leader of the all-conquering team of world champion Max Verstappen hangs in the balance after shock allegations by a female colleague.
      The F1 chief, 50, was initially only under investigation over alleged controlling behaviour at work towards a female worker.
      But in recent days, fresh claims allege Horner also sent her “sexually suggestive” texts.
      More on Christian Horner
      He has vehemently denied all claims threatening his position.
      Today in Bahrain on day two of testing, he was asked twice about accusations levelled against him by a female staffer.
      He said: “There is a process going on which I am part of that process and I am afraid I cannot comment on it.
      “Look, I am really sorry but I cannot comment on the process or the time scale.
      Most read in Motorsport
      “I think everybody would like a conclusion as soon as possible but I am really not at liberty to talk about the process.”
      McLaren boss Zak Brown was also asked about the way the investigation was being handled by Red Bull and said the sport needs a quick resolution given the negative headlines the story has generated.
      Christian Horner praises Red Bull’s ‘very inclusive team culture’ in first public appearance since ‘behaviour’ probe
      He added: “Well, the allegations are extremely serious.
      “McLaren holds themselves and all the men and women at McLaren to the highest standards.
      “Obviously, diversity and equality and inclusion are extremely important to us, our partners, to everyone in Formula One.
      “Red Bull corporation it appears has launched an investigation and all we hope and assume is that will be handled in a very transparent way.
      “As FIA and F1 has said, they need to handle it swiftly because I don’t believe these are the type of headlines that F1 wants or needs at this time.
      “I just think it’s important that it’s handled in a transparent way in which there is no doubt and no doubt whatsoever that it has been handled appropriately and whatever the conclusion is that that conclusion is handled in an appropriate, transparent manner.”
      Earlier today Horner was pictured covering his mouth as he spoke with Sergio Perez.
      Wearing a white shirt, Horner could be seen leaning in to listen and reply to the Mexican driver.
      On Wednesday, he was pictured smirking as he chatted with Sergio Perez over lunch.
      Horner, who has already been present at secret Red Bull test runs, is due to watch star driver Max Verstappen test the RB20 for the first time on an F1 track.
      He is also expected to attend a press conference at the testing event alongside other F1 bosses.
      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.

      Last week, he spoke publicly about the allegations for the first time as he made an appearance at the recent RB20 launch event.
      He said: “Inevitably there has been a distraction, but the team are very together.
      “Everybody’s focused on the season ahead, so it’s been very much business as ­normal and the support has been fantastic.
      “In situations like these, you see where the strengths are, and it’s been overwhelming the support that I’ve had from within the team.
      “There have been some allegations made, which I fully deny, so that the investigation is very much going on in the background whilst preparing for the season ahead, and hopefully it will be concluded in the near future.”
      And in one interview, he praised wife Geri Halliwell and said: “I have a very supportive family and a very supportive wife.
      Geri was reportedly reduced to tears as news broke of the scandal just days ago – but privately insisted he did nothing wrong.
      On Sunday she was seen standing by her husband at a horse racing event in Badbury Rings, Dorset.
      The final decision on the Red Bull probe could come out this week – and it remains unclear whether Horner will be able to return to Bahrain for the F1 season opener on March 2.
      Horner has overseen a huge period of success for the racing team – winning multiple F1 championships with Sebastian Vettel and Verstappen.
      READ MORE SUN STORIES
      And Ford have apparently ramped up pressure on their future partners at Red Bull Racing to investigate the outcome “seriously but quickly”.
      Horner spoke about the probe todayCredit: Getty
      The pair spoke while at the Bahrain International Circuit in Sakhir for pre-season testingCredit: EPA
      The pair leaned in and covered their mouths as they spoke in BahrainCredit: EPA
      The Red Bull boss was seen in Bahrain yesterday for the first day of testingCredit: AP
      Horner pictured with his wife – former Spice Girl Geri HalliwellCredit: 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 More

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      Christian Horner & Geri Halliwell seen at dream mansion as Netflix F1 doc Drive to Survive releases amid ‘sexting’ probe

