Red Bull Racing in Crisis: The Shocking Ouster of Christian Horner and What It Means for F1’s Dominant Team

The Formula 1 world was stunned when news broke that Christian Horner—the mastermind behind Red Bull Racing’s transformation from a midfield contender to a multiple world championship-winning powerhouse—had been abruptly removed from his role. After two decades of leadership, overseeing 124 race victories and eight driver titles, Horner’s sudden exit signaled more than just a management shake-up; it hinted at profound fractures within one of F1’s most dominant teams.

The End of an Era: Horner’s Departure and the Hidden Forces Behind It

Christian Horner’s exit was not a spontaneous decision made in haste. According to recent reports from German media, the dismissal was the outcome of a premeditated power play orchestrated within the highest echelons of Red Bull Racing’s leadership. Central to this upheaval was Helmuth Marko, Red Bull’s special adviser, who not only attended the decisive board meeting but reportedly engineered the entire move.

On July 7th, a closed-door meeting convened with Red Bull’s head of sport, Oliver Mintzlaff, company owners Chalerm Yoovidhya and Marko Mateschitz, and Helmuth Marko. The following day, Horner was summoned to a meeting with Mintzlaff and Marko and was informed that his reign as team principal and CEO was over.

What makes this dramatic exit particularly fascinating is that it occurred despite Red Bull’s ongoing success on track—Max Verstappen secured his fourth consecutive driver’s championship in 2024. The explanation goes beyond performance metrics; it involves internal politics, fractured relationships, and a team struggling to keep its identity intact amid growing turmoil.

A Fractured Leadership and Growing Tensions

The tensions simmering beneath Red Bull’s polished exterior have become impossible to ignore. Sources close to the team suggest that Marko had become increasingly dissatisfied with Horner’s leadership over the past 18 months. The situation worsened in early 2024 when Horner was accused of inappropriate behavior by a female employee. Although an internal investigation cleared him, the ordeal left a lasting rift inside the team.

Helmuth Marko viewed the allegations—and the negative media attention they brought—as damaging to Red Bull’s brand. Moreover, Yos Verstappen, Max’s father and close advisor, publicly criticized Horner, accusing him of sowing division within the team.

This public airing of grievances signaled a loss of faith in Horner’s leadership from Verstappen’s camp—a crucial factor given Max’s stature as the team’s centerpiece.

Max Verstappen’s Contract and the Specter of a Shock Transfer

Max Verstappen’s contract with Red Bull runs until 2028, but insiders reveal that performance clauses might allow him to leave as early as the end of 2025 if Red Bull ceases to be competitive. The current state of the RB21 car raises real concerns. While still fast in Verstappen’s hands, the car has become increasingly unpredictable and difficult for his teammates Sergio Perez, Liam Lawson, and Yuki Tsunoda to manage. This inconsistency has contributed to Red Bull slipping to fourth place in the Constructors’ Championship—behind Ferrari, McLaren, and Mercedes—a stark contrast to their dominance in previous years.

With Red Bull’s technical woes worsening, Verstappen’s camp has reportedly been exploring alternatives. Mercedes team principal Toto Wolff has openly expressed interest in recruiting Verstappen, and with neither George Russell nor Lando Norris confirmed for 2026, Mercedes could offer Verstappen a highly competitive seat if he chooses to activate the early-exit clause.

The Brain Drain: Red Bull’s Key Figures Departing

Red Bull’s struggles go beyond just leadership and driver tensions. Since the passing of founder Dietrich Mateschitz, the team has seen a significant exodus of key senior personnel:

Adrian Newey, the genius behind Red Bull’s dominant car designs, has left.

Jonathan Wheatley, the influential sporting director, has departed.

Rob Marshall, Will Courtenay, and Lee Stevenson—all pivotal in strategy and engineering—have exited the team.

This “brain drain” has created a vacuum of experience and expertise, severely impacting Red Bull’s ability to maintain its competitive edge.

The Scapegoat Theory and the Quest to Keep Verstappen

Many insiders believe that Christian Horner was made a scapegoat—a sacrificial figure to stabilize the team and reassure Verstappen and his entourage. Former F1 driver Gerhard Berger hinted at this theory in a recent interview, suggesting that Horner’s firing was as much about internal politics as on-track performance.

Berger stated, “Horner’s firing was a move to protect Max Verstappen. Their relationship had become untenable, and even from the outside, it was clear something had to give.”

Whether or not Horner was blindsided, his removal sends a clear message that Red Bull is prioritizing the retention of Verstappen at any cost.

The New Leadership: Laurent Mekies and Sebastian Vettel?

Laurent Mekies, formerly of Ferrari and Scuderia AlphaTauri, has been appointed to lead Red Bull through this turbulent period. Though respected, Mekies inherits a fractured team depleted of its best minds and potentially losing its best driver.

