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      Ex-F1 chief Bernie Ecclestone gives 3 pieces of advice to Red Bull Racing boss Christian Horner amid ‘behaviour’ probe

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      FORMER F1 chief Bernie Ecclestone has given his pal Christian Horner three key pieces of advice amid his “behaviour” probe.The Red Bull Racing boss has been advised to “keep his head down” as Ecclestone warned that Horner has a target on his back.
      Bernie Ecclestone has given Christian Horner three pieces of advice amid his “behaviour” probeCredit: Getty Images – Getty
      Ecclestone advised Horner to ‘keep his head down’Credit: Reuters
      Horner is still thought to be getting probed by Red Bull Racing over allegations made against him regarding ‘inappropriate and controlling behaviour’ towards one femaleCredit: Getty
      Ecclestone – who has been friends with the successful team principle since 2005 – made it clear that Horner should focus on trying to shut out the bombshell allegations from his mind.
      He said: “My advice to Christian, apart from keeping his head down, is to do nothing, wait and see what happens.”
      Ecclestone, 93, spoke to AFP and told them that he still stays “in close contact” with Horner over the phone.
      The pair grew close in Horner’s first season at Red Bull almost two decades ago when he joined the Formula One pitlane as the youngest team principal at just 31-years-old.
      read more in Horner
      At the time Ecclestone was thriving in his role as F1’s top boss – a job that made him a billionaire.
      In the interview, Ecclestone also suggested that Horner had “made a lot of enemies” in the sport and claimed this could play a part in his potential downfall.
      He said: “The trouble is once you are successful you make a lot of enemies and this is a case in point.
      “Effectively they want to oust him.”
      Most read in Motorsport
      Ahead of the probe into Horner’s conduct, there were reports of an unrelated internal power struggle waging within Red Bull.
      Rumours of issues between the team’s leadership have swirled since the death of billionaire co-founder Dietrich Mateschitz in 2022 and the team drafted a new board of directors.
      Red Bull Racing boss Christian Horner investigated by F1 team over ‘serious allegations’ of ‘inappropriate behaviour’
      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.
      Ecclestone ended his interview saying: “I hope Christian keeps his head down and that someone talks individually to him and the woman and it is sorted out.”
      Ecclestone has shown his support for Horner despite the claims prompting a big response from Red Bull Racing as they investigate a female staff members claims against Horner.
      The 93-year-old billionaire former chief previously advised Horner to step down as Red Bull team principal, according to sources.
      F1 Insider were told that Ecclestone warned his long-term friend that resigning would save him and his family from further damage caused by the fallout of the scandal.
      WHAT HAS BEEN CLAIMED?
      F1 was rocked over a week ago 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.
      It has allegedly compiled a “dossier of incriminating material” regarding “inappropriate and controlling behaviour” towards one female, The Telegraph reported.
      Horner has reportedly referred to the allegations as “nuts” and said publicly: “I completely deny these claims.”
      The Red Bull Racing boss, who has led the Austrian team since its formation in 2005, was quizzed by an independent barrister in a private location late into the afternoon last Friday.
      The F1 chief was grilled for eight hours over his alleged “controlling behaviour” and is currently awaiting a decision – even though insiders reckon it could take months.
      Horner forced a smile as he was picked up in a chauffeur-driven car from his North London home ahead of the critical hearing.
      But 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”.
      They also revealed the investigation is nowhere near it’s end – with it potentially dragging into the new F1 season.
      The insider said: “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.
      “People are expecting this to be over before the start of the F1 season, but that just isn’t going to happen.”
      The 50-year-old – who strongly denies all the claims – was seen yesterday with the team at Silverstone where Red Bull’s new car was unveiled.
      His wife Geri Halliwell is also said to be “terrified her life will unravel” amid Horner’s “inappropriate behaviour” probe.
      READ MORE SUN STORIES
      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. 
      Horner will attend Red Bull Racing’s season launch event tomorrow as planned in his first public appearance since facing the accusations.
      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

