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      F1 boss Christian Horner grilled for eight hours in crunch meeting over ‘controlling behaviour’ allegations

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      FORMULA One team boss Christian Horner was grilled for eight hours today over alleged “controlling” behaviour.The Red Bull Racing chief — married to Spice Girl Geri Halliwell — was questioned by a barrister late into the afternoon at a private location.
      Formula One team boss Christian Horner was grilled for eight hours over his alleged ‘controlling’ behaviourCredit: Peter Jordan – The Sun
      Horner runs the all-conquering Red Bull Racing, the team of world champion Max VerstappenCredit: AFP – Getty
      The 50-year-old looked grim-faced earlier as he was being whisked to the crunch meeting.
      An F1 source said: “Christian has been in there, and having his chat which has been ongoing for many hours. We are hoping for a swift resolution to this but that may be unlikely.”
      The source went on: “This is not a trial and we are not going to have an answer and an outcome by the end of the day.
      “This is not something that is going to be rectified that quickly.
      READ MORE ON CHRISTIAN HORNER
      “But Christian has not been sacked or asked to resign and he is not going to resign.
      “We are in an investigation and we have to respect the integrity of the investigation, which means ­letting it run its course.”
      The Sun told on Tuesday how Horner was being investigated over allegations of “inappropriate behaviour” towards a female colleague.
      He was seen as a chauffeur-driven car picked him up from his North London home at 7.15am.
      Most read in Motorsport
      Unshaven Horner tried to force a smile after clambering into the back of the BMW with a briefcase.
      Red Bull brought in independent lawyers following the complaint.

      The meeting is understood to have taken place in London rather than near the racing team’s base in Milton Keynes or Red Bull’s HQ in Salzburg, Austria.
      Late this afternoon, Horner was still being quizzed after the meeting got off to an early start.
      Horner, who runs the all-conquering F1 team of world champion Max Verstappen — arch rival of British favourite Sir Lewis Hamilton — has denied the controlling behaviour claims.
      The allegations are said to centre on concerns about a strict work regime and do not include sexual impropriety.
      Horner, who has been Red Bull Racing’s “principal” since its founding in 2005, was quizzed by an external barrister hired by the Austrian company.
      Red Bull said it began an inquiry after being made aware of the complaint, understood to have been lodged in Austria.
      Today, BBC Sport reported insiders had told them that they did not expect Horner to survive the furore.
      Staff at the team’s UK base in Milton Keynes have said they had no knowledge of the allegations when approached.
      I completely deny these claimsChristian Horner
      The probe threatens to overshadow the start of the new F1 season — with the first practice sessions for the Bahrain Grand Prix taking place on February 29.
      However, insiders say a decision on Horner’s future at the helm of the team was unlikely to be reached following today’s first meeting with the barrister.
      Our source added: “People are expecting this to be over before the start of the F1 season, but that just isn’t going to happen.
      “It will be a longer process than that as we have to conduct the investigation thoroughly.”
      Horner has reportedly referred to the allegations as “nuts” and said publicly: “I completely deny these claims.”
      Spice Girl wife Geri is standing by HornerCredit: Getty
      Wife Geri, 51, is understood to be standing by her husband and has told pals: “Christian has done nothing wrong.”
      Former racing driver Horner and Geri married at a church ceremony in Woburn, Beds, in 2015 after a year-long engagement.
      They have a seven-year-old son together and Horner has a daughter from a previous relationship.
      Red Bull Racing has won seven Formula One world drivers’ championships and six world ­constructors’ titles since the team’s formation under Horner 19 years ago.
      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.
      Christian has done nothing wrongGeri Horner
      Red Bull Racing declined to comment today.
      In a statement earlier this week, it said it was probing “certain recent allegations”.
      A spokesman added: “This process, which is already under way, is being carried out by an external specialist barrister.”
      Horner remains one of the most influential figures within Red Bull and Formula One.
      READ MORE SUN STORIES
      If he gets the chop, insiders expect him to be replaced by an executive from the Austrian side of Red Bull.
      A likely favourite would be German businessman Oliver Mintzlaff, former head of RB Leipzig football club.
      Horner remains one of the most influential figures within Red Bull and Formula OneCredit: GettyA look at Christian Horner’s life and career CHRISTIAN 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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      Red Bull ‘make offer to Alex Albon’ as F1 market is thrown open by Lewis Hamilton’s Ferrari move’

