Author: quyen1

RED Bull boss Christian Horner has shared a series of snaps of his wife Geri Halliwell to Instagram wishing her a happy Mother’s Day.

The post comes amid the storm of controversy currently surrounding Geri’s marriage with scandal-hit Horner.

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Red Bull boss Christian Horner posted a tribute to his wife Geri on InstagramCredit: Instagram

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Horner said he was ‘always grateful’ for the mums in his familyCredit: Instagram

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The couple cuddles up at the Saudi Arabian Grand Prix in Jeddah yesterdayCredit: Reuters
Two pictures showed Geri, 51, holding the couple’s seven-year-old son Monty, while a third picture showed his own mother Sara.

Horner’s post read: “Happy Mother’s Day – So appreciative of the mums in our family for everything they do.

“We’re always grateful, today and every day.”

Horner, 50, and Geri have been married since 2015.

The F1 chief was cleared of any wrongdoing last month after a female colleague made bombshell claims about his behaviour.

But a “sext bomb” of flirty messages supposedly sent by Horner to his accuser were then leaked to hundreds of journalists, keeping him – and his wife Geri – firmly in the limelight.

In a display of unity, the Spice Girl joined her husband at the Saudi Arabian Grand Prix yesterday after his sext messages were leaked.

Geri appeared red-eyed last week as she and Horner walked through the F1 paddock at the Bahrain Grand Prix, kissing and holding hands.

The former popstar was understood to be mid-air, en route to Bahrain, when the hundreds of flirty messages were leaked.

She appeared to be more relaxed yesterday in Jeddah.

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Spice Girl Geri Horner looks incredible as she slips into stylish swimsuit for lake day with her kids
Insiders said Geri had spent time relaxing in Dubai before the recent F1 event and was in a better frame of mind than in Bahrain when the Red Bull “sext bomb” had just dropped.

Geri arrived at the trackside yesterday wearing a long-sleeved white dress cinched by a belt with a large gold clasp, chatting with Red Bull employees and cuddling up with Horner during the team’s podium celebrations.

Body language Judi James expert told The Sun that there may have been more to the couple’s show of togetherness.

She said Geri “appears to dominate her husband with her body language” and suggested her “very visible and quite dramatic profile” hinted that the display of unity “might be partly under her terms”.

Geri is reportedly “in turmoil” over the sexting scandal and having “second thoughts” over the Spice Girls’ upcoming 30th anniversary reunion.

A source told the Mail that she wants “a low-profile existence now”.

It was said that Geri wanted Horner’s accuser, who worked at Red Bull’s HQ in Milton Keynes, Bucks, “out of the picture”.

Horner was said to have found it impossible to comply as he and the woman had to be in regular contact at work.

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It comes as

Horner receives more backing as he shares a laugh with a Red Bull boss on the F1 grid
Jos Verstappen says it’s “too late” for F1 boss Horner to “draw a line” under the sexting scandal
The team principal tells Max Verstappen he can leave Red Bull if he wants
Mel B reveals how the Spice Girls have rallied around Geri
Horner’s accuser is suspended after the row hit breaking point
Geri demands Horner cut contact with his accuser
Horner hails his “phenomenally supportive” wife Geri
He broke his silence after the string of shock texts to a female colleague were leaked
Geri Halliwell’s marriage to Horner is said to be “in question” following the sext leak
The Spice Girl “felt like a fool” after Horner played down claims

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The unidentified woman was suspended after the row hit breaking point and the “sexually suggestive” messages were leaked.

A source told The Sun the employee was suspended on full pay while internal inquiries continued.

There is no suggestion that Geri’s wish to have the woman taken “out of the picture” is what led to the suspension.

Geri was said to be “too upset” to talk to “anyone” when news of the allegations broke last month.

A defiant Horner this week insisted it was time to “draw a line” under the situation and “focus on what is going on on track”.

He also heaped praise on his “phenomenally supportive” wife and admitted it had been a “trying” time.

Horner said on Thursday: “My wife has been ­phenomenally supportive throughout this as have my family.

“It’s obviously been a very trying period. I’m married and have three children.