Meanwhile, speculation swirls around Helmuth Marko’s future—he has hinted at stepping back and reportedly has Sebastian Vettel in mind as a potential successor in a senior leadership role. Vettel, a four-time world champion and Red Bull’s star driver during their early 2010s dominance, could bring stability and experience, but whether he would be a strategic leader or a figurehead remains unclear.

What Lies Ahead for Red Bull and Formula 1?

Red Bull’s reinvention will not be quick or easy. The 2025 season is shaping up to be pivotal. Every race, every strategic decision, and every word from Verstappen will be scrutinized for signs of recovery or collapse.

If Red Bull cannot reclaim its winning formula and keep Verstappen onboard, Mercedes could seize the opportunity to disrupt the F1 hierarchy once again.

For fans, insiders, and pundits, the question remains: Was Christian Horner’s dismissal the right call, or did Red Bull hasten its own unraveling?

In Conclusion:

Christian Horner’s departure is more than a leadership change—it’s a symptom of deep-rooted turmoil threatening the very fabric of Red Bull Racing. With key figures gone, internal rifts widening, and Verstappen’s future uncertain, the team’s dominance faces an unprecedented challenge.

As the 2025 season unfolds, all eyes will be on Red Bull to see if it can navigate this crisis or if this moment will be remembered as the beginning of the end for one of Formula 1’s most extraordinary dynasties.

Full Video:

Max Verstappen to Mercedes? How F1’s Biggest Move Could Shake Up the 2026 Grid Forever

Formula 1 is no stranger to drama, but the current storm swirling around Max Verstappen’s future is unlike anything we’ve seen in years. What started as whispers and rumours has now evolved into cold, hard facts: Max Verstappen, the undisputed kingpin of Red Bull Racing’s empire, is in serious talks with Mercedes. This potential switch is not just a headline-grabber — it threatens to completely redraw the Formula 1 landscape as we know it, especially as we approach the pivotal 2026 season.

The Empire and Its Unraveling

Max Verstappen is more than just a driver; he’s the cornerstone of Red Bull’s dominance in recent seasons. The Dutchman has carried the team through highs and lows, delivering multiple world championships and putting Red Bull firmly atop the F1 hierarchy. Yet, behind this seemingly unbreakable partnership, cracks have started to form.

One of the biggest shocks came recently when Christian Horner, Red Bull’s long-time team principal, was suddenly and publicly dismissed. Many speculated this was a response to internal pressures, but few realized just how deep the roots went. Jos Verstappen, Max’s father and former F1 racer, reportedly pushed hard for Horner’s exit — a move no team makes lightly. Why? Because Red Bull fears losing Max, and they understand what his departure would mean: an empire in ruins.

Fernando Alonso’s Unexpected Offer

In the midst of this brewing storm, another former champion has stepped forward with a surprising offer. Fernando Alonso, known for his sharp wit and fierce racing intelligence, has openly offered to help Verstappen if he makes the switch to Mercedes. But true to his form, Alonso made it clear that he doesn’t come cheap — the help of a two-time world champion and one of F1’s most experienced drivers carries a hefty price tag.

Alonso’s offer is more than just friendly advice. Having jumped teams multiple times under immense pressure — sometimes choosing wrong, sometimes right — Alonso embodies the kind of insider knowledge that could prove invaluable to Verstappen if he chooses to leave Red Bull. His hint that Verstappen might need a “consultant” through this career-defining decision reveals just how serious and complex the situation is.

The Clock Is Ticking: The Red Bull Exit Clause

Here’s the part most casual fans might have missed: Verstappen’s way out of Red Bull isn’t open indefinitely. It expires right after the Hungarian Grand Prix, tied to his position in the championship standings. If Verstappen finishes inside the top four by then — and he’s currently third — he’s contractually bound to stay with Red Bull. However, if he slips outside the top four, the clause activates, giving him a legal exit.

Currently, Verstappen sits third, but with only a 46-point lead over Charles Leclerc, and 58 points still available before the deadline. In Formula 1 terms, this is a razor-thin margin. A mechanical failure, a crash, or a poor strategy call could tip the scales and unlock Verstappen’s escape route.

Mercedes’ Ace: The Power of Leverage

If insider reports are to be believed, Mercedes’ Toto Wolff has already had a positive response from Verstappen. This is monumental. Not because the move is guaranteed — but because it gives Mercedes unprecedented leverage. Imagine the bargaining power: Mercedes holding the key to one of the most coveted drivers on the grid. Suddenly, Red Bull finds itself on the back foot, forced to consider concessions or brace for a worst-case scenario.

