Author: quyen1

  • Christian Horner: Red Bull boss ‘handed Geri ultimatum’ after Max Verstappen crisis talks

    Christian Horner: Red Bull boss ‘handed Geri ultimatum’ after Max Verstappen crisis talks

    Christian Horner is fighting to keep his career at Red Bull with his position as team principal of the F1 team still in serious question.

    The 50-year-old was cleared of inappropriate behaviour following an internal investigation in the build-up to the Bahrain Grand Prix last week after allegations from a female employee. However, messages allegedly sent between Horner and a member of staff at the team were leaked just 24 hours after he had been handed a reprieve.

    Those leaks have only intensified the scrutiny on Horner’s position, despite him insisting he will remain in his post following Red Bull’s one-two in the Formula 1 season opener. Horner, who has protested his innocence throughout, was joined in the paddock by his wife, Geri, at the weekend in a public show of support.

    But The Sun have revealed that Geri has been left ‘frustrated’ after learning that her husband’s accuser is still in place at Red Bull and, therefore, still in touch with Horner. It’s claimed Geri has made it clear that she wants the employee ‘out of the picture’.


    Christian Horner latest: Geri move labelled “a farce” as Max Verstappen ‘calls for FIA investigation’


    Christian Horner facing fresh issues as Red Bull chief denies new claims in 19-page probe
    The source told The Sun: “It’s frustrating for everyone and ridiculous to try to maintain business as usual in the circumstances.

    “Something has to give.”

    It comes with an F1 trade magazine preparing to run a 19-page investigation into the Horner situation. The piece will also document the power struggle at the top of Red Bull Racing to its 5,000 readers. Sources close to Horner have dismissed the piece as ‘full of inaccuracies’

    And the hangover from the investigation into Horner’s conduct has also left the Red Bull chief fighting to keep star racer Max Verstappen on side. The three-time world champion’s father, Jos, has been outspoken on the matter and even called for Horner to leave his position.

    Verstappen Snr said: “There is tension here while he (Horner) remains in position. The team is in danger of being torn apart. 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.”

    Red Bull team principal Christian Horner speaks with Formula 1 world champion Max Verstappen
    Red Bull team principal Christian Horner speaks with Formula 1 world champion Max Verstappen (
    Image:
    Jakub Porzycki/NurPhoto)
    In a bid to iron out escalating tensions with the Verstappen camp, Horner held talks with Verstappen’s manager in Dubai on Monday in a bid to diffuse the escalating tensions following those comments. Senior Red Bull executives were also present at the meeting with Horner and Raymond Vermeulen.

    Neither Jos nor his son were present but F1 sources insist the meeting “went well”, ahead of this weekend’s Saudi Arabia Grand Prix.

    Verstappen Snr has already decided that he will not attend the race in Jeddah after going public against Horner, who he was seen having a heated discussion with in Bahrain.

    The face-to-face meeting comes shortly after it was alleged that Verstappen refused a request from FIA president Mohammed Ben Sulayem to back Horner publicly. Verstappen was reluctant to be drawn on the situation when he was asked post-race on Saturday.

    He said: “From my side, and I think what I can see also from the mechanics and the engineers, we are fully focused on the car and the performance here during the weekend. And that’s how it should be, I think, and that’s what we continue to do, because it’s not our business. We’re not particularly involved in that.

    “And we are here, we are paid to do our job, and that’s what we are doing and that’s also what we love doing. So that’s what we focus on.”

    Horner insisted in Bahrain that he retained the full support of Red Bull, including the company’s majority shareholder, Thai billionaire Chalerm Yoovidhya, who joined Horner and his wife in Bahrain.

    When he was asked if he was confident he would remain in his post for the season, he replied: “Absolutely. