Author: quyen1

Credits: IMAGO PanoramiC

The Formula 1 market has been buzzing with rumors ever since Lewis Hamilton announced his plan to join Ferrari in 2025. Amidst this, several drivers’ names have come up to join George Russell at Mercedes next year. Interestingly, the latest entrant on the list is the Red Bull superstar Max Verstappen. Last week, rumors came out linking the Dutchman to the Silver Arrows after his father, Jos Verstappen, was seen talking with Toto Wolff. Following that, social media took off, with several fan pages, even photoshopping Verstappen’s face onto the Mercedes race suit. Considering this, Max Verstappen was asked about the situation and whether he had a contract clause allowing him to leave Red Bull.

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Responding to that, Verstappen said, “Like any other driver. I think there’s always things written in that contract. But ultimately that just stays within the team.” Additionally, Verstappen also mentioned that his Red Bull contract doesn’t allow him to discuss his exit clause.

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In light of this, when the reporter asked him whether this says something, Verstappen responded by saying that yes, it ‘certainly says something’ although we don’t have to specify what exactly that is.

Earlier amidst Christian Horner’s investigation when the Red Bull team boss maintained his position, Verstappen’s dad claimed that he would ‘explode’. This is because Verstappen Sr. believes the squad will be in danger of being “torn apart” if Horner stays as the team principal.

These statements, along with Jos’ meeting with Wolff, have prompted the fans to think if the three-time champion will leave the team. However, based on Verstappen’s claim, it appears that he has some specific ideas.

Amid media scrutiny what exactly is Max Verstappen thinking about his future?

Max Verstappen started the new season strongly, winning by a comfortable margin in Bahrain. However, in the thick of that, rumors have surfaced regarding Verstappen’s position at Red Bull. The reason behind this is his father’s comments on Horner. Nevertheless, Mercedes has entered the scene since then, and there have been speculations the Silver Arrows could lure away the Red Bull ace.

Amidst that, Verstappen has adopted a relaxed demeanor, asserting that there is no reason for him to walk away from the dominant Red Bull. However, the Dutchman later hinted that anything could take place in life. He did this by referring to Hamilton’s Ferrari move.

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Speaking about it, ahead of Saudi Arabian GP, the Dutchman said, “The thing is I think no one would have ever seen that Lewis would move to Ferrari. So you can never say 100 percent. That’s how it’s going to be and I approach my life like that.” 

While wrapping up, Verstappen claimed that he had signed such a long contract with Red Bull (till 2028) only because of his trust in the team. He will thus remain with them as long as the team performs well.

The promoters behind Jake Paul and Mike Tyson‘s controversial boxing showdown are pushing for it to be staged as a professional contest, according to reports.

Paul, 27, sparked outrage last week after announcing that he is set to face Tyson, 57, in a live Netflix bout on July 20.

Despite appearing to be an exhibition, many were quick to express outrage over the concept of ‘Iron Mike’ stepping back into the ring with a fighter 30 years his junior – especially following recent footage which shows him using a walking stick.

In Paul, he will be taking on a YouTube star carving out a career for himself in professional boxing after picking up nine wins in 10 contests, which has included brutal knockouts against former UFC stars Tyron Woodley and Ben Askren.

A number of high-profile figures in the sport are therefore concerned about Tyson – who is turning 58 in June – taking on a fighter as young and heavy-handed as Paul.

Mike Tyson could reportedly be set to face Jake Paul in a professional contest this summer

Tyson will be 58 by the time he steps into the ring to face Paul, who is 30 years his junior

And according to combat-sports journalist Ariel Helwani, Paul and Tyson’s bout may not even be classed as an exhibition, with promoters understood to be pushing for a pro contest.

‘They’re still working on a few important details based on the conversations that I’ve had,’ Helwani said on his latest MMA Hour show. ‘Is it pro or is it exhibition? They want pro, obviously that’s up to the Texas Commission. We’ll wait and see.

‘Weight, I’m told heavyweight. Rounds working on that as well.’

Former British heavyweight boxer Derek Chisora recently claimed that Paul and Tyson will be wearing headguards and using 18oz gloves in a sparring-style fight, a rumor which was shut down by Helwani.

Instead, organizers are reportedly keen for the bout to resemble a standard pro encounter – something Tyson hasn’t taken part in since 2005.

The former world heavyweight champion quit in his final contest 19 years ago, with journeyman Kevin McBride forcing him to throw in the towel on both the fight and his career before the start of the seventh round.

‘Iron Mike’ has not competed professionally since his 2005 stoppage defeat to Kevin McBride

Eddie Hearn is ‘really sad’ Mike Tyson will be making a comeback

Since then, he has merely competed in exhibitions over the last two decades, the most recent coming against fellow fight legend Roy Jones Jr back in 2020.

Eddie Hearn believes it will be ‘really sad’ to see Tyson return to the ring against Paul.

‘For me it’s really sad because Mike Tyson was one of my idols growing up, and to see him fighting at 57, 58… but I also understand that a lot of people are going to tune in and watch,’ Hearn told Mail Sport last week.

‘It’s an entertainment event, Netflix, great to see them involved in boxing. I think it will do really well. But it’s just not really one for me.’

Anthony Joshua has weighed in 20lbs lighter than Francis Ngannou ahead of Friday’s ‘Knockout Chaos’ showpiece in Saudi Arabia.

Joshua, who weighed in at 251lbs ahead of his victory over Otto Wallin in December, will take to the canvas as the favourite over Ngannou, despite the world’s hardest puncher impressing during his controversial split decision defeat by Tyson Fury.

AJ has put on just over a pound since defeating Wallin, registering 252.4lbs on the scales on Thursday. Ngannou, meanwhile, has practically maintained weight at 272.6lbs, having been 272.2lbs for his showdown with the Gypsy King in October.

 

The former UFC champion was beaten via split decision when he came up against Fury last year but will be hoping for different fortunes on Friday night.

Meanwhile, Zhilei Zhang (291.6lbs) weighed in over three stone heavier than Joseph Parker (247.6lbs), with the undercard pair taking to the scales moments before the main event weigh-in.

Anthony Joshua has weighed in 20lbs lighter than Francis Ngannou ahead of Friday’s fight

Joshua (L) weighed in 252.4lbs meanwhile the former UFC champion weighed in 272.6lbs

Undercard Zhilei Zhang (left) weighed in over three stone heavier than Joseph Parker (right)

Manny Pacquiao (left) and Conor Benn (right) pictured at the weigh-in in Riyadh on Thursday

Britain’s Nick Ball and his opponent Rey Vargas also made the 126lb limit for their WBC featherweight title fight.

Ahead of the bout, Joshua has insisted that he will be bringing ‘relentlessness’ in his Friday fight with Ngannou.

When asked about his preparation, Joshua said: ‘All will be revealed, straight up war, relentlessness and a good fight. That’s what everyone’s here for – a good fight.’

With the ever-present prospect of a clash with compatriot Fury never seeming to leave Joshua’s career trajectory, there has of course been speculation that a win over Ngannou could bring that titanic collision a step closer to reality.

However, Joshua insisted that his attention was firmly fixed on Friday night, and he was not looking past the task at hand.

‘We’re not looking past this fight,’ he said. ‘The incentives and stuff, it’s just to win, to focus on my game plan and focus on what I’ve got to do.

Joshua appeared laid back on Wednesday night but promised he would deliver on Friday

Ngannou talks learning his craft and Joshua runs through his music

‘It was always his [Francis] dream to be a boxer, he was part of the Cameroonian team and only started MMA when he was 26. He’s been doing it from a young age, I know what I’m up against.

‘I spar, I do my film studying and keep it professional. But on the night, that textbook goes out the window, you’ve got to be relentless.

‘This [entertaining] is what I’ve devoted my life to so bring every challenge, every competition and I’ll step up to the plate. One day I’ll share the ring with Tyson – I’m serious about the game.

‘The best man will always win, it’s not rocket science. One of the main things I’m looking forward to is showing how good I am. People find out when they’re in the ring, but we’ll see. Friday will soon come, I’m looking forward to it and the occasion.’

The lawsuits over Brooklyn and Nicola Peltz Beckham’s lavish wedding have been settled after both parties reached an agreement.

After months of back and forth between the Peltz family and Plan Design – the company hired to plan Brooklyn and Nicola’s lavish 2022 Miami wedding – both parties have come to an agreement.

They said in a statement obtained by PEOPLE: ‘The parties believe that this contract dispute between Nelson Peltz and Plan Design should be resolved on the terms agreed.

‘As part of the settlement, PDE will make a donation in the name of Nicola and Brooklyn to the CARE Ukraine Crisis Fund.

‘PDE wishes Nicola and Brooklyn Peltz Beckham happiness and a fruitful life together.’

Finalised: The lawsuits over Brooklyn and Nicola Peltz Beckham’s lavish wedding have been settled after both parties reached an agreement

Not happy: Wedding planners Nicole Braghin and Arianna Grijalba were left ‘devastated’ earlier this month when billionaire businessman Nelson Peltz launched a lawsuit demanding his $159,000 deposit back

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Nicola’s father Nelson Peltz previously filed a lawsuit against two of the couple’s wedding planners, Plan Design’s Nicole Eichenwald Braghin and Arianna Grijalba, who were hired six weeks before the wedding and let go nine days later.

He claimed he did not get his $159,000 (£132,000) deposit back, and according to his filing, he alleged: ‘During their nine days of negotiations… (they) failed to book a single new wedding vendor, failed to finalise the terms of any agreements with any of the vendors that had previously been selected by Peltz and his family and failed to attend previously scheduled meetings with Peltz.

‘The celebrity of the wedding couple combined with the anticipated attendance of many high-profile guests required that the wedding planner have the expertise and staffing to plan, coordinate and execute a wedding event of the expected caliber and complexity.

‘The guest list included more than five hundred people, including numerous celebrities, athletes, dignitaries and other influential individuals, who travelled from all around the globe to attend.’

However, the wedding planners hit back, with their lawyer telling the Mail On Sunday: ‘My clients have impeccable reputations within the event-planning industry and among their high-end clientele worldwide. They operate their business with the utmost integrity and discretion.

‘The lawsuit that was filed by Nelson Peltz is frivolous and unimpressive. Relevant and complete emails and text messages that address the misleading statements contained in the complaint will be revealed in discovery as part of my clients’ response to the complaint, including in support of the counterclaim they intend to file.’

Wedding planners Nicole Braghin and Arianna Grijalba were left ‘devastated’ when billionaire businessman Nelson Peltz launched a lawsuit demanding his $159,000 deposit back.

Peltz claimed the pair were fired just weeks before the three-day wedding extravaganza at the £76 million family mansion in Palm Beach, Florida, last April because of alleged ‘mistakes’.

Flower girls steal the show at Brooklyn Beckham’s wedding

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Donation: As part of the settlement, the wedding planner will make a donation in the name of Nicola Peltz and Brooklyn Beckham to the CARE Ukraine Crisis Fund

But Braghin and Grijalba hit back calling Peltz a ‘bully billionaire’ and filed a counterclaim in a Miami court for breach of contract and ‘interference’ with a business deal.

They were also suing bride Nicola Peltz Beckham, her mother Claudia, and wedding designer Rishi Patel for damages of at least £41,000 plus costs.