      Ecclestone and Horner have been pals since 2005Credit: Getty Images – Getty
      Red Bull Racing are yet to announce anything regarding the results of their investigation into the bombshell allegationsCredit: PA More

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      Christian Horner WILL be at Red Bull launch tomorrow in first public appearance since ‘inappropriate behaviour’ probe

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      CHRISTIAN HORNER will attend Red Bull Racing’s season launch event tomorrow as planned.It will be Horner’s first public appearance since facing accusations of “inappropriate behaviour” by a female colleague and facing an eight-hour grilling last Friday.
      Red Bull Racing boss Christian Horner has been accused of ‘inappropriate behaviour’Credit: Reuters
      Horner was all smiles at a Red Bull event at Silverstone
      Horner with world champion Max VerstappenCredit: Getty
      Horner is expected to attend the Red Bull’s launch event at their HQ in Milton KeynesCredit: Reuters
      The 50-year-old Red Bull racing boss pictured with Spice Girl wife Geri HalliwellCredit: PA
      The results of the crunch talks have not been made public – meaning Horner’s future at Red Bull still hangs in the balance.
      Horner – who is married to Spice Girl Geri Halliwell – has reportedly referred to the allegations as “nuts” and said publicly: “I completely deny these claims.”
      And the 50-year-old has stuck to his work commitments this week as the team gears up for the start of the F1 season in Bahrain.
      He’s scheduled to be at the season launch event on Thursday at Red Bull’s Milton Keynes HQ where they will unveil the new car.
      Read more on Horner
      It’s likely that questions about the probe into Horner will be declined until the official report is presented to Red Bull at their base in Austria.
      It was initially believed a decision would be made ahead of the launch – but it is likely there will not be an outcome until the season opener.
      It comes after Horner joined the team at Silverstone for a secret test run of the new RB20 car on Tuesday.
      F1 teams are allowed two filming days to capture content of their cars on track – and it also offers the potential to run the car for the first time.
      Most read in Motorsport
      Horner was surrounded by his fellow Red Bull team in the video as they all stood outside of the garage in the pouring rain.
      Both Max Verstappen and Sergio Perez got their first taste of this season’s challenger – with the Dutchman looking to defend his world drivers’ title.
      F1 was rocked by the news that the sport’s longest-standing team principal had been placed under investigation by Red Bull’s Austria-based parent company.
      It allegedly compiled a “dossier of incriminating material” regarding “inappropriate and controlling behaviour” towards one woman, The Telegraph reported.
      Red Bull Racing boss Christian Horner investigated by F1 team over ‘serious allegations’ of ‘inappropriate behaviour’
      Horner, who has led the Austrian team since its formation in 2005, was quizzed by an independent barrister in a private location late into the afternoon on Friday.
      He forced a smile as he was picked up in a chauffeur-driven car from his North London home ahead of the critical hearing.
      The probe has threatened to overshadow the start of the new F1 season — with the first practice sessions for the Bahrain Grand Prix taking place on February 29.
      Horner has been boss of the team since January 2005 and present at all their F1 races, winning a total of 13 world titles.
      On Wednesday, former F1 supremo Bernie Ecclestone denied reports that he encouraged Horner to quit after the allegations.
      Ecclestone, who is close friends with Horner, labelled the reports as incorrect on his social media.
      But F1 insiders do not “expect him to survive in his role”, according to BBC Sport.
      The investigation also raises the question of who could take over the helm of the all-conquering racing team of Verstappen.
      However, an F1 source told The Sun that “Christian has not been sacked or asked to resign and he is not going to resign”.
      They also revealed the investigation is nowhere near it’s end – with it potentially dragging into the new F1 season.
      The insider said: “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.
      “People are expecting this to be over before the start of the F1 season, but that just isn’t going to happen.”
      Horner’s Spice Girl wife Geri, 51, is understood to be standing by her husband, who she married in 2015.
      She has told pals: “Christian has done nothing wrong.”
      And Horner is said to have privately vowed to his friends he will “clear his name and come through this,” a source told the Daily Mail.
      However, the scandal engulfing her husband has blown a “Grand Canyon-sized crack” right in the middle of her “super-perfect, super-posh life,” another source claimed.
      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.
      READ MORE SUN STORIES
      Horner was awarded a CBE for services to motor sport in the 2024 New Year’s Honours List.
      Ahead of the probe into Horner’s conduct, there were reports of an unrelated internal power struggle waging within Red Bull.
      A look at Christian Horner’s life and careerCHRISTIAN Horner is among the most well-known names in Formula One having helped build Red Bull into one of the biggest teams in the sport.
      1973 – Born in Leamington Spa, Warwickshire
      1991 – Wins a Formula Renault scholarship after impressing in karting races
      1993-1997 – Competed in a host of competitions including British Formula Three, British Formula Two, and Formula 3000
      1997 – Founded and developed the F3000 team Arden
      1999 – Retired from driving and continued developing the Arden team
      2005 – Appointed head of Red Bull team, becoming the youngest ever team principal at that time
      2009 – Wins his first races as team principal with Sebastian Vettel and Mark Webber
      2010 – Wins the Constructors’ Championship and Drivers’ Championship with Vettel – the first of four doubles in a row
      2013 – Has a daughter with ex-wife Beverly Allen shortly before the couple split
      2014 – Gets engaged to Spice Girls member Geri Halliwell
      2015 – Marries Halliwell in Woburn, Bedfordshire
      2017 – Horner and Halliwell welcome their son
      2021 – Wins another Drivers’ Championship with Max Verstappen, beating Lewis Hamilton on the final lap of the season
      2022-23 – Red Bull win the Drivers’ Championship and Constructors’ Championship two years in a row More