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      NEWLY released pictures show embattled Red Bull Racing chief Christian Horner enjoying time at home with wife Geri Halliwell.Netflix cameras captured the couple celebrating Christmas for the new season of Drive to Survive – before accusations of “inappropriate behaviour” were made against the F1 boss.
      A preview from Netflix’s Drive to Survive shows Christian Horner and Geri Halliwell relaxing at their homeCredit: Netflix
      Geri smiled as she spoke to her husband in scenes shot in December 2022Credit: Netflix
      Horner was filmed at Red Bull Racing’s annual charity shoot during another sceneCredit: Netflix
      Horner’s future of running the all-conquering team of world champion Verstappen has been thrown into doubt following the bombshell claims.
      The Red Bull Racing boss, 50, has vehemently denied all claims threatening his position.
      Horner was initially only under investigation over alleged controlling behaviour at work towards a female worker.
      But in recent days, fresh claims allege Horner also sent her “sexually suggestive” texts.
      More on Christian Horner
      For Netflix’s latest season of Drive to Survive, cameras went into Horner and Spice Girl Geri’s dream mansion in Oxfordshire in December 2022.
      The pair, who wed in 2015, can be seen relaxing in the festively decorated lounge in a preview of the show.
      Father Christmas then makes an appearance, asking their children Monty and Olivia if their dad “had been good this year”.
      Olivia replies: “Let me think about that for a minute.”
      Most read in Motorsport
      Geri then points out he had “won a championship” with Red Bull that year.
      In another scene, Horner can be seen chatting to Geri about Daniel Ricciardo after the driver failed to land a grid seat for 2023.
      Christian Horner praises Red Bull’s ‘very inclusive team culture’ in first public appearance since ‘behaviour’ probe
      The cameras also follow Horner off the race track to Red Bull Racing’s annual charity shoot, which he hosted.
      Filming was completed for the season, which premiers tomorrow, well before allegations against Horner were this month revealed – sparking a probe by Red Bull.
      Geri, 51, was reduced to tears as news broke of the scandal but has privately insisted he did nothing wrong.
      Horner publicly addressed the allegations against him for the first time at the launch of the RB20 last week.
      He said: “Inevitably there has been a distraction, but the team are very together.
      “Everybody’s focused on the season ahead, so it’s been very much business as ­normal and the support has been fantastic.
      “In situations like these, you see where the strengths are, and it’s been overwhelming the support that I’ve had from within the team.
      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.

      “There have been some allegations made, which I fully deny, so that the investigation is very much going on in the background whilst preparing for the season ahead, and hopefully it will be concluded in the near future.”
      Ford were said to have put pressure on their future partners at Red Bull Racing to investigate the outcome “seriously but quickly”.
      Reports say this could mean Horner could find out his fate much sooner than originally expected.
      Horner had hoped the investigation would be resolved before the team this week flew to Bahrain for pre-season testing.
      He was yesterday pictured looking carefree as he smiled and chatted with his team in the Middle East country.
      Horner arrived in the Gulf kingdom overnight on Wednesday to watch star driver Max Verstappen test the RB20 for the first time on an F1 track.
      READ MORE SUN STORIES
      He is also expected to attend a press conference at the testing event alongside other F1 bosses.
      The Red Bull boss was seen in Bahrain yesterday for the first day of testingCredit: AP
      The 50-year-old was seen laughing with driver Sergio PerezCredit: AP
      Horner previously pictured with his wife – former Spice Girl Geri HalliwellCredit: 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 More

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      ‘See you in 2025’, moan F1 fans as Red Bull champ Max Verstappen crushes competition in first pre-season testing session