The women’s company, Plan Design Events, was hired in February 2022, just six weeks before the lavish wedding.

More than 500 guests attended, including TV chef Gordon Ramsay, Desperate Housewife Eva Longoria, Victoria’s fellow Spice Girls Mel B and Mel C and David Beckham’s former Manchester United teammate Phil Neville.

The planners agreed to a fee of £264,000, with Peltz paying a deposit of half that amount.

They were taking over from Preston Bailey – an icon in the industry who previously planned Catherine Zeta-Jones’ wedding to Michael Douglas. He said he left by mutual agreement after a year’s work because his schedule was ‘overcommitted’.

But the planners who replaced him claimed things were so chaotic – with multiple guest lists and a bride allegedly ‘too busy’ to speak on the phone – that things went downhill quickly.

Court documents contained hundreds of WhatsApp chat messages texts and emails  which showed guest lists were incomplete, travel arrangements had not been made and even the flowers and cake still needed to be sorted out. Hair and make-up artists and photographers and videographers had also not been confirmed.

Legal action: Nicola’s father Nelson Peltz (centre) previously filed a lawsuit against two of the couple’s wedding planners, who were hired six weeks before the wedding and let go nine days later

Counter mesure: But Braghin and Grijalba hit back calling Peltz a ‘bully billionaire’ and filed a counterclaim in a Miami court for breach of contract and ‘interference’ with a business deal

And when the planners came up with an idea for a wedding band Nicole branded them ‘cheesy’ and only wanted the lead singer.

Braghin and Grijalba claimed they worked 17-hour days to try to cater to their clients’ demands. And while there had already been reports of a fall-out between Nicola and her future mother-in-law because the bride chose to wear a Valentino couture gown rather than a dress from Victoria’s label (a feud Nicola later denied), it was clear, the lawsuit said, that the Peltzes did not want their new in-laws to be aware of the last-minute glitches.

‘Both Claudia and Nicola had insisted that Victoria Beckham could not know about any internal mistakes regarding the ongoing planning of her son’s wedding, including any errors with the guest list’, the court filing stated.

During a meeting on March 1 last year: ‘Nelson said, in front of Braghin and Grijalba, that he wanted to “cancel the wedding” and that it was “a s*** show”, but Claudia begged Nelson not to because it would “destroy Nicola’s career.” ’

While Peltz paid a reported £3 million for the event, the court papers alleged there were some expenses his wife wanted to keep private: ‘It is believed that Nelson Peltz paid more than $100,000 plus travel expenses for Nicola’s hair and make-up services for the wedding. Claudia mentioned to Braghin that Nelson could not know the cost or he would “kill her and be so mad.” ’

Braghin and Grijalba, who have spent 17 years building up their business, revealed Nicola sent them a gushing text the day before they were fired saying: ‘You’re killing it!’

Their lawsuit also included messages from Brooklyn, who they described as ‘a perfect gentleman’, praising them ‘for everything you guys are doing’.

A source told The Mail on Sunday: ‘This lawsuit epitomises the world of the uber-wealthy. These event planners came into a difficult situation, just six weeks before a wedding that was going to get worldwide attention, and put their hearts and souls into it.

‘Nothing ever seemed to be good enough. This shines a light into how the other half live – and it’s not always a pretty picture.’

Victoria Beckham’s fallout with daughter-in-law Nicola Peltz, which has strained her relationship with son Brooklyn, has left her ‘heartbroken’.

The former pop star is concerned over how it will affect her closeness with the photographer-turned-chef, and is said to be ‘distraught and fearful’, Katie Hind reports.

Mrs Beckham has relied on her eldest child for support while her football-playing husband travelled the world, and their relationship has previously been described as ‘inseparable’, according to Mail+.

The cold war began when Nicola Peltz and Mrs Beckham clashed over her wedding dress and the Transformers star accused her new mother-in-law of stealing the limelight at her wedding.

The Beckhams have refused to pay for Brooklyn’s US green card, a source claims, and, most recently, the one-time Spice Girl snubbed her son and daughter-in-law for her new Paris Fashion Week show, says another family insider.

Though the newlywed chef and Transformers actress are happy and fawning over each other, trouble has been brewing between their two houses.

A source who knows Nicola well says that the drama began around her and Brooklyn’s Palm Beach, Florida, wedding – and has only escalated.

As a celebrity designer, many in the fashion world assumed Victoria, 48, would be designing Nicola’s wedding dress. But instead, the bride appeared on the May cover of Vogue in Valentino couture.

Nicola later gave an interview insisting that ditching Victoria’s offer was not designed to be a slight against her new mother-in-law.

‘I was going to and I really wanted to, and then a few months down the line, she realized that her atelier couldn’t do it, so then I had to pick another dress,’ she told Variety last month.

But one insider said Nicola, 27, ‘never’ intended to wear Victoria Beckham at her wedding.

The drama between Nicola Peltz and Victoria Beckham began around Nicola and Brooklyn Beckham’s wedding and has only gotten worse, a source tells DailyMail.com

One insider said Nicola, 27, ‘never’ intended to wear a wedding dress designed by Posh Spice. ‘She was always just gonna let her design something. She was never gonna put that on her,’ the source said. ‘She has too many actually talented designer friends’

A-list guests seen at Brooklyn Beckham’s wedding to Nicola Peltz

Another source said Nicola was considering wearing Posh’s design, but Victoria didn’t tell the Peltzes that her atelier couldn’t make the dress for Nicola until the last minute. Victoria wore her own design to the wedding

Sources close to the families told DailyMail.com that Victoria and David refused to pay for their son Brooklyn’s US green card and instead Peltz’s billionaire father Nelson is footing the bill

‘She was always just going to let her design something. But she was never going put that on her,’ the source said. ‘She has too many actually talented designer friends.

