Red Bull Racing

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

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

RED Bull chief Christian Horner should step down before the team is ripped apart by his sexting scandal, a former F1 star warned.British racing legend Johnny Herbert told The Sun that “the Horner show” must end so the team can cling onto their true star, Max Verstappen.Brit racing star Johnny Herbert said Christian Horner should step aside in the wake of the sexting stormCredit: APHorner and reigning world champion Max Verstappen are picture at the Saudi Grand Prix on March 9Credit: EPAHebert told The Sun that ‘it’s not about the Christian Horner show, it’s about the Max Verstappen show’Credit: GettyThe ex-Sky Sports pundit, 59, said the storm engulfing Red Bull Racing in the wake of allegations of controlling behaviour made by a female staffer against Horner, 50, is impacting all of F1.He said: “It’s not a good thing for F1 with the whole thing going on and the belated heat on it.”Herbert, a three-time Grand Prix winner who raced in F1 between 1989 and 2000, argued: “It doesn’t help the situation for Red Bull who have the best driver in the world at the present time.”And they’re very close to pushing [Max Verstappen] out off the team, I’ve heard they are getting quite close with the deal with Mercedes.read more on christian horner”It seems like a stupid thing to do, their biggest asset is not the Christian Horner show.”He added that it would be “crazy” for the F1 chief to stay due to his “arrogance”.The embattled Red Bull boss strongly denies all the allegations and was cleared of misconduct by an internal probe on February 28.However, only 24 hours later a string of sexually suggestive texts between Horner and his female accuser were leaked – re-igniting the scandal.Most read in MotorsportSpeaking to us via sports betting website Betideas.com, Herbert said: “It’s the impact, the possible destroying of the team and the success they have had.”It’s not about the Christian Horner show, it’s about the Max Verstappen show as he is the one winning all these races and championships for Red Bull.”The veteran driver – who is a long-term friend and former teammate of Michael Schumacher – believes it would be not be a wise move for Verstappen to abandon the Milton Keynes-based team.Spice Girls ‘rallying behind’ Geri Halliwell, Mel B says amid sexting scandal plaguing F1 boss husband Christian HornerHebert said: “It would be crazy for Max to leave because of the situation…Jos [Verstappen] has said it will be very destructive and rip it apart and I think it’s gone on for far too long.”In some respects, Christian should really think about it and step aside.”What started as Horner’s personal controversy has morphed into an power struggle within Red Bull in recent weeks.On Sunday, sources alleged that Horner has agreed to a “public ceasefire” with senior management after emergency crunch talks.But the internal battles at the sports top constructor are set to end after Horner, Jos Verstappen and Helmut Marko seemingly agreed to stop their disputes, The Mirror reported.Verstappen Sr, 52, had been publicly backing the suspended female employee and called for Horner to be axed, accusing him 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.”If that’s what he wants, fine, but I don’t think it will be possible.”As Hebert alluded to, there are rumblings in the Vertsappen camp that the reigning world champ could quit Red Bull in the foreseeable future.Meanwhile, Helmut Marko, the team’s iconic senior adviser, has reportedly distanced himself from Horner since the allegations came to light.The 80-year-old was even placed under investigation by Red Bull over issues related to the leaking of WhatsApp messages from an anonymous email relating to the Horner investigation.But now the trio have now agreed to halt their squabbling for the benefit of the team as insiders feel the pre-season distractions are taking their toll.Verstappen has been vocal in his admiration for mentor Marko and is thought to be loyal to him and his former racing driver dad no matter what.It means that if Red Bull chooses to punish or abandon either man it could tear Red Bull apart by sparking Verstappen’s exit.Despite the six-week saga, Horner has been putting forward a consistent business-as-usual front in his £8million-a-year role.Herbert celebrates a podium finish with Michael Schumacher in 1995Credit: GettySCANDAL… LAP BY LAP

FEBRUARY 5: A Dutch newspaper reports a female Red Bull employee has made serious allegations of “inappropriate, controlling behaviour” about Horner to parent company Red Bull GmbH.
FEB 9: Horner is quizzed for nine hours by the lawyer hired by Red Bull to investigate.
FEB 15: He denies the allegations and says they are a distraction for the team.
FEB 15: F1 says it hopes the matter will be clarified at the earliest opportunity after a fair and thorough process.
FEB 26: Red Bull’s engine partner Ford says it is increasingly frustrated by the team’s handling of the complaint.
FEB 28: Horner is cleared of all wrongdoing. The employee is said to have the right of appeal.
FEB 29: Horner says he is pleased the investigation is over.
FEB 29: WhatsApp texts and pictures claimed to be between Horner and the employee are sent to journalists and F1.
MARCH 1: Horner refuses to comment on what he calls “anonymous speculation from unknown sources”.
MAR 2: Horner and wife Geri are pictured hand-in-hand, as Red Bull’s Max Verstappen wins the Bahrain Grand Prix. Horner says before the race: “It’s been very testing for my family but we are very strong and our focus is on this race.”
MAR 3: Verstappen’s dad Jos, claims Red Bull is in “danger of being torn apart” if Horner stays in the job. He denies being the source of the WhatsApp leak, saying: “It can’t go on the way it is. It will explode. He is playing the victim, when he is the one causing the problems.”
MAR 6: Max Verstappen sides with his dad in the row.
MAR 7: Horner says he wants to draw a line under the scandal and hails Geri’s support — as Red Bull suspends the employee.
MAR 15: Horner’s accuser allegedly launches an appeal against the investigation that saw the Red Bull chief cleared.
MAR 16: The female employee lodges a complaint against Horner with the FIA.
MAR 17: Horner reportedly agrees to ‘public ceasefire’ with senior Red Bull Racing management to quell the drama

Verstappen and Marko are seen as close pals meaning if one of them leaves Red Bull they both could leaving the team in chaosJos Verstappen has been publicly calling for Horner to be axedThe 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.At the Saudi Arabia Grand Prix, the F1 chief and his Ginger Spice wife Geri, 51, put on a united – if awkward – display.Despite Geri’s very visual display of standing by her man, sources claim that the singer is “in turmoil”.READ MORE SUN STORIESSpeaking 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.”The F1 season returns this week in Melbourne for the Australian GP and the off-track drama has done little to slow down the dominating Verstappen, who has both past races easily.Marko, Verstappen and Horner celebrate their win in JeddahCredit: GettyGeri Halliwell is standing by her man and put on a united front in Saudi ArabiaCredit: AFPVerstappen is said to be considering moving to Mercedes due to the ongoing drama engulfing his teamCredit: AFP More

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