“When that intrusion includes your children and the scrutiny that is placed on my marriage, I’m very fortunate that I have a beautiful family and a very supportive wife. And I’m the only one that has been named in this.”

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Christian Horner also shared a snap of his own mother Sara in the Mother’s Day postCredit: Instagram

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The Spice Girl appears to ‘dominate her husband’ by using most of their shared space, says a body language expertCredit: Getty

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Horner and Geri talk in the Paddock yesterday during the Saudi F1 Grand PrixCredit: Getty

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Geri and Horner hold hands at the Bahrain Grand Prix last week

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.

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Christian and Geri at the Saudi Arabia Grand Prix over the weekend

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Reports have surfaced that Horner, who earns £8million a year, could lose his job

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Tensions within the Red Bull team have been strained in recent weeks
What 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.”

The 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.

Just 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.

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Even 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.

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Max Verstappen with his dad Jos – who has called for Horner to be fired

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Horner with Red Bull’s CEO Franz Watzlawick

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Geri Horner – former Spice Girl – holding her and Christian’s son Monty

LEWIS HAMILTON’S 2008 world title has been legally challenged by former Ferrari driver Felipe Massa.

The Brazilian, who dramatically lost out to Hamilton on the final lap of that season, has filed a lawsuit against F1, the FIA and former F1 supremo Bernie Ecclestone.

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Lewis Hamilton won the F1 world championship in 2008Credit: AP

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Felipe Massa was undone by Nelson Piquet Jr’s crash at the Singapore GPCredit: Rex
While he is not looking to overturn Hamilton’s title win, Massa, 42, is suing for over £62m he claims he lost in earnings after missing out on not being crowned world champion.

The charge relates to the 2008 Singapore GP where Nelson Piquet Jr was told to crash on purpose to help out his then-team-mate Fernando Alonso.

Massa believes that if the crash was properly scrutinised, he would have been crowned the 2008 champion over Hamilton, who won the title by a point.

A statement from Massa’s legal representatives said: “Mr Massa is seeking declarations that the FIA breached its regulations by failing to promptly investigate Nelson Piquet Junior’s crash at the 2008 Singapore Grand Prix, and that had it acted properly, Mr Massa would have won the Drivers’ Championship that year.

“Mr Massa also seeks damages for the significant financial loss he has suffered due to the FIA’s failure, in which Mr Ecclestone and FOM were also complicit.

“As Mr Ecclestone has admitted there was ‘enough information in time to investigate the matter’ in 2008 and ‘cancel the race in Singapore’.

“Mr Ecclestone further affirmed that, had the results of the 2008 Singapore Grand Prix been cancelled, ‘Felipe Massa would have become world champion’ and that Mr Massa ‘was cheated out of the title he deserved’.

“Attempts to find an amicable resolution have been unsuccessful, leaving Mr Massa with no choice but to initiate legal proceedings.

“Recent events naturally demonstrate that issues of transparency and integrity in Formula One remain relevant, and it is clear that serious work is needed to restore its credibility and long-term future.

“Although the FIA investigation in 2009 concluded that it had ‘never before considered charges as serious’, even after the revelations brought forward last year, the results of the 2008 Singapore Grand Prix still stand and remain officially sanctioned by the FIA.”

Inside the top secret Mercedes facility that Lewis Hamilton uses before every F1 race and is adapted to every track
Hamilton declined to comment when SunSport approached his representatives for comment.

The 2008 disappointment came two years after Massa finished third in the F1 drivers’ standings.

He was unable to clinch the top crown, while Hamilton has since added a further six world titles to draw level with Michael Schumacher.

The Brit finished second on debut in 2007 and again in both 2016 and 2021, the latter coming in devastating fashion when he was controversially overtaken on the final lap by Max Verstappen.

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Piquet Jr’s crash was the centre of the controversy

GERI Halliwell has stepped out without embattled F1 boss husband Christian Horner amid the ongoing sexting storm at Red Bull.

The ex-Spice Girl smiled for the cameras as she once again wore a trademark all-white ensemble.

