Red Bull Racing

CHRISTIAN Horner has agreed to a ‘public ceasefire’ within his troubled Red Bull Racing team after emergency crunch talks, reports suggest.Horner, 50, has faced constant grillings over the sexting scandal with even senior members of the Red Bull team reportedly calling for him to leave his role in wake of the bombshell leaks.Red Bull chief Christian Horner has agreed to a ‘public ceasefire’ with himself, Helmut Marko and Jos Verstappen, say reportsCredit: GettyMarko has reportedly distanced himself from Horner since the allegations came to lightCredit: GettyHorner and Jos Verstappen have been in a very public spat in recent weeks with Jos calling for him to be axed from his jobCredit: GettyThe trio have reportedly agreed to a ‘public ceasefire’ for the sake of the Red Bull teamCredit: GettyBut it is now believed that the internal battles at the sports top constructor is set to end after Horner, Jos Verstappen and Helmut Marko seemingly agreed to stop their disputes, The Mirror reports.Jos, the father of three time world champion Max Verstappen, has spoken publicly about his concerns over the shock claims.The 52-year-old has backed Horner’s accuser in front of the media and called for £8million-a-year Horner to be axed, accusing the boss of ripping the team apart.When asked if it was time to “draw a line” under the situation, as Horner insisted people do, Jos said: “I think it’s a bit too late for that now.read more in horner”If that’s what he wants, fine, but I don’t think it will be possible.”As Helmut Marko, Red Bull’s iconic senior advisor, has also reportedly distanced himself from Horner since the allegations came to light.The 80-year-old was even placed under investigation by Red Bull for issues related to the leaking of WhatsApp messages from an anonymous email relating to the Horner investigation.But now the trio have agreed to a “public ceasefire” say reports.Most read in MotorsportThe ceasefire is being done for the benefit as the team as many feel the pre-season distractions could soon take their toll.Despite the issues, Red Bull have taken two race wins and two second place finishes in the first pair of races this year – once again dominating F1.F1’s Christian Horner says ‘time to draw a line’ on claims of inappropriate behaviour Crunch talks took place within Red Bull, say sources, as they looked to reach a happy place within the team – void of public spats.Max Verstappen has been open of his admiration for Marko and is thought to be loyal to the advisor and his dad no matter what.Meaning if Red Bull punish or abandon either man it could lead to Verstappen’s exit – causing major issues at Red Bull. Horner was cleared of misconduct towards a female colleague – allegations he had always denied – by an internal probe on February 28.THE LATESTIt comes as the woman who accused Horner of inappropriate behaviour has now lodged a complaint against him with the sport’s ruling body the FIA.The unnamed woman, who has been suspended from her job at the team’s base in Milton Keynes, has now made three complaints over Horner’s conduct since the start of February, it is claimed.On March 7, the woman was suspended on full pay from Red Bull HQ amid claims her “honesty was called into question.”The reasons allegedly given to her were that she appeared dishonest owing to inconsistencies in the evidence she had provided.Ex-driver Horner has said he wants to move on from the scandal, with ex-Spice Girl wife Geri Halliwell. 51, standing by him.The F1 chief and Geri have always put on a united – if awkward – front at the Bahrain and Saudi Arabia Grand Prix in recent weeks.Speaking at the press conference, Horner said he was keen to “draw a line” under the scandal and that it was time to “focus on what is going on on track.”READ MORE SUN STORIESDespite Geri’s very visual display of standing by her man, sources claim that the singer is “in turmoil”.The F1 season returns next week in Melbourne for the Australian GP and the off-track drama has done little to slow down the dominating Verstappen, who has won both races with ease.SCANDAL… LAP BY LAP
FEBRUARY 5: A Dutch newspaper reports a female Red Bull employee has made serious allegations of “inappropriate, controlling behaviour” about Horner to parent company Red Bull GmbH.
FEB 9: Horner is quizzed for nine hours by the lawyer hired by Red Bull to investigate.
FEB 15: He denies the allegations and says they are a distraction for the team.
FEB 15: F1 says it hopes the matter will be clarified at the earliest opportunity after a fair and thorough process.
FEB 26: Red Bull’s engine partner Ford says it is increasingly frustrated by the team’s handling of the complaint.