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      RED BULL have made an offer for Williams driver Alex Albon to replace Sergio Perez.The after effects of Lewis Hamilton’s bombshell Ferrari announcement are being felt with a re-shuffle of Formula One’s top seats already in the works.
      Alex Albon previously drove for Red Bull in 2019 for 18 monthsCredit: EPA
      There is plenty of new opportunities following Lewis Hamilton’s announcementCredit: Splash
      According to Autosport, Red Bull are keen to secure a first option on Albon.
      The 27-year old partnered with Christian Horner’s team for an unsuccessful 18-month spell in 2019, but Red Bull have offered Albon another shot following a strong spell at Williams.
      If he agrees, Red Bull will be welcoming him back to the fold for three years in 2027, when his contract with Williams expires.
      It’s an appealing option for the Anglo-Thai, but it will cut off any chance of a move to Mercedes.
      READ MORE F1 STORIES
      Hamilton’s impending departure has left more doors open than ever for ambitious drivers gunning to climb the greasy pole.
      At the 2024 Williams launch, Albon hinted at what had been going on behind the scenes, saying: “I would be denying it if I said that there haven’t been questions and general chats surrounding around that.
      “But truthfully it’s not really personally my area, that’s more my management.
      “My focus is on driving.
      Most read in Motorsport
      CASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERS
      WHO COULD REPLACE HAMILTON AT MERCEDES? Mercedes will have a vacant seat for 2025.
      Here, SunSport’s F1 correspondent Ben Hunt looks at FIVE potential candidates who could replace him and partner George Russell in the Silver Arrows.
      Oscar Piastri – McLaren have sewn up Lando Norris to a new long-term contract that should (in theory) put him out of Mercedes’ reach. However, they are yet to tie down his teammate Piastri, 22. The Aussie has an excellent record and won the Formula 3 and Formula 2 titles before spending a year on the sidelines with Alpine and getting his chance in F1 with McLaren. He impressed on his debut season last year and has the potential to be a world champion.
      Daniel Ricciardo – The experienced driver’s future remains in doubt as he bides his time at Red Bull’s B-team. Ricciardo would be low-hassle and offer some stability but by that time he would be 35. It seems unlikely that they would opt for him at this point in his career, but if he has a good season this year, he could come into the reckoning.
      Kimi Antonelli – You may not have heard of the Italian, but he is mustard. Still only 17, he has won at all the junior categories and has been part of the Mercedes young driver programme since 2019. This season he has been promoted from F4 to F2, where he has been tipped to shine. A good debut season in F2 could sway Mercedes into taking a risk on him for 2025. Antonelli and his family are close to Mercedes boss Toto Wolff.
      Mick Schumacher – Wolff has always been so incredibly supportive of Schumacher and spoken highly of him, that you’d at least expect him to come into consideration. He knows the team from his role as reserve driver and consequently would get up to speed. But speed is also the problem. He was shocking at Haas and if he really was THAT good, he’d still be driving in F1.
      Alex Albon – A more-sensible choice would be the London-born Albon. A great guy who is also very quick. He has a fantastic relationship with Russell and would be the low-maintenance quick partnership similar to Hamilton and Valtteri Bottas that swept to successive titles. Albon would take little convincing to join from Williams and Mercedes would not need to pay him half of the £50million they were dishing out to Hamilton.

      “My whole focus is on Williams and that’s where I see myself.”
      Albon added: “I feel like I’m very close to my peak.”
      The richest Wags in F1 revealed with some earning thousands from Instagram
      He is contracted to Williams for the 2025 season, but team principal James Vowles made comments suggesting he would not deny Albon a move away from Williams, were an opportunity to present itself.
      He said: “Should any decision go that way, it’s because I’ve made decisions that are correct for the team’s long-term goals and not the short term.”
      When pressed, Vowles did not provide a direct answer, saying: “Let’s see. Time will tell.
      “But my focus is on 2024, let’s keep it like that.
      “Realistically I want to be with the team.
      “If the team are where I want them to be, it will be a long-term contract.
      “We’re gonna go all the way or nothing.” More

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      Seven ‘Kardashian-style’ scandals that plagued Christian Horner’s Red Bull…‘cheat’ claims to star raising rival’s child