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Geri Halliwell was seen without her hubby Christian HornerCredit: Getty

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Geri arrived for the annual Commonwealth Day Service at Westminster AbbeyCredit: PA

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She wore her trademark all-white ensemble once againCredit: Getty

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Horner and Geri have been married since 2015Credit: Getty
She was seen arriving for the Commonwealth Day Service at Westminister Abbey in London.

It is the first time she has been seen at a public event without her husband since the scandal broke last month.

Horner has been under pressure after a slew of sexually suggestive text messages apparently sent to an employee were leaked.

The F1 boss has always denied any wrongdoing – and was cleared by an internal investigation at Red Bull.

Geri, 51, has been standing by her man over the drama which is rocking the world championship-winning F1 team.

But it has been reported she is “in turmoil” over the sext row.

Horner and Geri put on a united front over the weekend in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia.

The ex-popstar was on hand to watch Horner’s all-conquering driver Max Verstappen claim another victory despite the internal drama.

She now appears to have jetted home from the track to appear at the event – which is expected to be attended by Prince William.

His wife Princess Kate is expected to not attend amid the Royal photo-editing drama.

‘We’re always grateful’, says Christian Horner as he hails wife Geri Halliwell in Mother’s Day post amid sexting scandal
Geri’s husband Christian appears to have missed the event – with Red Bull now readying for the next race.

The couple have been married since 2015 – and they have a son, Monty, 7.

F1 has a two week break ahead of the upcoming Grand Prix in Australia.

Red Bull finished first and second in the first two races as they carried on from their domination in 2023.

And today the team was forced to respond after claims a key shareholder was looking at axing Horner.

It was reported Chalerm Yoodivhya, an ally of Horner and 51 per cent owner of Red Bull, had changed his mind on keeping the Brit in post at the Milton Keynes-based team.

But Red Bull quickly poured cold water on the claims.

Erik van Haren, the journalist who broke the original story, reported that a spokesperson for the racing camp was forced to quell rumours of a firing.

They said: “As Christian has said, he is grateful for the full support of the shareholders and that remains the case.”

What started as Horner’s personal controversy has morphed into a power struggle within Red Bull in recent weeks.

THE 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.

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The female employee has reportedly launched an appeal against the internal probe that cleared Christian Horner of misconductCredit: Getty

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The staffer has since been suspended and is said to be upset by Red Bull’s decisionCredit: Getty

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Horner and Geri put on a united front at the Saudi Arabia GP last weekend
Horner, 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.

Red 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.”

Insiders 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.”

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Spice Girls ‘rallying behind’ Geri Halliwell, Mel B says amid sexting scandal plaguing F1 boss husband Christian Horner
Meanwhile, 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.”

Despite 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.

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.

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Red Bull chief Christian Horner has agreed to a ‘public ceasefire’ with himself, Helmut Marko and Jos Verstappen, say reportsCredit: Getty

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Marko has reportedly distanced himself from Horner since the allegations came to lightCredit: Getty

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Horner and Jos Verstappen have been in a very public spat in recent weeks with Jos calling for him to be axed from his jobCredit: Getty

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The trio have reportedly agreed to a ‘public ceasefire’ for the sake of the Red Bull teamCredit: Getty
But 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.

“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.

The 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.

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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.

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It 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.”

Despite 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.

WILLIAMS have sacrificed Logan Sargeant by dumping him OUT of the Australian GP after his teammate Alex Albon smashed up his own F1 car.

Ruthless bosses saw the London-born Thai racer have a high speed accident during practice in Melbourne.

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Alex Albon crashed during practice, causing significant damage to his carCredit: EPA

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The 27-year-old lost control and crashed into the wallCredit: X @F1

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Logan Sargeant has been forced to withdraw from the race as a resultCredit: Getty
The impact with the barriers saw his Willliams smashed to pieces but without enough spare parts to repair the car overnight, they decided to retire his chassis from the race.

But in a big kick in the balls they decided to put the former Red Bull driver in Sargeant’s car instead, meaning the American will not get to drive.

The move casts doubt on Sargeant’s future in the team and was understandably left furious with the team.

The team released a press release with Sargeant quoted, although his mood is considered to be less sanguine.

It said: “This is the hardest moment I can remember in my career and it’s absolutely not easy.