FEB 28: Horner is cleared of all wrongdoing. The employee is said to have the right of appeal.
FEB 29: Horner says he is pleased the investigation is over.
FEB 29: WhatsApp texts and pictures claimed to be between Horner and the employee are sent to journalists and F1.
MARCH 1: Horner refuses to comment on what he calls “anonymous speculation from unknown sources”.
MAR 2: Horner and wife Geri are pictured hand-in-hand, as Red Bull’s Max Verstappen wins the Bahrain Grand Prix. Horner says before the race: “It’s been very testing for my family but we are very strong and our focus is on this race.”
MAR 3: Verstappen’s dad Jos, claims Red Bull is in “danger of being torn apart” if Horner stays in the job.
But he denies being the source of the WhatsApp leak, saying: “It can’t go on the way it is. It will explode. He is playing the victim, when he is the one causing the problems.”
MAR 6: Max Verstappen sides with his dad in the row.
MAR 7: Horner says he wants to draw a line under the scandal and hails Geri’s support — as Red Bull suspends the employee.
MAR 15: Horner’s accuser allegedly launches an appeal against the investigation that saw the Red Bull chief cleared.
MAR 17: Horner, Helmut Marko and Jos Verstappen agree to a ‘public ceasefire’.

Verstappen and Marko are seen as close pals meaning if one of them leaves Red Bull they both could leaving the team in chaosCredit: GettyHorner’s wife Geri Halliwell has stood by her man throughout the bombshell claims and leaksCredit: PAThe crunch talks were around keeping Red Bull focused on the track so they can win the 2024/25 drivers championshipCredit: GettyHorner’s accuser has filed an official complaint with the FIA after she was suspended from Red BullCredit: EPA More

THE female staffer who accused Red Bull chief Christian Horner of controlling behaviour has allegedly launched an appeal against the probe that saw him cleared.The unnamed woman at the centre of the “sexting” storm was suspended last week and is said to be disappointed by how the racing team dealt with the scandal.The female employee has reportedly launched an appeal against the internal probe that cleared Christian Horner of misconductCredit: GettyThe staffer has since been suspended and is said to be upset by Red Bull’s decisionCredit: GettyHorner and Geri put on a united front at the Saudi Arabia GP last weekendHorner, 50, was cleared of misconduct towards a female colleague – allegations he had always denied – by an internal probe on February 28.However, she is now understood to have new legal representation and has appealed the decision of the investigation, according to The Times.On March 7, the woman was suspended on full pay from Red Bull HQ amid claims her “honesty was called into question.”The reasons allegedly given to her were that she appeared dishonest owing to inconsistencies in the evidence she had provided.read more on christian hornerRed Bull Racing have been approached for comment.On Thursday, a friend of the unnamed staffer told MailOnline: “She is so disappointed with how it’s all gone, especially as she did everything by the book.”She raised her concerns in private and did everything right, but she feels very let down by the company.”They added: “The lack of support is noted and she’s just so disappointed with the treatment from her employer.”Most read in MotorsportInsiders said she had demanded to continue working among 1,400 employees at the top F1 team’s high tech HQ in Milton Keynes, Bucks.It comes after former F1 driver Christijan Albers warned a “lot more will surface” as he noted the under pressure Red Bull boss has a “terrifying amount of power” at the all-conquering team.Speaking to the Dutch outlet De Telegraaf he said it was “terrifying” Horner holds so much control despite the bombshell allegations against him.Albers said: “Because by the way it’s all being picked up and it’s just being waved away, then you make someone on the other side extra angry. I think a lot more will surface. “Then, still, [Horner has] this drive and envy to still be able to get that number one position and just chop everyone’s head off.”Spice Girls ‘rallying behind’ Geri Halliwell, Mel B says amid sexting scandal plaguing F1 boss husband Christian HornerMeanwhile, Max Verstappen’s dad Jos, 52, has backed the suspended female employee and called for Horner to be axed, accusing him of ripping the team apart.There are rumblings in the Vertsappen camp that the reigning world champ could quit Red Bull in the foreseeable future.Despite the ongoing saga, Horner has been putting forward a consistent business-as-usual front in his £8million-a-year role.The F1 chief and his Spice Girl wife Geri, 51, put on a united – if awkward – front last weekend at the Saudi Arabia Grand Prix.Speaking at the press conference, Horner said he was keen to “draw a line” under the scandal and that it was time to “focus on what is going on on track.”READ MORE SUN STORIESDespite Geri’s very visual display of standing by her man, sources claim that the singer is “in turmoil”.The F1 season returns next week in Melbourne for the Australian GP and the off-track drama has done little to slow down the dominating Verstappen, who has won both races easily.SCANDAL… LAP BY LAP
FEBRUARY 5: A Dutch newspaper reports a female Red Bull employee has made serious allegations of “inappropriate, controlling behaviour” about Horner to parent company Red Bull GmbH.