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      IN the wake of the bombshell allegations against F1 chief Christian Horner, the Sun lists other scandals that have plagued the Red Bull team in the past years.The team’s boss, 50, was hit by claims of “inappropriate behaviour” in the latest F1 controversy but it is not the first stain on the Red Bull team’s history.
      Max Verstappen and Sergio Perez have been involved in a public feudCredit: Getty
      Christian Horner has been accused of “inappropriate behaviour”Credit: Getty
      Red Bull has been hit by chaos such as when Ricciardo crashed with Verstappen in 2018Credit: Alamy
      Horner is due to be probed by a lawyer today after news broke of the allegations made against him by a female staffer.
      The hearing was initially meant to be held at the team headquarters in Milton Keynes, Bucks but it was moved to a different location last minute.
      The claims sent shockwaves across the F1 World but it’s not the first time Red Bull was involved in a scandal.
      From the ongoing feud between Verstappen and Perez which was described as a “bit like the Kardashian show” by rival Hamilton to Preze’s cheating allegations, the F1 team has seen some challenging times.
      READ MORE ON F1
      ‘A BIT LIKE A KARDASHIAN SHOW’
      The Red Bull team was plagued by a big scandal in 2022 – the controversial Brazilian Grand Prix.
      A public feud between Max Verstappen and Sergio Perez was sparked when the Dutchman defied the team’s orders and did not let his teammate pass him at Sao Paulo – even though he had already secured the season’s title.
      As a result, Perez, who was competing with Ferrari’s Charles Leclerc for second place, lost two World Cup points.
      Speaking to Channel 4 about the drama at the time, Ferrari driver Lewis Hamilton described it as a “Kardashian show”.
      Most read in Motorsport
      Unearthed footage shows F1 row that TV missed as Verstappen and Ocon both see their laps ruined
      He joked: “I mean, it feels like a bit of a Kardashian show happening here. 
      “It’s pretty hilarious, some of the stuff that I’ve heard over the past few days has been so entertaining.
      “I’m sure it’ll all be on Netflix, it’s going to be great.”
      The Milton Keynes-based team had some time of uncertainty during the final weeks of the season of the same year.
      It handed a whopping £5,5 million fine for breaking F1’s cost-cap rule.
      An FIA statement said that Red Bull triggered a “minor” breach, going over the £114million limit.
      At the time Horner described the penalties as “enormous”.
      He said: “I hear people say it’s not a severe penalty, but 10 per cent less wind tunnel time and other aerodynamic tools is a draconian penalty
      “That can cost up to half a second a lap. It will have an effect on our ability to perform on track next year.”
      CRYPTIC STATEMENT
      When Verstappen was asked to allow his teammate to pass him according to a previous agreement with the team, he refused and said: “I told you already last summer.
      “You guys don’t ask that again to me, ok? Are we clear about that? I gave my reasons and I stand by it.”
      His comment sparked speculation that he had been holding a grudge against Perez since another incident in Monaco earlier in the season.
      Following the row between the two drivers, team chief Horner stated the feud was caused by a team mistake.
      ” I think that was a mistake as a team that we didn’t discuss it and come up with a very clear plan,” he said.
      “Obviously, it was unfortunate what happened, but it was quickly discussed, openly and transparently.
      “And both drivers were very clear, open, and honest with each other, and from that as a team we move on and the dynamic between the drivers is absolutely fine.”
      ‘CHEATING ON WIFE’
      Following the eventful Sao Paolo race, Mexican driver Perez fumed: “It shows who he really is.
      “I have nothing to say, really. After all I’ve done for him, it’s disappointing. I have no idea. I’m really surprised.”
      But his comments did not sit well with Verstappen’s mum Sophie Kumpen who hit back and accused him of cheating on his wife, Carola Martinez.
      I gave my reasons and I stand by itMax Verstappen
      In a since-deleted Instagram post, she wrote: “And then in the evening cheating on his wife.”
      Her comment appears to refer to a video posted online in June showing Perez dancing with mystery women in Monte Carlo.
      Perez celebrated his success by partying on a yacht with footage showing him up close and personal with a brunette before wrapping his arms around a blonde woman’s waist.
      Perez issued a public apology statement afterwards, saying: “I have seen the videos that have been circulating about me and I take responsibility for it.
      Verstappen’s mum Sophie Kumpen hit back at Perez after the race
      Sergio Perez issues a public apology to his wife he was seen dancing with a woman during a partyCredit: Social Media
      Perez was seen embracing a brunette during the yacht partyCredit: Social Media
      “It was a bad party that I didn’t know how to control at the height of the person that I am, but it was just that, a very bad party.
      “People close to me know my values and the type of person that I am. For those who ask me, we are more united than ever, me and my wife.
      “And for those who just want to hurt us, I wish you the best. Thanks for your love and I apologise to all the people who love me because those videos don’t represent me at all.
      “We will not talk about this topic anymore, which only makes us forget the great moment we are living as a family. Thank you.”
      VERSTAPPEN DATING RIVAL’S EX
      Verstappen revealed he has a good relationship with the daughter of his girlfriend Kelly Piquet.
      The Brazilian model, daughter of fiery F1 legend Nelson Piquet, was dating driver Daniil Kvyat from 2017 to 2019 and had daughter Penelope before their split.
      The Dutchaman replaced Kvyat at Red Bull in 2016 an two years later he started dating Piquet.
      In a rare chat about his personal life, he told TIME magazine: “I’m not the father, that’s not the aim.
      “It’s always very important that she has a good relationship with her own father, which she has.
      “But I see her every day when I’m at home. We get on very well. She’s very cute.”
      THE DRAMATIC 2021 ABU DHABI GRAND PRIX  
      In 2021, Red Bull was involved in yet another controversy – this time involving Brit driver Lewis Hamilton.
      Hamilton was pipped to the championship by Max Verstappen on the final lap of the last race when race director Michael Masi appeared to incorrectly allow Verstappen the chance to overtake Hamilton.
      The incident left the Mercedes team furious accusing race bosses of bending the rules.
      But after a four-and-a-half hour battle to have the decision overturned it was finally rejected and Verstappen remained World Champion.
      According to a report by the FIA the incident was down to “human error” but the results were “valid”.
      ‘XENOPHOBIC COMMENTS’
      Red Bull advisor Helmut Marko was hit with a written warning by the FIA for his comments made towards Sergio Perez.
      The outspoken Austrian was quoted saying Perez, who is from Mexico, “is South American and he is just not as completely focused in his head as Max [Verstappen] is or as Sebastian [Vettel]”.
      Despite the 80-year-old Austrian offering an apology for his “offensive” words against Checo, the remarks caused a backlash on social media with calls to remove Marko from his duties.
      The FIA said that Marko received a “written warning and was reminded of his responsibilities as a public figure in motorsport in line with the FIA code of ethics.”
      The year before Red Bull sacked junior driver Juri Vips after he used a racial slur on a live stream.
      The 21-year-old Estonian is believed to have used the N-word while playing Call of Duty online with team-mate Liam Lawson.
      ‘UNKIND’
      A few years earlier, Marko was involved in a public fall-out with Mark Webber after his comments regarding the Australian’s performance in an interview.
      The remarks were taken as harsh criticism by Webber but in 2018, Marko never intended to offend him.
      He told F1: “With Mark it was a misinterpretation. I don’t set out to be unkind.
      “I was asked why Vettel is champion and why Mark isn’t,” he recalled. “So I tried to explain the difference and there were just some facts.
      “I say what I believe. And I say it to make something better, to help people to come up with their own solutions.”
      He added: “All these circumstances were what I tried to express, and the magazine thought that I was against Mark, which is not true,” Marko said. “[Drivers] get the same treatment here with us.
      “I didn’t think it should be taken to criticise Mark.
      “But I said if he was able to keep his performance over the whole season, then he would have been the champion.
      “Mark was already a driver with a good reputation,” he noted. “It was always, ‘If he is in the right car, he will be a winner.’ And then came the right car, but unfortunately along came Vettel as well.
      READ MORE SUN STORIES
      “Psychologically it must [have been] very, very hard for Mark.”
      Hamilton described Red Bull’s drama as ” a Kardashian show”Credit: AFP
      Verstappen pictured with his girlfriend Kelly PiquetCredit: Getty
      Helmut Marko had to apologise to Perez after his “offensive” commentsCredit: Getty More