‘It’s like when you have an in-law, and they say they make the best meatballs, you hate meatballs, but you let them cook it anyway. That’s exactly what happened.

‘She was never, ever going to wear it.’

Nicola allegedly stormed out of her wedding after Marc Anthony gushed over Victoria during a speech. ‘It was totally just an ode to Victoria and how awesome she is. Nicola loves to be the center of attention, especially on her wedding day. So this really, really p***ed her off,’ the source said

Another source with knowledge of the dress controversy was led to believe Nicola really was considering wearing her mother-in-law’s design, but was left in the lurch at the ‘last minute.’

‘Valentino was concerned that they didn’t’ have enough time to do the dress because Victoria didn’t tell the Peltzes that her atelier couldn’t make the dress for Nicola until the last minute,’ the second source said.

After the dress drama unfolded, Nicola became offended when David and Victoria’s close friend ​​Marc Anthony gave a gushing speech at her wedding – all about Victoria, according to one insider.

‘It was totally just an ode to Victoria and how awesome she is. Nicola loves to be the center of attention, especially on her wedding day. So this really, really p***ed her off,’ the source said.

‘She stormed off in the middle of her wedding reception with [sister] Brittany and her mom, and was crying her eyes out.’

Another source agreed Nicola was upset during the reception – but said it wasn’t because Anthony was gushing about Victoria.

This insider claimed that Posh Spice stole the newlyweds’ First Dance song for her own mother-son dance moments before Brooklyn and Nicola were meant to two-step in front of their guests.

The First Dance song was Anthony’s ‘You Sang To Me’. The romantic love song includes the lyrics ‘Now I’m crazy for your love’, ‘When I called you late last night you see I was falling into love’ and ‘Girl, I live for how you make me feel’.

A source at the wedding told DailyMail.com: ‘Marc asked Nicola and Brooklyn to pick their favorite song to dedicate to them, and that one was their favorite.’

‘Nicola left the room because she and Brooklyn thought Marc was introducing them for a special dance to a love song the couple had chosen,’ the second source said.

‘But without any warning and at the request of Victoria, Marc switched it to a mother-son dance using the same song.

‘Most of the guests could tell something off had happened. It was uncomfortable for the couple who were thinking it was to be a special moment for them.’

This insider also claimed that Grammy-winning Latin pop star Anthony was paid a handsome sum by the Peltz family to appear and perform with a band, despite his close friendship with David.

A source close to the Peltzes claimed that Nicola was upset over the alleged song-stealing, and not Marc’s speech.

‘Brooklyn and Nicola knew Marc Anthony was close to the Beckhams and would of course be complementary to them in his talk. If Nicola had been concerned about that, her father would not have paid to have Marc Anthony and his band perform,’ the source said.

Marc Anthony, David and Romeo Beckham are seen on a boat in Miami. This insider claimed that Grammy-winning Latin pop star Anthony was paid a handsome sum by the Peltz family to appear and perform with a band, despite his close friendship with David

Brooklyn is relying on Nicola’s father Nelson Peltz to fund his American green card application, after his parents refused to pay, according to the source

The Peltz mansion in Florida is pictured. ‘It’s quite intimidating, the Peltz household. [Brooklyn] is living on the property. They’re living off her dad’s coin’

Before the feud, Nicola told her followers on social media that Victoria was her ‘role model’ in a heartfelt post for her birthday in 2021. Things have since soured

Brooklyn, 23, has been feeling caught in the crossfire, with conflicting loyalties.

‘Brooklyn felt really bad because his mom just didn’t give a s**t. She thinks that Nicky’s a spoiled brat. He felt responsible,’ the source said.

A source said Brooklyn, 23, has been feeling caught in the crossfire, with conflicting loyalties

‘It’s quite intimidating, the Peltz household. He’s living on the property. They’re living off her dad’s coin. And there’s [Peltz patriarch] Nelson’s daughter completely p***ed off and upset on her wedding day, and it was his parents’ fault.’

Brooklyn is even relying on Peltz patronage for funding his American green card application, after his parents refused to pay, according to the source.

‘Nelson is paying for Brooklyn’s visa and all of his legal fees. The Beckhams wouldn’t do it,’ the source claims.

Nicola’s father was overheard coming across his daughter and Brooklyn at their mansion one afternoon, the Beckham son still in his pajamas.

‘He’s a bit sharp with Brooklyn,’ the source said. ‘You could tell Nelson was just a bit p***ed. He was like ”So Brooklyn, what did you do today? Did you get on to your lawyer yet? Your lawyer has been asking me about paperwork. All you gotta do is pick up the phone. I’m paying for the rest.”

‘Nicky said ”Dad, leave him alone, stop it.”

Another  family insider told DailyMail.com that Nelson is in fact ‘extremely fond’ of Brooklyn and ‘treats him like his own son’, adding that he would never chide him.

But the first source, close to Brooklyn and Nicola, said that her family’s largesse and the drama surrounding them has driven a wedge between Brooklyn and his parents.

‘Nicky and Brooklyn are very similar in the fact that they grew up in a big family, who are all up in each other’s business all the time,’ the insider said.

‘I always knew that Brooklyn would have to break away from his family because that’s what happens with the Peltzes. If you become one of the Peltzes, you have to leave behind your whole family in your life. Nothing existed before you met them. They sort of suck you in.’

Another source close to the couple has revealed yet more turmoil.