FEB 9: Horner is quizzed for nine hours by the lawyer hired by Red Bull to investigate.
FEB 15: He denies the allegations and says they are a distraction for the team.
FEB 15: F1 says it hopes the matter will be clarified at the earliest opportunity after a fair and thorough process.
FEB 26: Red Bull’s engine partner Ford says it is increasingly frustrated by the team’s handling of the complaint.
FEB 28: Horner is cleared of all wrongdoing. The employee is said to have the right of appeal.
FEB 29: Horner says he is pleased the investigation is over.
FEB 29: WhatsApp texts and pictures claimed to be between Horner and the employee are sent to journalists and F1.
MARCH 1: Horner refuses to comment on what he calls “anonymous speculation from unknown sources”.
MAR 2: Horner and wife Geri are pictured hand-in-hand, as Red Bull’s Max Verstappen wins the Bahrain Grand Prix. Horner says before the race: “It’s been very testing for my family but we are very strong and our focus is on this race.”
MAR 3: Verstappen’s dad Jos, claims Red Bull is in “danger of being torn apart” if Horner stays in the job. He denies being the source of the WhatsApp leak, saying: “It can’t go on the way it is. It will explode. He is playing the victim, when he is the one causing the problems.”
MAR 6: Max Verstappen sides with his dad in the row.
MAR 7: Horner says he wants to draw a line under the scandal and hails Geri’s support — as Red Bull suspends the employee.
MAR 15: Horner’s accuser allegedly launches an appeal against the investigation that saw the Red Bull chief cleared.

Jos Verstappen has called for Horner to be sacked amid the ongoing scandalCredit: GettyThe off-track drama has not deterred the dominance of three-time world champion VerstappenCredit: GettyHorner has been operating on a business-as-usual basis throughout the scandalCredit: Getty More

CHRISTIAN Horner’s accuser says she ‘feels let down’ by the Red Bull team after the F1 chief was cleared by an independent investigation. The woman at the centre of the sexting storm who was suspended by the Milton Keynes-based company last week is said to be left disappointed by how Red Bull has dealt with the scandal.Horner and Geri put on a united front in Saudi Arabia over the weekendCredit: RexHorner has been cleared by an independent investigationCredit: RexThe Spice Girl has been standing by her husband throughout the dramaCredit: The Mega AgencyThe F1 chief was cleared of accusations of controlling behaviour but the following day a dossier of text messages allegedly between Horner and the female staffer was leaked.The woman was suspended from Red Bull Racing HQ amid claims her “honesty was called into question.”A friend of the staffer, told MailOnline: “She is so disappointed with how it’s all gone, especially as she did everything by the book.”She raised her concerns in private and did everything right, but she feels very let down by the company.READ MORE ON HORNER”They have suspended her when she followed the proper process diligently and correctly.”But for all that, she was suspended from the job she loves and from a sport that she is highly regarded in.”The lack of support is noted and she’s just so disappointed with the treatment from her employer.”Look at what happened. She complained there was a supposedly transparent, independent investigation, Horner was cleared, and she was then suspended.”Most read in MotorsportThe staffer’s friend continued by casting doubt on Red Bull’s investigation adding: “Questions need to be asked of the Red Bull investigation, transparency would bring confidence in what is happening to her.”Who at Red Bull was tasked with establishing the facts? Who at Red Bull had access to all the confidential material that was used?”Who at Red Bull is making all these decisions and who at Red Bull is making efforts to establish the source of these leaks?”She just can’t get over the fact that she made a complaint and was suspended – all she wants is transparency in the process.”They added that the staffer has had lots of supporting messages from friends and family and even though she has been inundated with offers to share her side of the story, she has chosen to remain silent for the time being.The comment comes amid claims the employee is reportedly preparing to appeal.An F1 source told the outlet the way the sext storm has been handled will “discourage other women, who may have had similar issues in F1 from coming forward.”They told the outlet: “She didn’t seek any of this and now she has been suspend