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      Moment Christian Horner leads top secret Red Bull F1 test as he awaits decision on ‘inappropriate behaviour’ probe

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      RED Bull Racing boss Christian Horner has been spotted leading a top secret F1 test as he awaits a decision on “inappropriate behaviour” probe.Horner was seen smiling and laughing with the team at Silverstone where Red Bull’s new car soared around the iconic British track.
      Christian Horner was all smiles at the Red Bull event at Silverstone
      The Reb Bull team around Horner looking at footage from the day
      Horner has been accused of ‘inappropriate behaviour’ by a former female stafferCredit: Getty
      Christian Horner pictured at Silverstone for a shakedown before the official car launch
      Horner, 50, has been battling to rescue his career during an eight-hour grilling last Friday after he was accused of “inappropriate behaviour” by a former female staffer.
      The results of the crunch talks have not been made public – meaning Horner’s future at Red Bull still hangs in the balance.
      But the team boss – who is married to Spice Girl Geri Halliwell – stuck to his work commitments and was at Silverstone for the shakedown for the new RB20 car as planned.
      F1 teams are allowed two filming days to capture content of their cars on track – and it also offers the potential to run the car for the first time.
      Read more on Horner
      Horner was surrounded by his fellow Red Bull team in the video as they all stood outside of the garage in the misreable, pouring rain.
      Both Max Verstappen and Sergio Perez got their first taste of this season’s challenger – with the Dutchman looking to defend his world drivers’ title.
      He is also scheduled to be at the season launch event on Thursday at their Milton Keynes HQ.
      F1 was rocked by the news that the sport’s longest-standing team principal had been placed under investigation by Red Bull’s Austria-based parent company.
      Most read in Motorsport
      It allegedly compiled a “dossier of incriminating material” regarding “inappropriate and controlling behaviour” towards one woman, The Telegraph reported.
      Horner has reportedly referred to the allegations as “nuts” and said publicly: “I completely deny these claims.”
      Horner was reportedly urged to resign by Bernie Ecclestone after the allegations came to light.
      The 93-year-old billionaire former chief of F1 allegedly got involved and advised Horner to step down as Red Bull team principal.
      And F1 insiders do not “expect him to survive in his role”, according to BBC Sport.
      Geri Halliwell ‘leaning on Victoria Beckham’s support’ amid ‘inappropriate behaviour’ probe into hubby Christian Horner
      The investigation also raises the question of who could take over the helm of the all-conquering racing team of Verstappen.
      But an F1 source told The Sun that “Christian has not been sacked or asked to resign and he is not going to resign”.
      They also revealed the investigation is nowhere near it’s end – with it potentially dragging into the new F1 season.
      The insider said: “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.
      “People are expecting this to be over before the start of the F1 season, but that just isn’t going to happen.”
      The Red Bull Racing boss, who has led the Austrian team since its formation in 2005, was quizzed by an independent barrister in a private location late into the afternoon on Friday.
      Horner forced a smile as he was picked up in a chauffeur-driven car from his North London home ahead of the critical hearing.
      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.
      His Spice Girl wife Geri, 51, is understood to be standing by her husband, who she married in 2015.
      She has told pals: “Christian has done nothing wrong.”