For Toto Wolff and Mercedes, August is the deadline. That’s when the real decision has to be made. Rumors from sources like Nelson Piquet Jr., who claims “everyone knows it’s happening,” only fuel speculation that this is no bluff.

What This Means for F1’s 2026 Grid

If Verstappen switches teams, the ripple effects will be felt far beyond the pit lane. Red Bull’s dominance has been largely built around Verstappen’s exceptional talent and synergy with the team. Without him, the team faces a rebuilding phase that could hand Mercedes and other teams a golden opportunity.

Mercedes, for their part, could find themselves revitalized with Verstappen alongside their current talent — potentially forming the most fearsome driver lineup in decades. And don’t forget, the 2026 season is expected to introduce new regulations that promise to shake up car performance and team dynamics across the board. Verstappen’s move could coincide perfectly with these changes, giving Mercedes a strategic advantage right out of the gate.

The Human Element: Pressure, Loyalty, and Legacy

Beyond the contracts and strategies lies the human story. Verstappen’s decision isn’t just about trophies or money — it’s about legacy, pressure, and loyalty. Staying at Red Bull means continuing to carry an immense burden, especially if the team struggles to maintain dominance. Switching to Mercedes means navigating a new culture, new expectations, and perhaps even skepticism from fans and rivals alike.

Alonso’s role here is pivotal. As someone who has lived through similar transitions — shifting between Renault, McLaren, Ferrari, and Alpine, all under intense scrutiny — Alonso’s guidance could help Verstappen make the best possible choice for his career and mental wellbeing.

What’s Next?

We’re at a critical juncture in the Formula 1 narrative. The Hungarian GP will likely be a defining moment, not just for the championship race but for Verstappen’s future. Will he maintain his position and remain loyal to Red Bull? Or will a series of unfortunate events open the door to a seismic shift, with Verstappen walking away to join Mercedes?

The stakes couldn’t be higher. The decisions made in the next few weeks will influence not only the 2026 grid but the entire direction of the sport for years to come. One thing is clear: if Verstappen flips the script, Formula 1 will never be the same again.

Full Video:

Christian Horner, the Verstappen Family, and the Future of Red Bull Racing: An Unfolding Drama

In recent weeks, the world of Formula 1 has been rocked by the sudden and dramatic departure of Christian Horner, Red Bull Racing’s long-standing team principal. The shockwaves of this decision have not only questioned the internal dynamics of one of the sport’s most successful teams but have also stirred speculation about the role of Max Verstappen and his father, Jos Verstappen, in shaping this outcome.

The Sudden Fall of Christian Horner

Christian Horner has been a pivotal figure at Red Bull Racing since he took over as team principal in 2005. Under his leadership, Red Bull has evolved from a midfield contender into a dominant force, clinching multiple World Championships, especially with Max Verstappen at the helm. However, the abrupt nature of Horner’s sacking—effective immediately—raised eyebrows and fueled rumors of deep-rooted conflicts within the team.

While Red Bull’s recent performance struggles contributed to the decision, sources suggest that the internal turmoil within the Austrian outfit played a much larger role. The departures of senior figures like Jonathan Wheatley, Pierre Newey, and Guillaume Rocquelin in the past year hinted at a fractured leadership environment. Horner’s position seemed increasingly untenable amidst these departures and performance issues.

Verstappen Family’s Influence: The Inside Story

According to seasoned F1 analyst Martin Brundle, the Verstappen family has exerted significant influence behind the scenes. Although Max Verstappen and his father Jos publicly maintained a stance of non-involvement, whispers from within the paddock suggest otherwise. Jos Verstappen, in particular, reportedly voiced concerns loudly and clearly, warning that Horner’s continued leadership would precipitate a “massive downfall” of the team.

Brundle elaborated on the nature of this interference: “The Verstappen camp has been lobbing in hand grenades for quite some months now, and some of them have gone off.” This metaphorical “grenade” refers to the relentless pressure and unrest that eventually led to Horner’s exit. Jos Verstappen’s vocal stance was no secret, and even after the Silverstone Grand Prix, he hinted at keeping the pressure on Horner’s position.

What Does This Mean for Max Verstappen?

Max Verstappen, a four-time World Champion, has been Red Bull’s crown jewel. His performance has been nothing short of extraordinary, often compensating for the team’s technical shortcomings. Statistically, Max has been responsible for the vast majority of Red Bull’s points, showcasing his irreplaceable value.

Yet, the ongoing conflict threatens to unsettle his future at Red Bull. The question looming over the paddock is whether Max can remain loyal to a team now undergoing a major overhaul in leadership and direction—or if he will seek greener pastures elsewhere.

Red Bull reportedly offered Max a deal unprecedented in F1 history: the option to have his name incorporated into the team’s branding, a gesture underscoring how vital he is to their plans. This move highlights Red Bull’s desperation to retain Max and avoid a rebuilding phase that would leave them scrambling to find competitive replacements.