and the message is quite clear, it implies to women stay quiet and don’t speak out or you will lose your job.”It comes after former F1 driver Christijan Albers has warned a “lot more will surface” as he noted the Red Bull chief has a “terrifying amount of power.”Speaking to the Dutch outlet De Telegraaf he said it was “terrifying” Horner holds so much power despite the bombshell allegations against him.He said: “Because by the way it’s all being picked up and it’s just being waved away, then you make someone on the other side extra angry. I think a lot more will surface. “Then, still, [Horner has] this drive and envy to still be able to get that number one position and just chop everyone’s head off.”Meanwhile, Max Verstappen’s dad Jos has backed the woman and has called for £8million-a-year Horner to be axed, accusing him of ripping the team apart.Horner and his wife Geri put on a united front over the weekend in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia where they watched Max Verstappen claim another victory.READ MORE SUN STORIESSpeaking at the press conference the F1 chief said he was keen to “draw a line” under the scandal and that it was time to “focus on what is going on on track.”Despite seemingly standing by her man throughout the drama, Geri is said to be “in turmoil” over the sexting storm.Horner said it was time to “focus on what is going on on track”Credit: The Mega Agency More

RED BULL Racing has been forced to respond to shocking claims that they’ve changed tactics and are considering firing Christian Horner.Reports over the weekend said shareholders were looking at axing the Formula One boss after his embarrassing sexting scandal.Christian and Geri at the Saudi Arabia Grand Prix over the weekendReports have surfaced that Horner, who earns £8million a year, could lose his jobTensions within the Red Bull team have been strained in recent weeksWhat started as Horner’s personal controversy has morphed into a power struggle within Red Bull in recent weeks.Outlets including Bild and F1-Insider reported yesterday that Red Bull’s major Thai shareholder could have changed his mind about keeping Horner on.Erik van Haren, the journalist who broke the story, reported that a spokesperson for the racing camp was forced to respond and quell rumours of a firing following the bombshell claims.They said: “As Christian has said, he is grateful for the full support of the shareholders and that remains the case.”READ MORE CHRISTIAN HORNERThe shareholder in question, Chalerm Yoodivhya, has been an ally to Horner, 50, through weeks of embarrassing revelations after allegations made by a female colleague.But the Thai businessman, who owns a whopping 51% of Red Bull, met with partners on Sunday to potentially discuss next steps, the Telegraph reports.And F1 Insider said that other high-profile Red Bull names including Mark Mateschitz and Oliver Mintzlaff are set to look at his future before the Australian Grand Prix on March 24.While Horner was cleared of the colleague’s initial accusations of controlling behaviour on February 28 – the company turmoil did not end there.Most read in MotorsportJust 24 hours later a dossier of the father-of-two’s embarrassing and seedy text messages were leaked.The intimate messages raised questions about Red Bull’s international investigation and put the spotlight firmly on wife Geri Halliwell’s appearance in Bahrain days later.While the couple put on a public – if awkward – display of support for the F1 opener, reports suggest things behind the scenes are rocky.The former Spice Girl, 51, reportedly laid down the law for his behaviour moving forwards and demanded he cut off contact with the woman.She was later suspended from Red Bull.Tensions within the team itself have also been steadily increasing for weeks.The biggest rift so far has sprung up between Horner and his star driver – Max Verstappen’s – father Jos.Jos, 52, has backed Horner’s accuser and has called for £8million-a-year Horner to be axed, accusing the boss of ripping the team apart.SCANDAL… LAP BY LAP
FEBRUARY 5: A Dutch newspaper reports a female Red Bull employee has made serious allegations of “inappropriate, controlling behaviour” about Horner to parent company Red Bull GmbH.
FEB 9: Horner is quizzed for nine hours by the lawyer hired by Red Bull to investigate.
FEB 15: He denies the allegations and says they are a distraction for the team.
FEB 15: F1 says it hopes the matter will be clarified at the earliest opportunity after a fair and thorough process.