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      Christian Horner pictured ahead of Red Bull talks TODAY as ‘inappropriate behaviour’ hearing moved to ‘secret location’

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      RED Bull boss Christian Horner was pictured leaving his Highgate home ahead of his D-Day hearing today over allegations of “inappropriate behaviour” towards a female member of staff.The meeting that will determine whether the F1 chief, 50, will keep his job as the team’s head was moved last-minute to a secret location.
      Horner was pictured this morning ahead of the hearingCredit: LNP
      The Red Bull chief is about to attend a hearing over allegations of “inappropriate behaviour”Credit: Peter Jordan
      Horner has not been suspended and he continues working at the team’s HQ in Milton KeynesCredit: Peter Jordan
      The Red Bull boss will be quizzed by an independent lawyer todayCredit: Getty
      The Spice Girl star is reportedly refusing to speak to ‘anyone’ about the allegationsCredit: Getty
      The hearing was initially meant to be held at the team headquarters in Milton Keynes, Bucks but the high media interest forced Red Bull officials to move it to a different location the Times report.
      Horner is said to be preparing to fight to save his future at Red Bull after he vowed to pals to “clear his name.”
      An independent lawyer who has been appointed to examine the woman’s claims is set to quiz him at the meeting today.
      But F1 sources suggested the case may not be resolved before the launch of Red Bull’s 2024 car on February 15.
      READ MORE ON HORNER
      Red Bull is said to want the issue sorted out before the first race meeting of the new F1 season, which starts in Bahrain at the end of the month.
      Neither Horner nor his accuser have been suspended and continue to work among 1,600 employees at the Austrian team’s HQ.
      Horner was seen on Thursday leaving his Highgate home for the first time since news broke of the bombshell allegations.
      The world of Formula One was left in shock on Monday after it emerged that Horner had been placed under investigation by Red Bull Austria.
      Most read in Motorsport
      The parent company said that after being informed of “certain recent allegations” it had hired an “external, specialist lawyer” to probe the claims.
      It has allegedly compiled a “dossier of incriminating material” regarding “inappropriate and controlling behaviour” towards one female staffer.

      Horner issued an immediate denial on Monday, stating: “I reject these claims entirely.”
      His defenders have claimed the accusations are part of a plot to oust him within the team amid an internal power struggle.
      Rumours of the unrelated internal issues within the team’s leadership have swirled since the death of co-founder Dietrich Mateschitz in 2022.
      After the billionaire’s death, Red Bull drafted a new board of directors to oversee the business.
      Former RB Leipzig CEO Oliver Mintzlaff was appointed chief executive.
      Despite Red Bull enjoying its most successful season in F1 history in 2023, there was speculation of a rift between Horner and Helmut Marko – Red Bull GmBH’s motorsport advisor.
      Rumours even went as far as to suggest Horner was determined to get rid of Marko, 80, from the team.
      A look at Christian Horner’s life and career
      CHRISTIAN Horner is among the most well-known names in Formula One having helped build Red Bull into one of the biggest teams in the sport.
      1973 – Born in Leamington Spa, Warwickshire
      1991 – Wins a Formula Renault scholarship after impressing in karting races
      1993-1997 – Competed in a host of competitions including British Formula Three, British Formula Two, and Formula 3000
      1997 – Founded and developed the F3000 team Arden
      1999 – Retired from driving and continued developing the Arden team
      2005 – Appointed head of Red Bull team, becoming the youngest ever team principal at that time
      2009 – Wins his first races as team principal with Sebastian Vettel and Mark Webber
      2010 – Wins the Constructors’ Championship and Drivers’ Championship with Vettel – the first of four doubles in a row
      2013 – Has a daughter with ex-wife Beverly Allen shortly before the couple split
      2014 – Gets engaged to Spice Girls member Geri Halliwell
      2015 – Marries Halliwell in Woburn, Bedfordshire
      2017 – Horner and Halliwell welcome their son
      2021 – Wins another Drivers’ Championship with Max Verstappen, beating Lewis Hamilton on the final lap of the season
      2022-23 – Red Bull win the Drivers’ Championship and Constructors’ Championship two years in a row