The Fallout: Red Bull’s Future Without Horner and Possibly Verstappen?

Should Max Verstappen decide to leave, Red Bull faces a daunting task. The team would need to rebuild, possibly with young talents like Liam Lawson or Oscar Piastri, or even attempt to lure established drivers such as George Russell. However, the competitive gap that Max fills is significant. Without him, Red Bull risks falling back into midfield obscurity.

Christian Horner’s departure also raises questions about where he might land next. Alpine and Ferrari have both shown tentative interest, but the drama surrounding his exit has made these teams cautious. Alpine, with its strong links to Flavio Briatore, might be the more feasible option for Horner, especially given logistical advantages and the potential for collaboration.

Ferrari, on the other hand, remains focused on Charles Leclerc and Carlos Sainz, with Frederic Vasseur currently steering their technical ship. The Italian outfit may wait to see how 2026 regulations impact their competitiveness before making any managerial moves.

Mercedes and the Verstappen Factor

Meanwhile, Mercedes sits on the sidelines watching this drama unfold. Should Max Verstappen become available, the Silver Arrows might consider making a play, though they would require assurances that Max can temper his ego and integrate smoothly into their tightly knit team culture.

Mercedes team principal Toto Wolff has been clear: “No driver is bigger than the team.” His warning to drivers underscores the importance of humility and teamwork, qualities that Max would need to exhibit to fit in.

The Human Side: Ego, Legacy, and Pressure

The intense pressures of Formula 1 don’t just affect team strategy and business decisions; they also shape human relationships and ego. Max Verstappen’s remarkable success may have inflated his confidence, making it harder for the team to manage internal dynamics.

Becoming a father recently could serve as a grounding influence for Max, perhaps softening his approach and fostering a more collaborative relationship with team management. Red Bull will be hoping for that balance, as his talent combined with a team-first attitude could keep the squad competitive for years to come.

Conclusion: A Pivotal Moment for Red Bull and Formula 1

Christian Horner’s sacking and the Verstappen family’s involvement mark a crucial turning point for Red Bull Racing. The team must navigate leadership changes, manage Max’s future, and recalibrate their philosophy to sustain competitiveness.

For Max and Jos Verstappen, their behind-the-scenes influence, while controversial, underscores the growing power drivers and their families can wield in modern motorsport. Whether this involvement ultimately benefits or harms their standing in F1 remains to be seen.

Red Bull’s path forward will be closely watched by fans, pundits, and rival teams alike. The next chapter could redefine one of the most successful partnerships in recent Formula 1 history or set the stage for a fresh era in the sport.

Full Video:

Scroll down to see who the other candidates are

MICK SCHUMACHER has confirmed he is in talks to return to F1 with newcomers Cadillac.

The son of legendary F1 driver Michael Schumacher could make a comeback next season having not raced in the sport since leaving Haas in 2022.

1

Mick Schumacher could return to F1 with Cadillac next seasonCredit: Getty
He has also been a reserve driver for both Mercedes and McLaren – but was replaced by Valtteri Bottas as Merc driver at the end of last season.

New General Motors-backed team Cadillac will be on the grid for the first time from 2026 and are finalising their line-up.

The 26-year-old said: “Yes, of course, discussions are ongoing. The communication has been very positive so far.

“They’ve already hired a fantastic number of people for it [the project]. It’s an honour to be part of it, to negotiate with them, and a great position to be in.”

Ex-Red Bull driver Sergio Perez and Bottas are thought to be the favourites for the two Cadillac seats.

But team boss Graeme Lowdon remains a huge admirer of Schumacher – who currently drives in the World Endurance Championship with Alpine.

During him time in F1, Schumacher started 43 races.

His best placing was a sixth place finish, while he only finished in the points twice.

Lowdon has also confirmed that “positive” discussions with Schumacher had taken place while on the High Performance podcast.

He said: “Yeah, we’re talking to Mick.”

He also added on Sky Deutschland: “Mick is great. He’s a very nice guy, I like him a lot. I’ve got to know him better now.

“He’s still young, but he already has F1 experience. Of course, that was a while ago, but he’s kept himself up to date.

“We really like that. We really like that. He is no stranger to the team. He knows where we stand. There are some positive things to say about Mick.

“He is clearly one of the drivers on the list. But I should also say that the list is quite long.”

Lowdon has also previously confirmed that talks with Bottas have taken place.

The Cadillac boss wants the team to make a statement in their first year and not just make up the numbers.

He said: “Everyone wants to prove something else again. I never look at that as the biggest motivator.

“Our team is not there as a vehicle for someone to prove a point. Our team is there to provide a position on the pitch, if you like.