FEB 26: Red Bull’s engine partner Ford says it is increasingly frustrated by the team’s handling of the complaint.
FEB 28: Horner is cleared of all wrongdoing. The employee is said to have the right of appeal.
FEB 29: Horner says he is pleased the investigation is over.
FEB 29: WhatsApp texts and pictures claimed to be between Horner and the employee are sent to journalists and F1.
MARCH 1: Horner refuses to comment on what he calls “anonymous speculation from unknown sources”.
MAR 2: Horner and wife Geri are pictured hand-in-hand, as Red Bull’s Max Verstappen wins the Bahrain Grand Prix. Horner says before the race: “It’s been very testing for my family but we are very strong and our focus is on this race.”
MAR 3: Verstappen’s dad Jos, claims Red Bull is in “danger of being torn apart” if Horner stays in the job. He denies being the source of the WhatsApp leak, saying: “It can’t go on the way it is. It will explode. He is playing the victim, when he is the one causing the problems.”
MAR 6: Max Verstappen sides with his dad in the row.
MAR 7: Horner says he wants to draw a line under the scandal and hails Geri’s support — as Red Bull suspends the employee.

A source told The Sun said over the weekend: “Christian’s enemies are making it clear they will not give up.“But he and Geri are staying strong and will face them down.”Christian will be back at work at Red Bull’s HQ first thing on Monday to get on with the business of running his team and winning races.”And on Saturday at the Saudi races, Horner hugged and shared a joke with Red Bull’s CEO Franz Watzlawick on the grid before the race as both parties tried to draw a line under their recent spat.READ MORE SUN STORIESEven Helmut Marko, the outspoken Austrian who works as Red Bull’s motorsport advisor and who had clearly aligned himself with Horner’s rival, Jos Verstappen, appealed for calm – just 24 hours after hinting he could be suspended.Horner has saluted his “phenomenally supportive” wife but insisted it was time to “draw a line” under the scandal.Max Verstappen with his dad Jos – who has called for Horner to be firedHorner with Red Bull’s CEO Franz WatzlawickGeri Horner – former Spice Girl – holding her and Christian’s son Monty More

CHRISTIAN Horner breathed a huge sigh of relief after receiving more backing from Red Bull’s bosses.Horner hugged and shared a joke with Red Bull’s CEO Franz Watzlawick on the grid before the race as both parties tried to draw a line under their recent spat.Christian Horner shakes hands with Franz Watzlawick on the grid before the F1 Grand Prix of Saudi ArabiaCredit: GettyRed Bull driver Max Verstappen, right, celebrates with Horner after winning the F1 Saudi Arabian Grand PrixCredit: APThe Red Bull team leader, seen here with his wife Geri Halliwell, was cleared of inappropriate action towards a female colleagueCredit: AFPEven Helmut Marko, the outspoken Austrian who works as Red Bull’s motorsport advisor and who had clearly aligned himself with Horner’s rival, Jos Verstappen, appealed for calm – just 24 hours after hinting he could be suspended.It marked a good day for Horner as Max Verstappen, who was again miles ahead of his Red Bull teammate Sergio Perez.It was Verstappen’s 56th win and his 100th podium in yet another crushing display that will surely now concern the F1 chiefs.The Dutchman’s success goes against the model of US sports and the audience American-owned Liberty Media have tried to win over.Read More on Christian HornerVerstappen, who started on pole, said: “Overall, a fantastic weekend for the whole team and myself.”I felt really good with the car and it was the same in the race. The last stint was a bit longer than we would have liked but with the Safety Car you had to go for it.”So, the last few laps with cold tyres and backmarkers it was a bit slippery but we had good pace all-around and could manage it, so overall very pleased.”British racer Oliver Bearman impressed on his debut for Ferrari as he filled in for Carlos Sainz, who suffered appendicitis the previous day and underwent surgery.Most read in MotorsportThe Spanish ace, who was here at the track to help out Bearman’s first race in F1 where the 18-year-old was voted as Driver of the Day after finishing seventh ahead of Lando Norris and Lewis Hamilton.It was a great drive from the Essex-born racer who only had one practice session to get up to speed before qualifying yesterday.Ultimate F1 team principal’s rich list including Red Bull’s Christian Horner and Mercedes boss