According to this family friend, Brooklyn and his new wife have been left feeling snubbed after they only discovered Victoria was hosting a show at Paris Fashion Week from a magazine article. ‘People close to Nicky have said that they think it’s because Victoria’s concerned that all of the attention will be on Nicola and Brooklyn, that they’ll steal the thunder of the show,’ a source said

Nicola shared an emotional post in which she candidly opened up about her upbringing. But many believed the cryptic message is another dig amid the ongoing alleged feud she has with her mother-in-law

The actress also told how coming from a large family has made her ‘really tough’ and that they’ve taught her not to allow people to ‘bring her down’

Christian Horner was back in the Bahraini paddock this morning after salacious messages he allegedly sent a female employee came to light on Thursday afternoon.

The 50-year-old husband of former Spice Girl, Geri, vowed to fight on within hours of the scandal deepening.

But during practice on Friday, he left the pit wall to meet with the sport’s bosses.

After a night’s reflection, he is still clinging on at Red Bull, the team he has run for 19 years and led to 13 world championships, and intends to be on the pit wall for qualifying this afternoon ahead of Saturday’s opening grand prix of the season in the Gulf kingdom.

He is also fighting to save his nine-year marriage to Geri, who is said to ‘have had a total meltdown’ at the leak. Mail Sport exclusively revealed on Friday afternoon that his wife landed in Bahrain on Thursday evening in a private jet.

Hundreds of WhatsApp messages, many of a sexual nature, were sent to 149 of Formula One’s key figures, including all Horner’s fellow team principals, via an anonymous account. FIA president Mohammad ben Sulayem, who is due in the paddock today, was also among the recipients and it remains to be seen if the governing body will step into the controversy. They, and owners Formula One Management (FOM), are considering their next steps.

Christian Horner appeared in a relaxed mood on Friday morning, just hours after intimate messages that he allegedly sent to a female employee were leaked

He was seen chatting with his colleagues ahead of Bahrain Grand Prix qualifying later today

His marriage to former Spice Girl Geri Halliwell is believed to be ‘in question’ for the first time Pictured: Halliwell and Horner together at the Monaco Grand Prix last May

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The storm blew up after Horner had been cleared on Wednesday of ‘coercive behaviour’ by an internal inquiry conducted by Red Bull’s parent company in Salzburg.

An option open to the FIA is Article 12.2.1.c of the International Sporting Code, which applies to, ‘Any act prejudicial to the interests of any competition or to the interests of motor sport generally.’

There is also Article 12.2.1.f, which cites: ‘Any words, deeds or writings that have caused moral injury or loss to the FIA, its bodies, its members or its executive officers, and more generally on the interest of motor sport and on the values defended by the FIA.’

Also relevant, if Red Bull refused to co-operate with the FIA over the matter, or declined to hand over the Red Bull inquiry document, is Article 12.2.1.g. It states that ‘any failure to cooperate in an investigation’ will be deemed an offence.

Horner, speaking today to Sky on his way to the garage for third practice, said: ‘I am not going to comment on anonymous speculation from unknown sources.’

Asked what the next step was, he replied: ‘We go racing.’

He then disappeared into the garage to take his seat overlooking the start straight.

This morning Horner had been speaking to a senior FOM figure at the team’s hospitality area.

‘I will not comment on anonymous speculation,’ said Horner in his statement on Thursday after the email landed. ‘But to reiterate I have always denied the allegations.

‘I respected the integrity of the independent investigation and fully cooperated with it every step of the way.

‘It was a thorough and fair investigation conducted by an independent specialist barrister, and it has concluded dismissing the complaint made.

‘I remain fully focused on the start of the season.’

Horner also changed his WhatsApp avatar yesterday. It is no longer the image that appears on the alleged exchanges with the woman in question.

 

Horner’s wife, former Spice Girl Halliwell, had planned to fly out to the Grand Prix taking place in Bahrain this weekend to reunite publicly with Horner, but those close to the former popstar have said it is now ‘highly unlikely’ that she will join him.

Instead the mother-of-two has been left ‘feeling humiliated’ after the messages were spread ‘so widely out there’, a friend added.

Hundreds of intimate WhatsApp exchanges purportedly between Horner and the colleague were released via an anonymous email account.

Geri Halliwell and Christian Horner’s ‘marriage is now in question for the first time’ friends revealed to MailOnline last night. Pictured: The couple at their wedding in 2015

Friends close to the Spice Girl said she is ‘having the meltdown to all meltdowns over the leaks’

Horner and Halliwell in a holiday photograph taken on an unidentified beach over Christmas

READ ALSO: Christian Horner couldn’t do what Geri told him to. He struts around like the cock of the walk. Now this grubby text scandal has left a stain on F1, writes IAN HERBERT

Horner was only cleared by Red Bull’s Salzburg-based parent company – and told he could stay on as team principal of the world-championship on a £8million-a-year-salary – 24 hours before the texts dropped.

Halliwell had told friends that she was ‘relieved and elated’ that the claims against her partner, with whom she shares seven-year-old son Monty, had finally been dropped.

Friends of the ex-Spice Girl told the Mail she thought the scandal had ‘finally gone away’ but have warned the appearance of the intimate messages – to which there are 79 screenshots – could ‘destroy’ her.

One said: ‘All along Christian promised there was nothing in it.’

Another said he now fears for how the star, who has been left mortified at the embarrassing fall out, will be able to comprehend such a public humiliation.

He said: ‘Geri has been living in this happy, happy bubble for so many years now, she thought she had her prince and her knight in shining armour but now this.

‘She thought that it had all gone away, she was delighted and over the moon when she learned Christian had been cleared.

‘Geri was pilloried when she got together with Christian because he had just had another baby with another woman but she has worked hard to rid that image of herself and Christian, and in particular that she is a homewrecker.