“I am however completely here for the team and will continue to contribute in any way that I can this weekend to maximise what we can do.”

The statement confirmed the broken chassis will be flown back to their Grove HQ to be repaired.

Williams team boss James Vowles has been left red-faced by the team’s failure to have enough spares to fix Albon’s car.

And he paid tribute to Sargeant, calling him a “true team player” – words that will only grate with the American who is already fighting for his future.

Vowles said: “We are hugely disappointed that the damage sustained to the chassis has meant we need to withdraw it from the weekend.

F1 stars arrive at Australian Grand Prix in style as Oscar Piastri rocks up in £400,000 outfit
“It’s unacceptable in modern day F1 not to have a spare chassis, but it is a reflection of how behind we were in the winter period and an illustration of why we need to go through significant change in order to get ourselves in a better position for the future.

“As a result, we have had some very difficult decisions to make this afternoon.

“While Logan should not have to suffer from a mistake that he did not make, every race counts when the midfield is tighter than ever, so we have made the call based on our best potential to score points this weekend.

“This decision was not made lightly, and we cannot thank Logan enough for his graceful acceptance, demonstrating his dedication to the team; he is a true team player.

“This will prove a tough weekend for Williams, and this situation is not one that we will put ourselves in again.”

F1 fans have slammed the team’s decision to withdraw Sargeant from the race, with one person taking to X to write: “Embarrassing. I wouldn’t be shocked if this decision prevents certain drivers from joining the team in the foreseeable future — especially other teams putting young talent in the car. Lost a lot of respect for Vowles with this one.”

Another agreed, adding: “Have some shame, this is beyond embarrassing and unfair. Great way to damage someone’s confidence further when he was already struggling with it.”

A third commented: “Disgusting behaviour. I can’t see how the slight gain in race pace is worth the loss in team morale.”

While a fourth wrote: “Totally unfair at the beginning of the season with both drivers on 0 points. Logan is being punished for Alex crashing the car.”

Meanwhile, Mercedes boss Toto Wolff admits the team stuffed up again after Lewis Hamilton was the second slowest during second practice.

Mercedes appear clueless as they attempt to try and make up for their lack of speed.

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Wolff said: “In the second session [we’ve] gone through a really quite dramatic set-up change on Lewis’ [car] and that has massively backfired.

Hamilton, who is quitting the team for Ferrari, has not won a race since the Saudi Arabian Grand Prix in 2021.

Credits: IMAGO / Motorsport Images and IMAGO / NurPhoto

The 2024 F1 season got underway earlier this month, and even though fans want to get into speculation and discussion surrounding who might win the title, it is evident that Max Verstappen is the clear favorite. Matt Bishop feels this prediction is unavoidable, and hailed the Dutchman in an exclusive interview with The SportsRush’s Tanish Chachra.

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During his interview, Bishop was asked about his predictions for the upcoming season. Unsurprisingly, he sees Verstappen and Red Bull dominate. However, he considers this a boring premise.

“One of the predictions that is very boring but it’s hard to avoid is that Red Bull and Max Verstappen will be extraordinarily strong,” he said.

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Bishop goes on to make another claim about the dynamic between the Red Bull drivers. According to him, “there is a huge gulf” between Verstappen and his teammate Sergio Perez. The 61-year-old notes that he worked with Perez (at McLaren) before and rates him highly as a driver. Still, Verstappen’s superiority is too big a gap for Perez to fill.

“[Verstappen] He is a brilliant driver. Not only brilliantly fast, but brilliantly complete. And he is a winning machine.”, added the Briton.

People wouldn’t talk about Red Bull because of Sergio Perez

Since 2022, Red Bull has been on the top of the F1 world, with Verstappen winning two world titles. They’ve also won both constructors’ titles, adding to the supremacy that no other team has come close to breaking. However, Perez alone could have never taken Red Bull this far.

Matt Bishop hypothetically says that two Sergio Perezs in the team would not make the world talk about Red Bull domination. There would be no complaints, and the field still be competitive. This fact just makes Verstappen’s seat at Red Bull more special, and he remains the firm favorite to decimate the rest of the field once again to become world champion with multiple races to spare.