      It comes as…

      Horner is said to have privately vowed to his friends he will “clear his name and come through this,” a source told the Daily Mail.
      However, the scandal engulfing her husband has blown a “Grand Canyon-sized crack” right in the middle of her “super-perfect, super-posh life,” another source claimed.
      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 motor sport in the 2024 New Year’s Honours List.
      Ahead of the probe into Horner’s conduct, there were reports of an unrelated internal power struggle waging within Red Bull.
      Rumours of issues between the team’s leadership have swirled since the death of billionaire co-founder Dietrich Mateschitz in 2022 and the team drafted a new board of directors.
      Former RB Leipzig CEO Oliver Mintzlaff was appointed chief executive.
      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.
      READ MORE SUN STORIES
      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 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

      Horner (centre) pictured with Red Bull Racing teamCredit: Getty
      Horner pictured with Spice Girl wife Geri HalliwellCredit: PA
      Geri Halliwell and Christian Horner at the Monaco F1 in May, 2023Credit: Getty
      Horner pictured with world champion Max VerstappenCredit: Getty More

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      Christian Horner ‘urged to RESIGN from Red Bull by ex-F1 boss Bernie Ecclestone’ after 8-hour grilling on ‘behaviour’

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      RED BULL chief Christian Horner has been urged to resign by ex-F1 boss Bernie Ecclestone following allegations made by a female staffer, F1 sources claim.Horner, 50, battled to rescue his career during an eight-hour D-Day grilling last Friday following the complaints of “inappropriate and controlling behaviour”.
      Christian Horner has reportedly been advised to step down by close confidante, Bernie EcclestoneCredit: Getty
      F1 supremo Ecclestone is pictured whispering to Horner on the grid in 2013Credit: Getty Images – Getty
      The racing boss forcing a smile on route to an 8-hour grilling on Friday
      The 93-year-old billionaire former chief of F1 has allegedly now got involved and advised Horner to step down as Red Bull team principal.
      Sources told F1 Insider that Ecclestone warned his long-term friend that resigning would save him and his family from further damage caused by the fallout of the scandal.
      Ecclestone’s representatives have been reached for comment.
      The results of the crunch talks on Friday have still not been made public – meaning Horner’s future at Red Bull still hangs in the balance.
      read more on christian horner
      However, F1 insiders do not “expect him to survive in his role” at the team, following the pending investigation, BBC Sport reports.
      It raises the question of who would take over the helm of the all-conquering racing team of world champion Max Verstappen.
      F1 was rocked a week ago 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.
      It has allegedly compiled a “dossier of incriminating material” regarding “inappropriate and controlling behaviour” towards one female female, The Telegraph reported.
      Most read in Motorsport
      Horner has reportedly referred to the allegations as “nuts” and said publicly: “I completely deny these claims.”
      The Red Bull Racing boss, who has led the Austrian team since its formation in 2005, was quizzed by an independent barrister in a private location late into the afternoon on Friday.
      Horner forced a smile as he was picked up in a chauffeur-driven car from his North London home ahead of the critical hearing.