“For someone to prove what they can do for sure, but it’s not the vehicle to show the world, prove a point, or whatever.

“The driver is there to do the best that they possibly can for their team, and they should be motivated for the team around them as well. So, I’m less keen on people who kind of want to prove a personal point.”

When asked about the prospect of Perez joining the cause, Lowdon did not rule it out.

He added: “Every single person, every name that you’re going to read out, we’re talking to everyone because everyone wants the drive.”

Former glamour model Katie Price fell for Peter Andre during her stint on I’m A Celebrity… Get Me Out Of Here! The two were inseparable and tied the knot in 2005 before going their separate ways in 2009

Katie Price reveals real reason for Peter Andre split and makes jaw-dropping claim

Katie Price revealed the real reason for the demise of her relationship with Peter Andre. The duo fell head over heels for each other on I’m A Celebrity… Get Me Out Of Here! in 2004 and viewers watched as the duo flirted, wrestled and fall in love with one another. After leaving the jungle, the two were inseparable and secretly got engaged in May of the same year.

They tied the knot in September 2005 and welcomed Junior and Princess Andre. Their whirlwind romance soon fell apart and they divorced in 2009. In a new chat with Paul Brunson for his podcast, We Need To Talk, Katie revealed the real reason their relationship came to a shock end.

Peter believed she had an affair with her dressage rider

According to the Mucky Mansion star, Peter believed she had an affair with her dressage rider. She shut down the claims and told Celebs Go Dating expert Paul: “I’ve never slept with him.

“I just kept my horse there, and I was happy keeping my horse there, and he was married. But when me and Pete split, because he used to keep saying, that’s it. I’ve had enough. I’ve had enough. It got to a point where I went well f**king divorce me. And I remember the day, because then I flew to the Maldives with the kids.

“That day, I’m at the airport, it’s all on Sky News, it wasn’t mutual at all. And then I redone a statement saying I don’t want to split with Pete, it’s Pete that’s splitting with me. Until this day, me and Pete have never sat down and spoken about it.”

Peter and Katie’s marriage ended in 2009(Image: ITV)

At the time of their split, Peter claimed he was “absolutely gutted” after Katie took their kids back to the Maldives villa where they’d spent their 2005 honeymoon.

“Being apart from my kids is just breaking my heart,” he cried to the Daily Star at the time. “It’s destroying me – I’m absolutely gutted.”

And while speaking to Paul, former glamour model Katie revealed they manage the kids via lawyers. “I’ve never sat down with him, we probably would’ve sorted it out but we were kept apart,” she explained.

Katie said it’s ‘the most difficult thing’ to co-parent as she added: “But I realised you get to know what people are really like, and I’ve had it tough. But yeah, it is sad.”

Before the break-up, both parties confessed to having jealous rows, making no secret of their marital bickering on their reality TV show. However, few fans were convinced it was enough to derail them.

Meanwhile, Katie has previously admitted that the separation hadn’t been her choice. “Pete is the love of my life and my life. We have children together, and I am devastated and disappointed by his decision to separate and divorce me as I married him for life,” Katie told The Mirror at the time.

A royal source has told the Mirror that Prince William is still ‘deeply wounded’ by the allegations levelled against him by Prince Harry in his various interviews and memoir, Spare

The Prince and Princess of Wales (Image: Getty Images)

Prince William remains “deeply wounded” by Prince Harry and has no plans to contact him – even if he reconciles with other Royal Family members, according to an source.

It is said that King Charles would welcome a reunion with his youngest son the Duke of Sussex, as long as he scales back his public attacks on the family and stops the “endless” interviews. It comes after senior aides to both father and son held a secret peace summit last week – said to be a “significant” step in reuniting the feuding pair. At least three representatives from either side were seen speaking at the Royal Over-Seas League which sits just three minutes from Clarence House.

No representative for William and Kate were at the meeting (Image: Max Mumby/Indigo/Getty Images)

The meeting has prompted many to wonder if the aides had been discussing a possible meeting between the King and Harry, when he is due to visit the UK in September. However, no representatives for William, who also has an extremely rocky relationship with his brother, were at the meeting.

And a royal source told the Mirror that the Prince of Wales is still reeling over his falling out with his brother, as he continues to struggle with claims made by Harry in various interviews and in his autobiography Spare.

The source said: “The Prince of Wales remains deeply wounded by Prince Harry’s various allegations in his memoir and endless broadcast interviews over the last few years.

A royal source told The Mirror that Harry’s relationship with William may be “harder to repair”(Image: POOL/AFP via Getty Images)

“There are no plans to either make contact with or arrange to see the Duke of Sussex in the near future and regardless of any members of the family seeking reconciliation, that is certainly not on the prince’s mind. Both the Prince and Princess of Wales are entirely focussed on their various important duties and their own family.”