      by

      F1 fans have already written the 2024 season off after Max Verstappen blitzed this year’s first pre-season testing session.The Dutchman, 26, is vying for his fourth successive world title after dominating 2023 in an unprecedented manner.
      Max Verstappen has made a superb start to 2024Credit: Getty
      The Dutchman dominated the first testing session in BahrainCredit: AP
      And he has started off the new year in the same vein by crushing his opposition in the opening pre-season testing session on Wednesday.
      Verstappen finished day one a seismic 1.14 seconds quicker than McLaren’s Lando Norris in second, with Ferrari’s Carlos Sainz a further 0.1 seconds back in third.
      And while lap times in testing are not necessarily a reliable indicator of performance, fans are already handing Verstappen another world title.
      F1 pundit Matt Gallagher tweeted: “Max P1. See you in 2025 everyone.”
      READ MORE IN F1
      To which one fan replied: “Not even gonna waste my time/energy watching this season. 2025 we will be there 🔥.”
      Another added: “Boooorriiinnnggg, bring on 2025 already.”
      A third said: “Max Four-stappen or Max 4-stappen. I imagine this is the convo happening at Red Bull currently.”
      While a fourth responded: “But who will be second in the drivers championship? And can Max also win the constructors championship by himself?”
      Most read in Motorsport
      CASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERS
      Verstappen won 19 of the 22 races last season, with Red Bull team-mate Sergio Perez claiming two of the other three.
      Ferrari’s Sainz was the only non-Red Bull driver to win a race in 2023.

      The Bahrain Grand Prix, which kicks off the 2024 season, takes place on March 2.
      It will be seven-time champion Lewis Hamilton’s final season at Mercedes before he leaves for Ferrari in 2025.
      However, the Brit did not drive on the opening day of testing, while team-mate George Russell finished 12th. More

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      F1 must learn from Christian Horner investigation as Red Bull boss faces ‘sexting probe’, says Merc boss Toto Wolff

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      MERCEDES boss Toto Wolff says F1 has to “learn from” Red Bull’s investigation into boss Christian Horner following accusations of inappropriate behaviour.Horner, 50, is the subject of an internal investigation by Red Bull Racing’s parent company based in Austria.
      Toto Wolff has called on F1 to learn from the Christian Horner investigationCredit: EPA
      Horner is under investigation by Red BullCredit: Getty
      It follows a complaint raised by a member of staff about the F1 boss, who denies the allegations made against him.
      Red Bull are yet to reveal details of their investigation, with Horner quizzed for his side of the events some 12 days ago.
      Wolff was asked about his thoughts on how the investigation was being handled by Red Bull and the length of time it was taking.
      He was also quizzed as to what message that had on F1’s “attitude to sexual equality”.
      READ MORE IN F1
      Wolff said: “It’s clear. Formula One and what the teams do, we stand for inclusion, equality, fairness, diversity. And it’s not only talking about it, but living it day in day out.
      “These are the standards that we’re setting ourselves. We live in a global sport, one of the most important sport’s platforms in the world. And we are role models.
      “But having said that, there’s a lot of speculation that’s been happening over the last few weeks. Speculation that we’ve heard of, and lots of things that are going on.
      “What Red Bull has started, with an independent investigation, if this is done in the right way with transparency then it will be something we will talk about.
      Most read in Motorsport
      “When we know what the outcomes are, and what it means for Formula One and how we can learn from that, because we want to talk about racing cars, and we want to talk about the sport rather than these kinds of very, very critical topics.
      “It is more or just the team’s issue. It’s an issue for all of Formula One and in general for every individual that works out there.”
      Christian Horner breaks silence on ‘inappropriate behaviour’ allegation at Red Bull F1 launch
      Horner is currently in Bahrain for F1’s pre-season testing and is due to face the media on Thursday in a usual press conference as scheduled.
      The F1 season kicks off in Bahrain on Saturday March 2nd.

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

    • 238 Shares109 Views

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      Smirking Christian Horner looks carefree at F1 Bahrain testing as he leads Red Bull despite ‘sexting & behaviour’ probe