Red Bull team principal Christian Horner and Spice Girl Geri Halliwell pose after the F1 Grand Prix of Italy at Autodromo di Monza on September 7, 2014

The couple tied the knot at a star-studded ceremony at St Mary’s Church in Woburn in 2015

Miss Halliwell threw her husband Horner a surprise 50th birthday party in December last year

‘Now it has all come crashing down. The tears stopped when the judgment came in on Wednesday, now they absolutely will have started again.

HORNER PROBE TIMELINE

February 5 – Red Bull Racing’s parent company GmbH confirms Horner is under investigation following an accusation of ‘inappropriate behaviour’. The company says it ‘takes these matters extremely seriously and the investigation will be completed as soon as practically possible’.

February 9 – Horner is questioned by a lawyer for eight hours at a secret London location. There is no immediate resolution.

February 15 – Horner appears at Red Bull’s car launch – his first appearance in public since news of the allegations emerged. He vows to be in his role as Red Bull team principal for the first race of the season, and says: ‘For me, it is business as normal.’

February 18 – F1 makes its first public comment on the matter, calling for Horner’s future to be ‘clarified at the earliest opportunity’.

February 20 – Despite the ongoing investigation, Horner flies to Bahrain for three days of testing ahead of the new season.

February 21 – Horner takes his position on the Red Bull pit wall for the opening day of the test. Rival Mercedes boss Toto Wolff demands transparency from Red Bull’s investigation, and says the controversy is ‘an issue for all of Formula One’.

February 22 – Horner appears in a press conference alongside four other F1 team principals. He refuses to comment on the investigation, but says ‘everybody would like a conclusion as soon as possible’.

February 23 – Red Bull’s triple world champion Max Verstappen says ‘it will be nice for everyone’ when the investigation into Horner is concluded. Horner heads back to England following the conclusion of the test.

February 28 – Red Bull GmbH announces the ‘independent investigation into the allegations made against Mr Horner is complete and Red Bull can confirm that the grievance has been dismissed’, clearing Horner to remain in his position.

February 29 –  Text messages and photographs allegedly sent by Horner to a female employee are leaked, just hours after the Red Bull boss broke his silence on the investigation,

‘This will destroy her. All along Christian promised there was nothing in it.’

One source close to the star said that she ‘wasn’t sure what to believe’ throughout the saga but was determined to get through it with their marriage unscathed.

‘Geri is no fish wife but she finally got the man she wanted and she won’t want to let him go. This could end up being a big dilemma for her,’ the source said.

The tranche of messages were sent to FIA president Mohammad Ben Sulayem and F1 chief executive Stefano Domenicali. All the team principals were copied in, along with star driver Max Verstappen’s father Jos.

Earlier this month Halliwell had briefly unfollowed world champion Verstappen on Instagram after the allegations against Horner first came to light. Sources close to the star said tonight that this was an ’emotional reaction’ which she thought would go unnoticed.

Reigning world champion Verstappen was quizzed ahead of the Bahrain Grand Prix yesterday over whether Red Bull’s probe into Horner had impacted or altered the team’s preparations for the season.

The Dutchman, insisting that his focus has not been altered, replied: ‘It doesn’t. I’m very focused on just the performance of the car and myself.

‘Hopefully it will be resolved very soon. It’s a whole team effort that everyone has to stick together and work to more success, so that’s why it’s important to get everything resolved very soon.

‘(Horner) is very important otherwise he wouldn’t have been in that position for such a long time.’

The intense spotlight on Horner in recent weeks had already started to take a strain on the couple’s home life – which they split between their farmhouse, and stables, in Oxfordshire and a home in North London.

A source close to the pair said last night the last few weeks had been ‘hell for Christian and his family’ and he had always branded the claims as being ‘nuts’.

‘Geri is devastated and has been struggling to eat and sleep. Her family and fellow Spice Girls are worried about her,’ the source said last week ahead of Horner being cleared.

‘I hear Christian is trying to pep her up to stay positive, but she has gone to ground in the way she did after she left the Spice Girls. She’s not speaking to anyone.’

Shortly after the leak yesterday, Horner released a statement which read: ‘I will not comment on anonymous speculation, but to reiterate I have always denied the allegations.

‘I respected the integrity of the independent investigation and fully cooperated with it every step of the way.

‘It was a thorough and fair investigation conducted by an independent specialist barrister, and it has concluded dismissing the complaint made. I remain fully focused on the start of the season.’

The messages came a day after Horner was told he would be cleared of a Red Bull probe into his behaviour

Halliwell and Horner at the Larkhill Royal Artillery Point to Point in Wiltshire on January 27

The Spice Girls star said she is ‘really grateful’ to have Christian Horner as her ‘best friend’

Horner and Halliwell meet then-Prince Charles at a Prince’s Trust event in London in 2019

Announcing its conclusion on Wednesday, the company said: ‘The independent investigation into the allegations made against Mr Horner is complete, and Red Bull can confirm that the grievance has been dismissed.

The complainant has a right of appeal. Red Bull is confident that the investigation has been fair, rigorous and impartial.’

Halliwell and Horner mixed in social circles before they struck up a romance, having first met each other at the Monaco Grand Prix in 2009.

‘[Geri] was a guest of [former CEO of the Formula One Group] Bernie Ecclestone’s in Monaco one year and came down the pit lane,’ Horner previously told The Telegraph. ‘I remember [McLaren boss] Ron Dennis was standing next to me and Eddie Jordan was there as well.

‘She gave Ron a kiss on the cheek, and she gave Eddie a kiss on the cheek. So I thought, ‘OK, I’m on for a kiss on the cheek here!’ And I went to give her one and she shoved her hand out at me.’

Their relationship, however, got off to a rocky start, coming under fire after the Red Bull chief left his long-term partner Beverley Allen six months after she gave birth to their daughter Olivia.