It comes as a close friend of the Waleses has also spoken out over the potential reconciliation, telling MailOnline that William and his wife Kate had not been made aware of the meeting, and had been deliberately left out.

“It’s no coincidence that William and Catherine did not have a representative at the Royal Over-Seas League,” says one of the royal couple’s alleged friends. “They were not asked to send anyone and will be treating the talks with extreme caution.”

The insider close to the Waleses referred to one of the biggest obstacles in the way of a “rapprochement process” between the Sussexes and the rest of the royal family: the loss of trust.

A close friend of the Waleses said they will be “treating the talks with extreme caution”(Image: POOL/AFP via Getty Images)

While the royals haven’t been on speaking terms with Prince Harry and Meghan Markle, the Sussexes have made the most of their platform by engaging in several tell-all interviews in which they dropped several allegations against the Firm, as Harry also did in his autobiography Spare.

But if any reconciliation is to be on the cards between father and son, one source warned it would only come if Harry, 40, stops conducting “endless rounds of broadcast interviews as his only way of communication”.

A source previously told the Mirror : “The King has consistently shown he loves both his sons and as he has done in the past is prepared to meet Harry when their diaries allow such an occasion. It’s not unusual for aides from different households to meet, especially when there is a new influx of staff starting their roles, but of course this is a significant moment.

“Senior members of the family have in the past said to Harry that he must both stop his attacks on the family as well as giving endless rounds of broadcast interviews as his only way of communication. If there is a period of calm and reflection on the part of the Duke of Sussex, then there may be a way forward for him to begin along the road of repairing his relationship with his father.”

Harry recently made public his desire to bury the hatchet with his family, saying in a tell-all interview with the BBC in May that he “would love a reconciliation” with the King and William, as he admitted that he was tired of fighting, and he worried about Charles’ health because he did “not know how much longer [his] father has.” In the interview, the Duke even said: “I would like to get my father and brother back.”

Chatter that Prince Harry and Meghan Markle Markle, the Duke and Duchess of Sussex, are to return to royal duties continues – and one expert has argued it’s the right move

Meghan Markle and Prince Harry, pictured last year, left royal duties for a new life in the US

Troubled Prince Harry must be welcomed back into the royal family to help heal emotional wounds, a columnist has argued today.

But Sarah Vine, a veteran newspaper columnist, claims Meghan Markle has “re-opened or even rubbed salt” in these wounds, trauma said to continue to linger following the death of his mother, Princess Diana. Ms Vine has given her opinion on talk the Duke of Sussex, 40, will make a dramatic return to The Firm some five years after he and Meghan Markle quit life in the US for opportunities in California.

Sharing her opinion, Ms Vine wrote: “These are complex, deep-seated emotional wounds that may well take a lifetime to heal, if they ever will. That’s why, fundamentally, taking steps to welcome the wayward duke back into the family is the right thing. When someone is in as much pain as Harry clearly is, they lash out at anyone within reach, especially those tied to them by blood.

“But if you can grab them and hold them to your heart, show them the love and understanding they need, soothe their hurt with the balm of forgiveness, you can perhaps help them begin to move forwards.”

Princess Kate was praised by an expert today for being Prince William’s ‘stay and strength'(Image: AP)

In her column for Daily Mail, the expert acknowledges Prince William is likely to have experienced similar grief following the family tragedy, which happened 28 years ago next month. However, she argues – in her opinion – William has had the “strength and stay” of the Princess of Wales in recent years, while Meghan “has had the opposite effect” on Harry.

Ms Vine continued: “Instead of helping him heal his emotional wounds, she seems to have re-opened them – or even rubbed salt in them, some might say.

“Instead of encouraging him to shape his own identity within the Royal Family, she has helped him turn his back on it. Which might have been fine if together they had embarked on something truly life-affirming. But they didn’t.

“They’ve walked away, but they keep looking over their shoulders. They are obsessed with the very thing they supposedly hate, and that’s never a good frame of mind to be in.”

The damning opinion piece comes after another royal expert yesterday also claimed Prince William and Prince Harry should end their rift. Andrew Norman Wilson, though, argued a failure to do so soon would put lead to great tensions when William, Prince of Wales, becomes king.

“When Charles vacates the stage, as one day he must, and William is anointed, a middle-aged brother in exile, on non-speakers with the sovereign but with a potential audience of billions, could do incalculable damage,” Mr Wilson wrote.

“It would be miles better [than Harry writing another book, for instance], then, that the Sussexes be brought in from the cold. Both sides should be seeking, not only diplomatic and political help, but personal counsel.”

The Loose Women star raised more than a million pounds for charity in 2010 by undertaking a challenge that had never been accomplished before but admitted that it was so “distressing” at the time.