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      CHRISTIAN Horner appeared carefree as he was spotted smiling and chatting to his team in Bahrain on the first day of testing for the 2024/25 Formula One season.The Red Bull chief was pictured laughing as he had lunch with Sergio Perez despite bombshell allegations of “sexual messages” and “inappropriate behaviour” hanging over his head.
      The Red Bull boss was seen in Bahrain for the first day of testing todayCredit: AP
      The 50-year-old was seen laughing with driver Sergio PerezCredit: AP
      Horner previously said he plans to continue with “business as usual”Credit: AP
      He previously said he plans to continue with “business as usual.”
      Horner, 50, is under investigation over the shock allegations of “inappropriate behaviour” by a female colleague – with the results expected in a matter of days.
      He has categorically denied the claims, as Red Bull continue to investigate following an initial eight hour grilling.
      Horner arrived in the Gulf kingdom overnight to watch star driver Max Verstappen test out an RB20 for the first time on an F1 track.
      READ MORE ON CHRISTIAN HORNER
      He is also expected to attend a press conference at the testing event alongside other F1 bosses.
      Horner has already been present at secret Red Bull test runs and when he made an appearance at the recent RB20 launch event he spoke publicly about the allegations for the first time.
      He said: “Inevitably there has been a distraction, but the team are very together.
      “Everybody’s focused on the season ahead, so it’s been very much business as ­normal and the support has been fantastic.
      Most read in Motorsport
      “In situations like these, you see where the strengths are, and it’s been overwhelming the support that I’ve had from within the team.
      “There have been some allegations made, which I fully deny, so that the investigation is very much going on in the background whilst preparing for the season ahead, and hopefully it will be concluded in the near future.”
      And in one interview, he praised wife Geri Halliwell and said: “I have a very supportive family and a very supportive wife.
      Christian Horner seen in Bahrain this morning ahead of Red Bull testing
      Horner is seen biting his fingernails at the event in BahrainCredit: Rex
      Max Verstappen with Christian Horner on day one of F1 Testing at Bahrain Circuit todayCredit: Getty
      Horner (centre) looking at his phone intently on the team’s first testing dayCredit: AFP
      “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.”
      Geri was reportedly reduced to tears as news broke of the scandal just days ago – but privately insisted he did nothing wrong.
      On Sunday she was seen standing by her husband at a horse racing event in Badbury Rings, Dorset.
      F1 released a statement on Sunday saying: “We hope that the matter will be clarified at the earliest opportunity after a fair and thorough process.
      “We have noted Red Bull has instigated an independent investigation into internal allegations at Red Bull Racing.
      “We will not comment further at this time.”
      The final decision on the Red Bull probe could come out this week – and it remains unclear whether Horner will be able to return to Bahrain for the F1 season opener on March 2.
      Horner has overseen a huge period of success for the racing team – winning multiple F1 championships with Sebastian Vettel and Verstappen.
      And Ford have apparently ramped up pressure on their future partners at Red Bull Racing to investigate the outcome “seriously but quickly”.
      Horner previously pictured with his wife – former Spice Girl Geri HalliwellCredit: Getty
      Christian Horner watching from the sidelines during the first day of testing in BahrainCredit: Rex
      Horner surrounded by the Red Bull team and engineersCredit: RexThe 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.

      Ford are set to become partners with Red Bull Racing from 2026 as the team’s engine supplier – but sources say they could walk away from the deal if things aren’t dealt with soon.
      It has been seen as a distraction at Red Bull as the company looks to retain their constructors title for 2024/25 and help World Champion Max Verstappen break more racing records.
      And Horner is reportedly happy to cooperate fully and is hoping the investigation is resolved within the next week.
      Yesterday, Horner’s wife former Spice Girl Geri, briefly unfollowed Max Verstappen on Instagram before later following him again.
      Geri also unfollowed the Beckhams – including former Posh Spice Victoria, her husband David, and their son Brooklyn.
      The Sun had just exclusively revealed that the couple – who married in 2015 – were being helped by all the Spice Girls.
      A source said: “They are quietly supporting her behind the scenes and checking in to make sure she is OK.
      READ MORE SUN STORIES
      “Geri has been left ­broken by the ordeal, but is grateful for the kindness being shown to her by friends.”
      She is said to be “terrified her life will unravel” amid the accusations of “sexual messages” and “inappropriate behaviour”.
      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, 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

      Red Bull boss Horner walks alongside Adrian Newey – Red Bull’s chief technical officer – in Bahrain this morningCredit: Splash
      Horner’s wife of nine years Geri Halliwell is apparently standing by him amid the probeCredit: PA
      The Red Bull Boss has already been seen at a public event where he spoke about the allegations for the first timeCredit: AFP More