      But 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”.
      They also revealed the investigation is nowhere near it’s end – with it potentially dragging into the new F1 season.
      The insider said: “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.
      “People are expecting this to be over before the start of the F1 season, but that just isn’t going to happen.”
      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.
      Former racing driver Horner’s Spice Girl wife Geri Halliwell, 51, is understood to be standing by her husband, who she married in 2015.
      She has told pals: “Christian has done nothing wrong.”
      Horner is said to have privately vowed to his friends he will “clear his name and come through this,” a source told the Daily Mail last week.
      “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.”
      However, the scandal engulfing her husband has blown a “Grand Canyon-sized crack” right in the middle of her “super-perfect, super-posh life,” another source claimed.
      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 motor sport in the 2024 New Year’s Honours List.
      Ahead of the probe into Horner’s conduct, there were reports of an unrelated internal power struggle waging within Red Bull.
      Rumours of issues between the team’s leadership have swirled since the death of billionaire co-founder Dietrich Mateschitz in 2022 and the tea drafted a new board of directors.
      Former RB Leipzig CEO Oliver Mintzlaff was appointed chief executive.
      READ MORE SUN STORIES
      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.
      Ecclestone has allegedly advised Horner to step down to avoid further damage to himself and his familyCredit: Getty Images – Getty
      Ecclestone is presented with a birthday cake with Horner and late racing legend Niki Lauda back in 2016Credit: Getty Images – Getty
      A look at Christian Horner’s life and careerCHRISTIAN Horner is among the most well-known names in Formula One having helped build Red Bull into one of the biggest teams in the sport.
      1973 – Born in Leamington Spa, Warwickshire
      1991 – Wins a Formula Renault scholarship after impressing in karting races
      1993-1997 – Competed in a host of competitions including British Formula Three, British Formula Two, and Formula 3000
      1997 – Founded and developed the F3000 team Arden
      1999 – Retired from driving and continued developing the Arden team
      2005 – Appointed head of Red Bull team, becoming the youngest ever team principal at that time
      2009 – Wins his first races as team principal with Sebastian Vettel and Mark Webber
      2010 – Wins the Constructors’ Championship and Drivers’ Championship with Vettel – the first of four doubles in a row
      2013 – Has a daughter with ex-wife Beverly Allen shortly before the couple split
      2014 – Gets engaged to Spice Girls member Geri Halliwell
      2015 – Marries Halliwell in Woburn, Bedfordshire
      2017 – Horner and Halliwell welcome their son
      2021 – Wins another Drivers’ Championship with Max Verstappen, beating Lewis Hamilton on the final lap of the season
      2022-23 – Red Bull win the Drivers’ Championship and Constructors’ Championship two years in a row

      His Spice Girl wife Geri Halliwell is understood to be standing firmly by himCredit: Getty
      The 50-year-old has headed Red Bull Racing for 19 years since its formationCredit: Getty More

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      Scandals that rocked F1 as Christian Horner’s Red Bull future hangs in balance… from pit romps to driver TOLD to crash