      Horner’s Spice Girl wife Geri Halliwell, 51, is said to be devastated by the bombshell allegations – but will firmly stand by her husband, who she married in 2015.
      A source said: “[She is] not talking to anyone at the moment. Geri seems to be simply too upset to engage with anyone. Just lots of tears.
      “She will stand by him and be at his side just as much as she always has been. She never misses a race and that will not change.”
      READ MORE SUN STORIES
      Another source told The Mail: “She is committed to him with every fibre of her being.”
      The meeting was meant to be held at the headquarters in Milton Keynes but Red Bull officials changed location last-minuteCredit: PA
      His wife Geri Halliwell is ‘standing firm by his side’Credit: Getty
      Christian Horner pictured leaving his Highgate home on ThursdayCredit: Ray Collins More

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      ‘Christian’s done nothing wrong’ Geri Halliwell told pals ahead of Red Bull grilling weeks before their 10th anniversary

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      GINGER Spice Geri Halliwell is adamant her F1 boss hubby has “done nothing wrong”, sources close to the star say.Red Bull Racing chief Christian Horner, 50, is due to be probed by a lawyer on Friday over shock allegations of “inappropriate behaviour” towards a female colleague.
      Christian Horner of Red Bull Racing and his wife Geri HalliwellCredit: Getty
      Christian Horner was pictured leaving his Highgate home this morning, in what was the first sighting of him since news of the allegations brokeCredit: Ray Collins
      Sources say Ginger Spice Geri Halliwell is now refusing to speak to ‘anyone’Credit: Getty
      News of the allegations broke on Monday as Horner was locked in preparations for Red Bull’s defence of its championship titles – and just weeks out from Horner and Geri’s 10-year anniversary.
      Geri, 51, has told pals she does not believe the woman’s claims.
      A source close to the Spice Girl said: “Geri has been in floods of tears all weekend while looking after her kids.
      “She is insisting Christian has done nothing wrong.”
      Read more on Christian Horner
      The Red Bull F1 boss, who runs the all-conquering team of world champion Max Verstappen and is on an estimated salary of £8million, said: “I completely deny these claims.”
      He broke cover for the first time today as he prepares to face a D-Day grilling over the allegations.
      It is understood the woman complained to the team’s parent company at Red Bull in Austria, which said on Monday: “After being made aware of certain recent allegations, the company launched an independent investigation.
      “This process, which is already underway, is being carried out by an external specialist barrister.
      Most read in Motorsport
      “The company takes these matters extremely seriously and the investigation will be completed as soon as practically possible.
      “It would not be appropriate to comment further at this time.”
      Spice Girl Geri Horner posts loved-up message to husband Christian as Red Bull F1 boss turns 50
      Former racing driver Horner married Geri at a church wedding in Woburn, Beds in 2015 following a year-long engagement.
      Horner has a seven-year-old son with Geri and a daughter from a previous relationship, while Geri has a 17-year-old daughter from a previous relationship.
      The fresh allegations come just weeks out from the 10-year anniversary of when Horner and Geri started dating in March 2014.
      Sources have predicted Horner could be gone by “next week” after “losing support” from his team amid the probe.
      All parties involved in the investigation are understood to want to have reached “a conclusion” before Red Bull’s 2024 car is launched on February 15, The Telegraph reports.
      Red Bull Racing’s Austria-based parent company has reportedly compiled a “dossier of incriminating material” regarding inappropriate and controlling behaviour towards one female staffer.
      Horner immediately denied the allegations, stating on Monday: “I reject these claims entirely.”
      A look at Christian Horner’s life and careerCHRISTIAN Horner is among the most well-known names in Formula One having helped build Red Bull into one of the biggest teams in the sport.
      1973 – Born in Leamington Spa, Warwickshire
      1991 – Wins a Formula Renault scholarship after impressing in karting races
      1993-1997 – Competed in a host of competitions including British Formula Three, British Formula Two, and Formula 3000
      1997 – Founded and developed the F3000 team Arden
      1999 – Retired from driving and continued developing the Arden team
      2005 – Appointed head of Red Bull team, becoming the youngest ever team principal at that time
      2009 – Wins his first races as team principal with Sebastian Vettel and Mark Webber
      2010 – Wins the Constructors’ Championship and Drivers’ Championship with Vettel – the first of four doubles in a row
      2013 – Has a daughter with ex-wife Beverly Allen shortly before the couple split
      2014 – Gets engaged to Spice Girls member Geri Halliwell
      2015 – Marries Halliwell in Woburn, Bedfordshire
      2017 – Horner and Halliwell welcome their son
      2021 – Wins another Drivers’ Championship with Max Verstappen, beating Lewis Hamilton on the final lap of the season
      2022-23 – Red Bull win the Drivers’ Championship and Constructors’ Championship two years in a row