Toto WolffMeanwhile, Oscar Piastri was fourth for McLaren behind Charles Leclerc who took the final spot on the podium.The result and the calls for clam meant Horner had a relatively normal day after a whirlwind month following the accusations of inappropriate behaviour from a female colleague.The fallout has been spectacular and while Marko has now promised to toe the line, Verstappen’s future in the team very much remains in doubt.What started as Horner’s personal controversy has morphed into a power struggle within Red Bull involving Horner, Red Bull’s head of corporate projects and investments department Oliver Mintzlaff and Red Bull majority shareholder Chalerm Yoovidyah.Horner has the support of Yoovidyah while Mintzlaff, who was in Saudi Arabia but did not join Watzlawick on the grid with Horner as expected.Yoovidyah and Mintzlaff are expected to meet in Dubai on Sunday to try and heal any remaining rift between Red Bull’s Austrian and Thai fractions.The news comes after Horner told Max Verstappen he could leave the team if he wanted.It follows on from a whirlwind 10 days with Horner being cleared of inappropriate action towards a female colleague.Verstappen threatened to quit Red Bull if team advisor Helmut Marko, 80, is forced out as the fallout from the Horner investigation continues.Marko will meet Red Bull chief Oliver Mintzlaff at the Saudi GP after being quizzed about the rumour that he could be suspended and forced to miss the next race in Australia.Horner and his wife, Spice Girl Geri Halliwell, put on another show of unity at the race in the wake of the sexting allegations.SCANDAL… LAP BY LAP
FEBRUARY 5: A Dutch newspaper reports a female Red Bull employee has made serious allegations of “inappropriate, controlling behaviour” about Horner to parent company Red Bull GmbH.
FEB 9: Horner is quizzed for nine hours by the lawyer hired by Red Bull to investigate.
FEB 15: He denies the allegations and says they are a distraction for the team.
FEB 15: F1 says it hopes the matter will be clarified at the earliest opportunity after a fair and thorough process.
FEB 26: Red Bull’s engine partner Ford says it is increasingly frustrated by the team’s handling of the complaint.
FEB 28: Horner is cleared of all wrongdoing. The employee is said to have the right of appeal.
FEB 29: Horner says he is pleased the investigation is over.
FEB 29: WhatsApp texts and pictures claimed to be between Horner and the employee are sent to journalists and F1.
MARCH 1: Horner refuses to comment on what he calls “anonymous speculation from unknown sources”.
MAR 2: Horner and wife Geri are pictured hand-in-hand, as Red Bull’s Max Verstappen wins the Bahrain Grand Prix. Horner says before the race: “It’s been very testing for my family but we are very strong and our focus is on this race.”
MAR 3: Verstappen’s dad Jos, claims Red Bull is in “danger of being torn apart” if Horner stays in the job. He denies being the source of the WhatsApp leak, saying: “It can’t go on the way it is. It will explode. He is playing the victim, when he is the one causing the problems.”
MAR 6: Max Verstappen sides with his dad in the row.
MAR 7: Horner says he wants to draw a line under the scandal and hails Geri’s support — as Red Bull suspends the employee.

But her second public show of support in a week was dented by another jibe from Red Bull world champ Max Verstappen’s dad Jos, who repeated calls for Horner’s head.And he twisted the knife by revealing he supports the unidentified team employee suspended after accusing her boss and sending hundreds of “sexually suggestive” texts.On Thursday, Horner saluted his “phenomenally supportive” wife but insisted it was time to “draw a line” under the scandal.But his accuser has won the support of UK parliament equality chief Caroline Nokes who  encouraged her to take her case to an employment tribunal.The Sun revealed on Thursday that Horner’s accuser had been suspended, with insiders alleging it was over “inconsistencies” in her evidence to a barrister-led probe.READ MORE SUN STORIESPals said Horner was finding it impossible to avoid his accuser at work who among 1,600 employees at the team’s HQ in Milton Keynes, Bucks.HR bosses stepped in and suspended her on full pay on Monday and she is currently mulling whether to appeal against the rejection of her complaint.Horner talks with Watzlawick in the Paddock before the start of the raceCredit: GettyChristian Horner was all smiles in Dubai as Red Bull bosses back himCredit: Getty More