While the couple took a short break to see if Horner could rescue his relationship with the mother of his child, just nine months later he announced his engagement to Ginger Spice in an advertisement in the The Times in 2014.

Christian Horner, pictured with Prince Harry before the Texas Grand Prix in October last year

Ginger Spice and Horner are pictured at the World Premiere of ‘The Moonwalkers’ last December

Christian and Geri’s relationship came under fire after the Formula One boss left his long-term partner Beverley Allen (pictured) six months after the birth of their daughter, Olivia

Halliwell and Horner attend the Gala Dinner for the F1 Grand Prix Of Monaco on May 28, 2023

It said: ‘The engagement is announced between Christian, son of Mr and Mrs G.M. Horner and Geraldine, daughter of the late Mr L.F. Halliwell and Mrs A Parkinson.’

The former Spice Girl and Red Bull boss tied the knot at St Mary’s Church in Woburn, Bedfordshire, in 2015.

Halliwell’s A-line lace bridal gown was designed by British designer Phillipa Lepley.

Her nine-year-old daughter, Bluebell, whom she had with screenwriter Sacha Gervasi in 2005, also attended the wedding.

Guests included Geri’s former Spice Girls co-star Emma Bunton, radio presenter and singer Myleene Klass, and TV presenter Amanda Holden.

Christian’s parents were reportedly left devastated when the sporting professional left Ms Allen to be with the chart-topping star and therefore chose not to see the duo tie the knot.

A source close to the couple previously said: ‘Geri and Christian are disappointed that his parents aren’t coming.’

Horner has headed Red Bull since he was a 31-year-old in 2005. He was then the youngest team principal on the grid, yet is now its longest-serving.

Credits: Imago |
L: Lewis Hamilton R: Michael Schumacher

With Lewis Hamilton moving to Ferrari in 2025, many F1 fans are hoping that the glory days will return to Maranello. As the Briton aims to win an eighth title himself, he will also hope to form a partnership as strong as Michael Schumacher did with the team back in the early 2000s. Schumacher had an extremely successful stint with the Prancing Horse after he got the major figures of his support system from Benetton to work alongside him at Maranello. They included Ross Brawn and Rory Byrne. However, former Ferrari engineer Rob Smedley does not believe that Hamilton can achieve similar success simply by replicating what Schumacher did.

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On the Formula for Success podcast, Eddie Jordan quizzed Smedley about a possible influx of Hamilton‘s entourage from Mercedes to Ferrari. In reply, Smedley explained, “I think you have to be a little bit careful with that game.”

The 50-year-old believes that in the early 2000s, Ferrari were essentially rebuilding themselves. As a result, it made sense for tSchumacher to bring in people he knew and trusted. But with Hamilton, Ferrari are already the closest they’ve been to tasting championship success again.

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With Hamilton set to move to Ferrari in 2025 in a massive $435,000,000 deal, speculations are high about the 39-year-old leading a mass exodus from the team. That being said, one man that Hamilton would definitely want to see move with him to Maranello is his race engineer, Peter ‘Bono’ Bonnington. Bono has been Hamilton’s most trusted ally within the Silver Arrows and many experts believe he will make the switch with the seven-time champion at the end of the year.

Ferrari has already begun poaching Mercedes’ crucial staff

Lewis Hamilton’s deal has opened the floodgates at Mercedes and Ferrari have already started playing their hand at poaching some key members from the Silver Arrows. It is being reported that along with Hamilton, Fred Vasseur has now also secured another crucial signing from the Mercedes camp.

According to reports circulating on X (formerly Twitter), Ferrari has successfully managed to sign Jerome d’Ambrosio. D’Ambrosio is a former F1 driver who currently heads the driver development program at Mercedes.

The report suggests d’Ambrosio “will head up Ferrari’s driver development academy and that d’Ambrosio “has already agreed terms” with Vasseur and will head off to Maranello as soon as a period of gardening leave is over.”

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This would be a big blow for Mercedes as d’Ambrosio was considered to be the next in line to Toto Wolff, if and when the Austrian decided to call it quits as the team principal.

Credits: IMAGO NurPhoto

Lewis Hamilton’s father, Anthony Hamilton, took care of the 39-year-old’s early career management. However, as time passed, Lewis’ relationship with Anthony began to grow sour. As a result, the two mutually agreed to part ways and let Lewis seek guidance from some professionals. Following this change, Lewis has been a happy man and has not faced any turmoil with regards to his management. Now, the seven-time champion wants 26-year-old Max Verstappen to do the same.

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As reported by Autosport, Lewis Hamilton said, “You meet some people who have a great relationship with their parents then you’ve got people that have had bad relationships. So I don’t know about his [Verstappen’s] relationships. But Max is a Grown man, and he’s a champion, and I’m sure he can make his own decisions.” 

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Lewis has seemingly suggested Max to leave his father’s shadow and seek out professional guidance. The British driver made these remarks following Jos Verstappen’s recent involvement in Red Bull’s internal disputes.

In the aftermath of Christian Horner’s Red Bull judgment, Jos publicly accused the British team principal of playing the victim. Moreover, the former F1 driver was also seen having a secret chat with Mercedes team principal Toto Wolff that sparked rumors of there being a possibility that Max may move to Brackley.

Given these off-track actions and remarks, Lewis may have implied to Max that he should make his own judgments and not let other people influence them. While wrapping up, Lewis also noted that a parent’s involvement in a driver’s career makes it hard to make good business decisions.

What was Max Verstappen’s response to his father’s recent remarks?

Soon after Red Bull GmbH concluded their investigation against Christian Horner, Jos Verstappen made some contentious comments. The 52-year-old told the Daily Mail that if Red Bull do not sack Horner, then the “team is in danger of being torn apart“.