      The investigation is, according to sources, going to focus on the complainant’s concerns about Horner’s strict work regime and does not relate to any sexual impropriety.
      An F1 source told The Sun: “Christian had concerns about her conduct and made it clear he was unhappy.
      “She went on to make a complaint about his ‘controlling’ behaviour, which detonated this crisis for the team.”
      Formula One’s longest-standing team principal could be replaced by Red Bull team manager Jonathan Wheatley on an interim basis if required, insiders allege.
      A pal close to Horner yesterday said he is confident the F1 boss will be cleared of any wrongdoing.
      The source told the Daily Mail: “Christian is speaking privately and says that he will clear his name and come through this.”
      READ MORE SUN STORIES
      It comes as Horner’s team, steered by world champ Max Verstappen, prepares for the start of the 2024 season, with the first race to kick off in Bahrain on March 2.
      Red Bull has won seven F1 world drivers’ championships and six world constructors’ titles since Horner took over as team principal in 2005.
      Horner will fight to save his career on Friday
      Red Bull Racing team principal Christian Horner and Geri Halliwell pose after the F1 Grand Prix of Italy in 2014Credit: Getty More

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      Five candidates who could replace Christian Horner at Red Bull amid probe into allegations of inappropriate behaviour

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      RED BULL boss Christian Horner is set to face a hearing into allegations of inappropriate behaviour on Friday.The fall-out could have huge ramifications on the 50-year-old who has been with the team since January 2005.
      Christian Horner is facing an inquest into allegations of inappropriate behaviourCredit: Splash
      Here SunSport looks at the five candidates who could replace him, if he leaves his position.
      Oliver Oakes
      Oliver Oakes is currently team boss of the Hitech GP teamCredit: Getty
      Oakes would be a ready-made replacement and interestingly has a similar career path to Horner.
      The Brit, 35, is a former racing driver turned team-owner in the lower formulas, just like Horner.
      However, Oakes is also a former Red Bull junior driver so has strong links with the race team and company’s HQ in Austria.
      READ MORE ON CHRISTIAN HORNER
      He is currently team boss of the Hitech GP team that had applied to join F1 in 2026, only for their bid to be rejected.
      Hitech GP compete in Formula 2 and Formula 3 and run drivers from the Red Bull young driver programme.
      Jonathan Wheatley
      Jonathan Wheatley is the current Red Bull Racing Team ManagerCredit: Getty
      The 56-year-old currently serves as Red Bull Racing’s Sporting Director.
      Wheatley started in F1 with Benetton as a junior mechanic working his way up to become the chief mechanic until he joined Red Bull in 2006.
      Most read in Motorsport
      He has held the role of team manager and is now responsible for the operation of the team with many feeling his work has been a major factor behind the team’s success.
      Wheatley shot to prominence as a result of his radio messages with former race director Michael Masi at the 2021 Abu Dhabi GP where Max Verstappen controversially beat Lewis Hamilton to the title.
      Christian Horner admits Mercedes ‘f***ed up’ with Lewis Hamilton and Max Verstappen won F1 title thanks to cramp
      Guenther Steiner
      Gunether Steiner has previously worked with Red BullCredit: Getty
      The colourful Italian is out of work after being ditched by the Haas team over the winter.
      Steiner has bags of F1 experience and is a popular figure in the paddock although has never taken charge of a team capable of fighting for wins.
      However, his previous spell working at Red Bull as a technical manager was littered with problems of poor performance and overheating issues with the car.
      Oliver Mintzlaf
      Oliver Mintzlaff previously worked in football with RB LeipzigCredit: Getty
      The German businessman is currently serving as part of a three-man management team of Red Bull.
      He previously held the role working as CEO of Red Bull Leipzig and as Red Bull’s Head of Global Soccer.
      The former long-distance runner, 48, has also worked for sportswear giants, Puma.
      While he has no experience of running an F1 team, he would offer the energy drink a safe pair of hands until they found a permanent replacement.
      Jos Verstappen and Helmut Marko
      Jos Verstappen and Helmut Marko would be a controversial choiceCredit: Getty
      A double-act of Max Verstappen’s father and Red Bull’s advisor would be a controversial choice.
      Both are aligned with the current world champion and would see the team effectively be wrapped around the Dutchman.
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      That would not bode well for Sergio Perez, who is in the other seat.
      Both Marko and Verstappen are former F1 drivers but in the interests of rebuilding harmony, it would be an unthinkable suggestion. More

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      Christian Horner vows to pals he’ll ‘clear his name’ in probe ahead of D-Day Red Bull talks with Geri ‘standing by him’