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      THE world of Formula One has been sent into a spin after shocking allegations were levied against Red Bull Racing chief Christian Horner. The 50-year-old, who is married to ex-Spice Girl Geri Horner, has been accused of “inappropriate” and “incredibly controlling behaviour” by a female former employee.
      Red Bull Racing chief Christian Horner’s career is said to be hanging in the balanceCredit: Getty
      Driver Max Verstappen with the Red Bull Racing boss Horner at the Abu Dhabi Grand PrixCredit: Getty
      Details of the allegations are yet to surface but Horner, who’s been with Red Bull Racing since 2005, has flatly denied claims and vowed to “clear his name”.
      Earlier this week, the energy drinks firm launched an independent investigation and said they would “take these matters extremely seriously”.
      Horner’s career hung in the balance on Friday as he sat down for a D-Day grilling with a senior trial lawyer, hired by Red Bull GmbH, to defend himself in an unknown central London location.
      Sources said the investigation would centre on the employee’s concerns about Horner’s strict work regime and does not relate to any sexual impropriety.
      READ MORE ON CHRISTIAN HORNER
      Horner has overseen a huge period of success for the racing team – winning multiple F1 championships with Sebastian Vettel and Max Verstappen – and now loyalists claim insiders are trying to oust him.
      It’s the latest of a long line of scandals to afflict the motorsport world. From cheating claims to serial womanising, here, we report some of the most shocking. 
      Spygate
      Nigel Stepney leaked confidential Ferrari documentsCredit: AP:Associated Press
      In 2007, the F1 world was shaken in the wake of the now-infamous ‘Spygate’ saga.
      It resulted in McLaren receiving an unprecedented and eye-watering $100million fine and being thrown out of the 2007 constructors’ championship. 
      Most read in The Sun
      The scandal followed Ferrari chief mechanic Nigel Stepney stealing nearly 800 pages of confidential technical information from the company and giving them to his friend Mike Coughlan, who was the Chief Designer at McLaren.
      Stepney was exposed after asking his wife to copy the secret documents at a local photocopy shop, in Woking, and a worker informed Ferrari.
      It cost both men their jobs and led to Ferrari taking legal action against Coughlan, who reached an agreement with the racing giant. 
      Following the uproar, an investigation from McLaren found none of the documents “had been passed to any other members of the team or incorporated into our cars”.

      However, when new evidence was produced, McClaren was disqualified from the championship and served the record-breaking fine. 
      That year, the battle between Fernando Alonso and Lewis Hamilton led to Kimi Raikkonen sweeping in and claiming the 2007 title.
      Crashgate 
      Nelson Piquet Jr deliberately crashed his car to help his teammateCredit: YouTube
      Piquet Jr initially denied any foul play before confessing a year laterCredit: EPA

      Just one year later, another sporting scandal emerged when Renault driver Nelson Piquet Jr deliberately crashed to give his teammate an advantage.
      On lap 14 of the 2008 Singapore Grand Prix, Piquet Jr drove into the circuit wall at turn 17 leading to the safety car being deployed.
      It allowed his fellow Renault driver Alonso, who made an early pitstop, to take the lead while other motors pitted under safety car conditions. 
      The move allowed Alonso, who started 15th on the grid, to win the race. 
      At the time, Piquet Jr claimed his crash was a “simple mistake”, However, after being dropped by Renault in 2009, he revealed bosses Flavio Briatore and Pat Symonds had instructed him to do it. 
      Briatore was handed a lifetime ban from holding any position within an F1 team and Symonds, who confessed, was banned for five years. It was later branded ‘Crashgate’.
      Sex drive
      Renowned womaniser James Hunt reportedly bedded more than 5,000 womanCredit: Getty
      The F1 racer died of a heart attack aged 45Credit: Getty – Contributor
      During his racing days, James Hunt was known as F1’s biggest playboy and was photographed with an army of glamorous women. 
      Among the slew of salacious claims is that the Surrey-born racer bedded 33 flight attendants in a fortnight and was greeted by “a fresh supply of females” every morning.
      His then-McLaren teammate Alastair Caldwell recalled: “James would bounce up to them in his shorts and bare feet, say, ‘Hello, I’m James Hunt,’ and take them straight upstairs for a party. This happened every day for a fortnight.”
      James would bounce up to them in his shorts and bare feet, say, ‘Hello, I’m James Hunt,’ and take them straight upstairs for a party. This happened every day for a fortnightEx-F1 racer Alastair Caldwell
      Ahead of the 1976 Japanese Grand Prix, he was caught romping with a woman in the pit garage just minutes before the race began. 
      James – who had “Sex, Breakfast of Champions” embroidered on his overalls – finished third in the race but won the title that year.
      The racer, who died from a heart attack aged 45 in 1993, spent six years in F1 until 1979 and reportedly bedded 5,000 women.
      ‘Deliberate’ crashes
      Michael Schumacher was among F1’s most talented driversCredit: EPA
      Schumacher’s car went airbourne after trying to cut up rival Hill in 1994Credit: YouTube
      He crashed and Hill’s car was pitted and retired from the raceCredit: YouTube
      Michael Schumacher is known for being one of F1’s greatest ever drivers – but he was also tarred with claims of cheating. 
      Among them are ‘deliberate’ crashes including during the 1994 Australian Grand Prix, when rival Damon Hill, for Williams, was one point behind him. 
      During the race, Schumacher went off the track and hit a wall side-on.
      When Hill began to gain on him at the next corner and was set to pass him, it’s claimed the German racer cut him off.
      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