When Max Verstappen was asked about the same, the three-time champion preferred to maintain his distance. During his chat with Autosport, the 26-year-old refrained from endorsing his father’s assertion that Red Bull would be jeopardized if Horner continued in his role.

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Additionally, he mentioned that his father has always been an outspoken man and that he is certainly ‘not a liar.’ Max then went on to underline that he didn’t want to take any side since it’s common to have different opinions on how things work in an organization.

The winner of the 55 Grand Prix then finally wrapped up by saying he would rather concentrate on what was going on the track than get too absorbed into this issue.

Credits: IMAGO / PanoramiC

Although Red Bull appears to be winning on the racetrack, their internal affairs are far from tranquil. Following the team’s outstanding performance in Bahrain, there have been rumors that Max Verstappen has a special “Marko Clause” that enables him to exit his Red Bull contract. Verstappen’s current deal expires 4 years later in 2028. However, amid that period, if Marko decides to leave his role as an external advisor, this might also open the door for Verstappen to exit.

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Considering this, when OE24 asked Marko whether Verstappen would be departing Red Bull if he did, the 80-year-old said, “I’ll stick with my “No Comment!” here too.”  Despite being aware of how quickly the narrative changes in F1, Marko refrained from giving any specific answers. However, he did ensure one thing, which was to reveal that ‘there is a great relationship of trust between Max and him.’

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Following the investigation involving Christian Horner, the headlines of Verstappen quitting Red Bull gained attention. Horner was facing accusations of ‘behaving inappropriately’ by a female colleague. After a month-long investigation by Red Bull with an external barrister onboard, they “dismissed” the grievance. However, the circumstances became more complex when a mail including a drive with Horner’s alleged WhatsApp conversation with the female employee was leaked.

Jos Verstappen also received this email, and he now believes that if Horner continues in his present position, the team is going to be ‘torn apart’. Moreover in the thick of this Verstappen Sr. was also seen having a chat with Mercedes boss Toto Wolff. These meetings have rife the speculation that Verstappen might leave the team.

What is the speculation surrounding Max Verstappen’s potential transfer to Mercedes?

There is confusion all around from the abundance of rumors thus far about Max Verstappen’s move to Mercedes. However, ever since the F1 insiders’ revelations about Verstappen’s ‘Marko clause’ surfaced things have become much clearer.  The ‘Marko clause’ reportedly states that if the 80-year-old departs Red Bull Racing, the Dutchman can follow suit.

This clause might result from the Verstappen family’s close relationship with the Austrian. However, the relationship isn’t one-sided, Verstappen has profited from their long association. In 2014, Marko helped the 16-year-old make his F1 debut. The bond was also evident when last year Horner and Marko were reportedly involved in a power struggle, with reports indicating that Verstappen clearly supported Marko.

In addition, Toto Wolff’s recent comments suggesting that contracts or no contracts things can change quickly have further fueled these suspicions. On top of that, former F1 driver Gerhard Berger further fueled the confusion surrounding Verstappen’s Mercedes move rumors.

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During his interview with F1 Insider.com, Berger revealed that Horner may remain in his role and that Adrian Newey and Marko may be leaving Red Bull. Moreover, he also added that Max may subsequently go to Mercedes.

As things stand, the fans are eager to see what might be another huge driver shift in F1 history. The first obviously happened last month with Lewis Hamilton’s move to Ferrari.

Credits: IMAGO / NurPhoto

Despite the continued domination of on-track performances, Red Bull is going through chaos off the track. Amid all the hustle-bustle, speculations over Max Verstappen and his future with the team are running wild. Mercedes, after Jos Verstappen’s meeting with Toto Wolff, has turned out to be the most likely destination for the Dutchman. However, F1 expert Karun Chandhok has a good reason why the sensational move might not happen.

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Speaking ahead of the start of the FP1 session in Jeddah, the former F1 driver said, as quoted by Sky Sports, “Jos [Verstappen]’s first loyalty is going to lie with his son, and ultimately, above everything else, as a father he wants what’s best for Max [Verstappen]. And what’s best for Max is to be in the best car possible, winning lots of world championships and carrying on this journey that he’s on at the moment.”

Citing this reasoning, Chandhok iterated the Mercedes move might not happen. However, the former Lotus driver was quick to highlight the uncertain environment F1 is in currently. Lewis Hamilton announced his impending move to Ferrari in 2025 before the start of the 2024 season. Chandhok quotes that example to reveal how he never anticipated the move.

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The rumors over Verstappen to Mercedes switch did not begin on unfounded grounds, though. During the season opener weekend in Bahrain, the 3-time champion’s father Jos called for Christian Horner’s ouster from Red Bull. Following the scathing accusations, Jos was pictured having a meeting with Mercedes team principal Toto Wolff.

Jos Verstappen won’t attend the Saudi Arabian GP

There are hardly any races on the F1 calendar that Jos Verstappen does not personally attend to support his son. The former Minardi driver attended the Bahrain GP last week but his appearance kicked up a storm. He will, however, miss the second race of the season in Jeddah.

Many see his absence as a sign of protest against Horner, whom he blames for creating a division in the team and “playing the victim”. Planet F1, however, has clarified that Jos is set to participate in Rallye de Hannut, which coincides with the F1 fixture in Saudi Arabia.

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With tensions running high since last week, Max Verstappen issued a weighted response to calm some nerves. The reigning champion refused to take sides in the controversy by reinforcing his commitment to the “performance side” of things in the team. At the same time, he sided with his father, saying, “he is not a liar”, and maintaining how weird it would be for him to pick a side that wasn’t his father’s.