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      RED Bull chief Christian Horner has privately vowed to “clear his name” ahead of a D-Day grilling over claims of “inappropriate and controlling behaviour”.Horner, 50, will fight to save his career at a hearing at team headquarters on Friday following the allegations made by a female colleague.
      Christian Horner is facing a formal investigation over his conduct towards a female stafferCredit: Getty
      His wife Geri Halliwell is standing firm by his side through the scandalCredit: AFP
      Sources say the Ginger Spice star is refusing to speak to ‘anyone’ after news broke of the allegationsCredit: Getty
      A pal close to the F1 boss and his Spice Girl wife Geri Halliwell, 51, revealed that Horner believes he will be cleared of wrongdoing.
      “Christian is speaking privately and says that he will clear his name and come through this,” the source told the Daily Mail.
      Halliwell is said to be devastated by the bombshell allegations – but will firmly stand by Horner, who she married in 2015.
      Another source said: “[She is] not talking to anyone at the moment. Geri seems to be simply too upset to engage with anyone. Just lots of tears.
      read more on christian horner
      “She will stand by him and be at his side just as much as she always has been. She never misses a race and that will not change.”
      Formula One was rocked on Monday by the news that the sport’s longest-standing team principal had been placed under investigation by Red Bull Austria.
      The parent company has allegedly compiled a “dossier of incriminating material” regarding inappropriate and controlling behaviour towards one female staffer, The Telegraph reported.
      Horner issued an immediate denial on Monday, stating: “I reject these claims entirely.”
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      It is understood that the Red Bull principal will be quizzed by an independent lawyer appointed to examine the unnamed woman’s claims at the crunch meeting on Friday.
      Sources say the investigation is set to centre on the employee’s concerns about Horner’s strict work regime and does not relate to any sexual impropriety.

      An F1 source told The Sun: “Christian had concerns about her conduct and made it clear he was unhappy.
      “She went on to make a complaint about his ‘controlling’ behaviour, which detonated this crisis for the team.”
      Another source said: “It’s an awkward situation but it’s unavoidable until the air is cleared and this matter is resolved.”
      Mum-of-two Halliwell reportedly turned her phone off on Monday due to streams of cruel messages online, with fans demanding she leave her husband.
      The glamorous couple got married in Bedfordshire in 2015 and have one child together, Montague, aged seven.
      The racing boss is also stepdad to Halliwell’s daughter Bluebell Madonna, 17, and has another daughter, Olivia, 10, from a previous relationship with ex-partner Beverley Allen.
      Another source told The Mail: “She is committed to him with every fibre of her being.”
      However, the scandal engulfing her husband has blown a “Grand Canyon-sized crack” right in the middle of her “super-perfect, super-posh life,” they claimed.
      It followed reports that Geri had been in “floods of tears” last weekend as she looked after her kids.
      A source close to the singer told The Sun: “She is insisting Christian has done nothing wrong.”
      Horner – who is on an estimated salary of £8million at Red Bull – has been preparing for the start of the 2024 season with his all-conquering team led by world champion Max Verstappen.
      Red Bull is said to want the issue sorted out before the first race kicks off in Bahrain on March 2.
      Since Horner took over as team principal in 2005, Red Bull has won seven F1 world drivers’ championships and six world constructors’ titles.
      A look at Christian Horner’s life and careerCHRISTIAN Horner is among the most well-known names in Formula One having helped build Red Bull into one of the biggest teams in the sport.
      1973 – Born in Leamington Spa, Warwickshire
      1991 – Wins a Formula Renault scholarship after impressing in karting races
      1993-1997 – Competed in a host of competitions including British Formula Three, British Formula Two, and Formula 3000
      1997 – Founded and developed the F3000 team Arden
      1999 – Retired from driving and continued developing the Arden team
      2005 – Appointed head of Red Bull team, becoming the youngest ever team principal at that time
      2009 – Wins his first races as team principal with Sebastian Vettel and Mark Webber
      2010 – Wins the Constructors’ Championship and Drivers’ Championship with Vettel – the first of four doubles in a row
      2013 – Has a daughter with ex-wife Beverly Allen shortly before the couple split
      2014 – Gets engaged to Spice Girls member Geri Halliwell
      2015 – Marries Halliwell in Woburn, Bedfordshire
      2017 – Horner and Halliwell welcome their son
      2021 – Wins another Drivers’ Championship with Max Verstappen, beating Lewis Hamilton on the final lap of the season
      2022-23 – Red Bull win the Drivers’ Championship and Constructors’ Championship two years in a row

      His defenders have reportedly claimed the accusations are part of a plot to oust him within the team amid an internal power struggle.
      Rumours of the unrelated internal issues within the team’s leadership have swirled since the death of co-founder Dietrich Mateschitz in 2022.
      After the billionaire’s death, Red Bull drafted in a new board of directors to oversee the business.
      Former RB Leipzig CEO Oliver Mintzlaff was appointed chief executive.
      Despite Red Bull enjoying its most successful season in F1 history in 2023, there was speculation of a rift between Horner and Helmut Marko – Red Bull GmBH’s motorsport advisor.
      Rumours even went as far as to suggest Horner was determined to get rid of Marko, 80, from the team, reports the Telegraph.
      Red Bull Austria said on Monday: “After being made aware of certain recent allegations, the company launched an independent investigation.
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      “This process, which is already under way, is being carried out by an external specialist barrister.
      “The company takes these matters extremely seriously and the investigation will be completed as soon as practically possible. It would not be appropriate to comment further at this time.”
      Red Bull’s golden boy Max Verstappen poses with Horner after winning the Qatar Grand Prix at the end of last season
      Red Bull co-founder Dietrich Mateschitz’s death in October, 2022 allegedly sparked a power struggle at Red BullCCredit: AFP
      The Spice Girl is said to be committed to Horner with ‘every fibre of her being’Credit: Getty
      The star-studded pair married in 2015 and share one daughterCredit: Splash News More