      Both vehicles collided, sending Schumacher airborne before hitting a wall. Hill tried to continue the race but was pitted and retired after irreparable damage to the vehicle’s front left suspension wishbone.
      Due to neither driver scoring, Schumacher took the title – much to the fury of fans. 
      Schumacher denied deliberate foul play and an investigation ruled it was a racing incident and took no further action. 
      Hill deliberately avoided becoming embroiled in the outcry but in later years accused Schumacher of deliberately driving into him.
      In a F1 Racing magazine interview, technical director Patrick Head said: “We at Williams were already 100 per cent certain that Michael was guilty of foul play.” 
      However, he said the team decided not to take action due to dealing with the death of Ayrton Senna that same year.
      Another incident during the final race of the 1997 European Grand Prix followed.
      Schumacher was found to have rammed William-Renault rival Jacques Villeneuve as he tried to overtake him on the inside. 
      Schumacher colliding with Villenueve’s car in 1997Credit: YouTube
      Schumacher ended up stalled in the gravel after ramming VilleneuveCredit: EPA
      However, it caused Schumacher to drift off into the gravel where his vehicle came to a halt and Villeneuve – who was just one point behind his opponent – managed to cross the finishing line in third place. 
      An FIA investigation found Schumacher was at fault for the crash and stripped him of his second-place finish in the championship.
      Schumacher was also accused of dirty tactics while trying to fend off Fernando Alonso during the 2006 Monaco Grand Prix qualifiers.
      The German racer had set the fastest time but during the closing stages stopped his car in the Rascasse corner, blocking part of the track. 
      Schumacher was found to have stopped at Rascasse corner to stop his rival getting a better timeCredit: YouTube
      It prevented Renault racer Alonso from attempting to improve his time. Schumacher insisted it was an innocent mistake and his vehicle had stalled. 
      Furious Renault boss Flavio Briatore referred to the so-called mistake as “f***ing disgusting!”
      He added: “How can a seven-times world champion make a simple mistake like that? Of course it wasn’t a mistake!”
      Three-time Monaco winner Sir Jackie Stewart said the move was “not an accident” and was “too obvious”. He noted there was “plenty of time to sort things out”.
      Later, stewards discovered Schumacher’s vehicle ‘lock-up’ happened while he was driving under 10mph. He was penalised by being sent to the back of the starting grid and Alonso promoted to pole position.
      Watergate
      Strict rules around weight have long been in place in F1, but in 1982, companies including Brabham, Williams and McLaren hatched a clever plan to get under the minimum allowance.
      Their cars were fitted with large water tanks to ‘hold water coolant’ – it would transpire that the liquid was being jettisoned early into races to make them lighter.
      Dumping all of the water allowed some vehicles to race as much as 50kg underweight, which gave them a clear advantage.
      Before the vehicles’ post-race inspection, they would be topped up with coolant again – returning them to the mandated weight. 
      At that year’s Brazilian Grand Prix, Brabham’s Nelson Piquet and Williams Keke Roseberg claimed first and second place.
      READ MORE SUN STORIES
      It was deemed to have contravened the ‘spirit’ of FIA regulations and both of the drivers were disqualified.
      It led to Prost being awarded the win and was later referred to as ‘Brakesgate’. More