Christine Lampard has opened up on a “horrific” experience that she had on television more than 15 years ago. The star, 46, has been a mainstay on screen since she hosted The One Show in the late 2000s, but admitted that the “most distressing” thing when she was trying to raise money for charity.

In 2010, Christine became the first person to water ski across the English Channel, all in aid of Sport Relief, but during a discussion with her Loose Women co-stars Gloria Hunniford, Janet Street-Porter and Coleen Nolan, she opened up about just how much of an ordeal it was for her.

Looking at a picture from the time, Christine reflected: “That was water-skiing for Sport Relief. We were there raising money for Sport Relief. Talking about wetsuits, oh my God, that was horrific. ”

The ladies were discussing ITV’s latest reality show Shark! Celebrity Infested Waters, which has seen the likes of McFly star Dougie Poynter, Call the Midwife actress Helen George and Amandaland’s Lucy Punch face their fears.

The TV presenter then admitted that she mistakenly believed it would be an easy task and thought it would be like going on a ski holiday, but then found out just how “tough” it was.

She added: “That was the support boat in the background, just in case I drowned! It was 22 miles, I think, across the English Channel. I had never water-skied before so, just like the shark programme, it was completely beginning from scratch. “I had never, ever done it before and I foolishly thought about people doing it on holiday where it looks lovely!”

Christine Lampard opened up on the ‘most distressing’ thing she has ever been through during a chat with her Loose Women co-stars(Image: ITV)

In the end, Christine, who has Patricia, six, and four-year-old Freddie with husband Frank Lampard, raised more than £1 million for charity, but insisted that it was the hardest thing she has ever put herself through in a physical sense.

She added: “And suddenly when you do it for real, you realise how tough it is but at that point I was in it so I had to learn. It was physically the most distressing thing I think I will ever do.

“Hugely worth it with the money that was raised, it was a lot of money but it took a lot of training, a lot of work, a lot of support.”

Christine spoke of how she spent her younger years doing adventurous things like jumping out of planes, explaining: “I was like the rollercoaster girl, I was like ‘I’ll go…’

But these days, she has decided to “shut up shop” when it comes to her sense of adventure, especially since become

“Now, absolutely not. No, no, no. The fear has kicked in since I’ve gotten older, and definitely since having children. With the Channel, the box has been ticked. But I do appreciate people giving thing a go when they are fearful of something.”

Romeo and Cruz Beckham shared some unseen pictures showing off their close bond with sister Harper after Brooklyn missed her birthday

Harper Beckham has been spending time with brothers Romeo and Cruz amid the fallout(Image: romeobeckham/Instagram)

The three youngest Beckham siblings have proved they remain as tight knit as ever, despite eldest Brooklyn turning his back on them. Romeo Beckham has shared some unseen photos with sister Harper to showcase their bond just as the feud with their older brother escalates.

The family has been rocked by a very public fallout that has now spilled into a social media war. David and Victoria’s eldest son Brooklyn and his wife Nicola Peltz have chosen to distance themselves from the clan over the last year with things heating up when the young couple failed to attend football icon David’s 50th birthday celebrations in May.

Brooklyn then did not send any message of support when David received his long awaited knighthood or a tribute on Father’s Day. Instead, he has been loyal to his wife and shared gushing posts about Nicola as well as her family.

Harper joined her older brothers for the family outing(Image: romeobeckham/Instagram)

The biggest blow is said to have been when Brooklyn, 26, and Nicola, 30, returned to the UK for a photoshoot near to the family home in London but failed to let his family know. Last week, the feud deepened as Brooklyn’s younger brothers Romeo, 22, and Cruz, 20, let their true feelings be known.

Now, the two brothers have taken their stance even further as they spent time with their little sister Harper. Romeo wrapped his arm around his youngest sibling as Harper embraced the former footballer.

The siblings then beamed in another snap as they were joined by brother Cruz and his girlfriend Jackie Apostel, 30, as well as cousin Finlay. They all struck a pose for the family photo as Harper seemed delighted to be spending time with her brothers.

Just last week, reports claimed Romeo and Cruz unfollowed Brooklyn on social media, which insiders branded the “Gen Z version of World War Three”.

“Even when the family have reached out to Brooklyn they have been ignored,” a source told the Sun. “He’s not had contact for months and it feels clear to them that he doesn’t want to make amends.”

Brooklyn and Harper had a close bond with each other(Image: instagram)

Initially, it was reported that Brooklyn and Nicola had unfollowed Romeo and Cruz but a friend of Brooklyn’s said that wasn’t the case. “Brooklyn had no idea until he read about it online. It’s possible Romeo and Cruz blocked them, which would make it appear as him no longer following the brothers.”