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      What the F1 grid could look like in 2025 – with Lewis Hamilton joining Ferrari and Max Verstappen set for new team-mate

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      THE FORMULA ONE grid could look very different in 2025 with a number of drivers potentially on the move.Racing fans are gearing up for another season of speed and excitement.
      Lewis Hamilton will lead the way for a new-look 2025 in F1 by joining FerrariCredit: AP
      Carlos Sainz will be on the hunt for a new side after being replaced by the BritCredit: Getty
      Max Verstappen is set for a new partner with Sergio Perez likely to leave Red BullCredit: EPA
      Alex Albon has been tipped to leave Williams and link up with F1 champ VerstappenCredit: AP
      But the opener in Bahrain on March 2 has already been overshadowed by a major development.
      That’s because Lewis Hamilton will leave Mercedes at the end of the year for rivals Ferrari.
      The shock switch is certainly going to have a knock-on effect, as it means there will be a seat free at Mercedes.
      Hamilton’s move to Ferrari is also set to spell the end of Carlos Sainz’s time with the Italians.
      READ MORE ON F1
      His contract is up at the end of the campaign, while teammate Charles Leclerc’s runs into 2025.
      Meanwhile, Alex Albon looks destined for a big move.
      He has been linked with replacing Hamilton at Mercedes.
      But Albon has also been tipped to join champion Max Verstappen at Red Bull.
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      That would put Sergio Perez back on the market, while there are numerous other drivers out of contract later this year.
      Fernando Alonso, Pierre Gasly, Esteban Ocon, Valtteri Bottas, Zhou Guanyu, Kevin Magnussen, Nico Hulkenberg, Daniel Ricciardo, Yuki Tsunoda and Logan Sargeant face uncertain futures in F1 next year.
      Inside Lewis Hamilton’s £13m collection of supercars including £4m classic and £1.6m ride made entirely for him

      But all eyes will be on Hamilton when he lines up for Mercedes in his final campaign with the Germans.
      After signing his Ferrari deal, the seven-time champion said: “I have had an amazing 11 years with this team and I’m so proud of what we have achieved together.
      “Mercedes has been part of my life since I was 13 years old.
      “It’s a place where I have grown up, so making the decision to leave was one of the hardest decisions I have ever had to make.
      “But the time is right for me to take this step and I’m excited to be taking on a new challenge.
      “I will be forever grateful for the incredible support of my Mercedes family, especially Toto for his friendship and leadership and I want to finish on a high together.
      “I am 100 per cent committed to delivering the best performance I can this season and making my last year with the Silver Arrows, one to remember.”
      WHO COULD REPLACE HAMILTON AT MERCEDES? Mercedes will have a vacant seat for 2025.
      Here, SunSport’s F1 correspondent Ben Hunt looks at FIVE potential candidates who could replace him and partner George Russell in the Silver Arrows.
      Oscar Piastri – McLaren have sewn up Lando Norris to a new long-term contract that should (in theory) put him out of Mercedes’ reach. However, they are yet to tie down his teammate Piastri, 22. The Aussie has an excellent record and won the Formula 3 and Formula 2 titles before spending a year on the sidelines with Alpine and getting his chance in F1 with McLaren. He impressed on his debut season last year and has the potential to be a world champion.
      Daniel Ricciardo – The experienced driver’s future remains in doubt as he bides his time at Red Bull’s B-team. Ricciardo would be low-hassle and offer some stability but by that time he would be 35. It seems unlikely that they would opt for him at this point in his career, but if he has a good season this year, he could come into the reckoning.
      Kimi Antonelli – You may not have heard of the Italian, but he is mustard. Still only 17, he has won at all the junior categories and has been part of the Mercedes young driver programme since 2019. This season he has been promoted from F4 to F2, where he has been tipped to shine. A good debut season in F2 could sway Mercedes into taking a risk on him for 2025. Antonelli and his family are close to Mercedes boss Toto Wolff.
      Mick Schumacher – Wolff has always been so incredibly supportive of Schumacher and spoken highly of him, that you’d at least expect him to come into consideration. He knows the team from his role as reserve driver and consequently would get up to speed. But speed is also the problem. He was shocking at Haas and if he really was THAT good, he’d still be driving in F1.
      Alex Albon – A more-sensible choice would be the London-born Albon. A great guy who is also very quick. He has a fantastic relationship with Russell and would be the low-maintenance quick partnership similar to Hamilton and Valtteri Bottas that swept to successive titles. Albon would take little convincing to join from Williams and Mercedes would not need to pay him half of the £50million they were dishing out to Hamilton. More