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A non-Red Bull driver that Bishop mentioned in this interview with Charles Leclerc. Of course, Ferrari’s limitations have made it difficult for Leclerc to think about race wins but in 2024, Bishop predicts them to develop a fast car over time.

Leclerc’s qualifying performances in particular have always drawn in a lot of praise and the 61-year-old sees him using that skill to compete for race wins later this year.

Credits: IMAGO / Motorsport Images

Lewis Hamilton won the 2008 title by a small margin, which would have gone Felipe Massa‘s way had the results following Crashgate’s revelation been nulled. Massa is currently battling with the FIA to get the title back, but his chances look slim. Meanwhile, former Ferrari manager and F1 journalist Peter Windsor feels that Hamilton would be willing to lose the title to Massa. However, there is a small catch.

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Hamilton lost out on the 2021 title in heartbreaking fashion. Had then-race director Michael Masi’s questionable decision-making not impacted the final lap of the 2021 Abu Dhabi GP, Hamilton would have been an eight-time world champion. Windsor feels that Hamilton should get that championship back, even though it went to Max Verstappen.

“Deep down, if you were to ask Lewis Hamilton to lose his 2008 title to give it to Felipe Massa, and reclaim the 2021 championship, I think he would be willing to do it,” he said as reported by MSN.

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Windsor thinks that the final lap of the 2021 season finale should be voided. In that case, Hamilton, who was in the lead up until then, would emerge as the race winner and world champion. Consequently, losing one title won’t affect his overall tally currently (7). Felipe Massa, however, thinks that he has a stronger claim to the 2008 title than Hamilton does for 2021.

Felipe Massa downplays Lewis Hamilton’s Abu Dhabi heartbreak

Massa was a victim of the Crashgate scandal in 2008, and there was proof that the FIA knew about the wrongdoings. Hamilton’s 2021 loss on the other hand was down to human error as far as the FIA was concerned. Hence, Massa thinks Hamilton’s situation is different than his.

Massa, in an episode of the Track Limits podcast, insisted that Hamilton needs to prove that his loss was an injustice. “For sure they need to prove it was a mistake,” he said. “And if it was a mistake, for sure they have the complete possibility to fight.”

Massa stated that in case Mercedes or Hamilton could prove that external factors influenced Masi’s decision-making, he could make a claim for the title. Since that is not the case, the stronger claim rests with himself, according to him.

Credits: Imago |
L: Oscar Piastri R: Lewis Hamilton

Oscar Piastri and Lewis Hamilton strangely had two clashes over the course of the 2023 season. As a result of the same, the Australian has now joked that the seven-time champion may not be very fond of him, and as a result, ended up colliding with him.

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The McLaren driver explained on the F1: Beyond The Grid podcast, “I’ve crashed with Lewis a couple of times, so I feel like both of them weren’t particularly my fault. I don’t know.” Following this, Piastri joked, “Maybe just, he doesn’t like me.”

The duo collided with each other during the Italian Grand Prix in Monza and the Las Vegas Grand Prix. During the collision in Monza, Hamilton clipped Piastri‘s left front with his right rear tire. As a result, both went off the track.

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The collision in Monza was undoubtedly Hamilton’s fault and the Briton also took the blame for the same after the race. The Las Vegas GP collision, however, was more of a 50-50, according to Piastri.

Oscar Piastri praised Lewis Hamilton for accepting his mistake

While Oscar Piastri was joking about the crashes being Lewis Hamilton’s fault, he also mentioned how the 39-year-old was incredibly humble. The Australian recalled Hamilton’s apologizing to him right after the duo had made contact during the 2023 Italian GP.

After the conclusion of the race in Monza, Hamilton came up to Piastri to shake his hand. Mentioning the same, the 22-year-old stated that rarely any driver accepts their mistake. According to former F1 driver Mark Webber, who is Piastri’s current manager, Hamilton only apologized to the 22-year-old because the Briton thinks highly of the young Australian.

Piastri explained the same by quoting Webber on the podcast, “Mark actually said to me after Monza, ‘If he (Hamilton) didn’t think much of you, he wouldn’t have come and said anything.’ I’m gonna trust Mark on this.”