Shortly after news of the snub broke, Romeo shared Justin Bieber’s Walking Away on his Instagram Stories, captioning it: “Yup.” Meanwhile, Brooklyn posted a photo with Nicola and sister Harper for her birthday, prompting speculation it was an olive branch to the family.

However, it didn’t last long as a friend claimed: “There is too much water under the bridge.” A source also warned at how devastating it would be if Brooklyn had ignored Harper’s birthday as they told MailOnline: “Brooklyn and Harper used to be inseparable.

“He adored her, he hopefully still does, but the problem is that Brooklyn has a track record for ignoring family birthdays now. It would be devastating for Harper not to hear from him. She hasn’t done anything and she’s only 13-years-old.”

Nicola had previously been vocal about her love for sister-in-law Harper as they pair would regularly hang out with each other. She once told PEOPLE that Harper “is my dream little sister.”

“If I could create the perfect dream little sister, it’s her,” she added. “I’m so blessed I get to have her as my little sister in my life.” Brooklyn was also a big fan of their bond as posted a snap of his wife and sister and captioned the photo: “My girls” as Nicola replied: “My perfect baby sis.”

Former MasterChef host John Torode will not be returning to the BBC series following allegations he made a racist comment being revealed in a report looking into Gregg Wallace’s conduct

Former MasterChef star John Torode has broken his silence after being axed from the long-running culinary series. Torode’s contract on the BBC show will not be renewed, the BBC and production company Banijay UK confirmed this evening.

In a statement shared on social media, he wrote: “Although I haven’t heard from anyone at the BBC or Banijay – I am seeing and reading that I’ve been “sacked” from MasterChef and I repeat that I have no recollection of what I’m accused of. The enquiry could not even state the date or year of when I am meant to have said something wrong.

“I’d hoped that I’d have some say in my exit from a show I’ve worked on since its relaunch in 2005, but events in last few days seem to have prevented that. Over the past few months, I have been considering my life and the shape of it now and in the future.

Gregg Wallace and John Torode will no longer appear on MasterChef (
Image:
BBC/Shine TV)
“Celebrity MasterChef, which I recently filmed with Grace Dent along with two fantastic Christmas specials will be my last.

“Personally, I have loved every minute working on MasterChef, but it’s time to pass the cutlery to someone else. For whoever takes over, love it as I have. I will watch fondly from afar as I now focus on the many other exciting projects that I have been working towards.

“My tummy will be grateful for a rest after 20 years of eating, but what a joy it has been. Life is everchanging and ever moving & sometimes personal happiness and fulfilment lay elsewhere. Thank you for the many years of MasterChef. JOHN TORODE.”

Australian-born Torode, 59, started presenting MasterChef alongside Gregg Wallace in 2005. On Monday night, Torode confirmed he was the subject of an allegation of using racist language that was upheld as part of a review carried out by law firm Lewis Silkin into the alleged behaviour of his co-presenter Wallace.

John Torode issued a statement on his social media account (
Image:
BBC)
A statement from Banijay UK said on Tuesday: “In response to John Torode’s statement, it is important to stress that Banijay UK takes this matter incredibly seriously. The legal team at Lewis Silkin that investigated the allegations relating to Gregg Wallace also substantiated an accusation of highly offensive racist language against John Torode which occurred in 2018.

“This matter has been formally discussed with John Torode by Banijay UK, and whilst we note that John says he does not recall the incident, Lewis Silkin have upheld the very serious complaint. Banijay UK and the BBC are agreed that we will not renew his contract on MasterChef.”

The Lewis Silkin report, commissioned by Banijay UK, found 45 out of 83 allegations against Wallace were substantiated, alongside two standalone allegations made against other people, including one for using racist language.

Torode confirmed on Monday night he was the person alleged to have used racist language but said he had “no recollection of the incident” and was “shocked and saddened” by the allegation.

A BBC spokesperson said: “John Torode has identified himself as having an upheld allegation of using racist language against him. This allegation – which involves an extremely offensive racist term being used in the workplace- was investigated and substantiated by the independent investigation led by the law firm, Lewis Silkin. John Torode denies the allegation.

“He has stated he has no recollection of the alleged incident and does not believe that it happened. He also says that any racial language is wholly unacceptable in any environment.

“The BBC takes this upheld finding extremely seriously. We will not tolerate racist language of any kind and, as we have already said, we told Banijay UK, the makers of MasterChef, that action must be taken. John Torode’s contract on MasterChef will not be renewed.”

In 2022, Torode was made an MBE in the Queen’s Birthday Honours, for services to food and charity.

It comes after the BBC addressed the future of a series of MasterChef filmed last year, which has not yet been aired, on Monday, saying they had not made a final decision on broadcasting it.