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      Christian Horner ‘not expected to survive’ Red Bull probe into ‘inappropriate behaviour’, say F1 insiders

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      RED Bull chief Christian Horner is not “expected to survive” in his role following allegations of “inappropriate and controlling behaviour”, F1 insiders claim.Horner, 50, fought to save his career in an eight-hour D-Day grilling on Friday over complaints made by a female colleague – as sources revealed he would not resign.
      Insiders claimed that Christian Horner’s future at Red Bull hangs in the balanceCredit: Getty
      The racing boss was pictured smiling on his way to an 8-hour grilling on FridayCredit: Peter Jordan
      His Spice Girl wife Geri Halliwell is understood to be devastated, but standing by himCredit: Getty
      Following the fallout of the investigation, insiders do not “expect him to survive in his role” at Red Bull, BBC Sport reports.
      It raises the question of who would take over the helm of the all-conquering racing team of world champion Max Verstappen.
      But an F1 source told The Sun that “Christian has not been sacked or asked to resign and he is not going to resign”.
      They also revealed the investigation is nowhere near it’s end – with it potentially dragging into the new F1 season.
      Read more on christian horner
      The insider said: “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.
      “People are expecting this to be over before the start of the F1 season, but that just isn’t going to happen.”
      The Red Bull Racing boss, who has led the Austrian team since its formation in 2005, was quizzed by an independent barrister in a private location late into the afternoon on Friday.
      Most read in Motorsport
      Horner has reportedly referred to the allegations as “nuts” and said publicly: “I completely deny these claims.”
      He was smiling as he was pictured being whisked to the crunch meeting yesterday morning.
      F1 was rocked on Monday by the news that the sport’s longest-standing team principal had been placed under investigation by Red Bull’s Austria-based parent company.

      It has allegedly compiled a “dossier of incriminating material” regarding “inappropriate and controlling behaviour” towards one female staffer, The Telegraph reported.
      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.
      His Spice Girl wife Geri Halliwell, 51, is understood to be standing by her husband, who she married in 2015.
      She has told pals: “Christian has done nothing wrong.”
      Horner is said to have privately vowed to his friends he will “clear his name and come through this,” a source told the Daily Mail earlier this week.
      “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.”
      However, the scandal engulfing her husband has blown a “Grand Canyon-sized crack” right in the middle of her “super-perfect, super-posh life,” another source claimed.
      Red Bull has won seven Formula One world drivers’ championships and six world ­constructors’ titles under Horner’s leadership.
      Horner was awarded a CBE for services to motor sport in the 2024 New Year’s Honours List.
      Ahead of the probe into Horner’s conduct, there were reports of an unrelated internal power struggle waging within Red Bull.
      Rumours of issues between the team’s leadership have swirled since the death of billionaire co-founder Dietrich Mateschitz in 2022 and the tea drafted a new board of directors.
      Former RB Leipzig CEO Oliver Mintzlaff was appointed chief executive.
      READ MORE SUN STORIES
      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 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

      Horner runs the all-conquering Red Bull Racing, the team of world champion Max VerstappenCredit: Getty
      The couple have a seven-year-old son together and Horner has a daughter from a previous relationshipCredit: AFP
      The crunch talks on Friday took place in a private location – not team HQCredit: Reuters More

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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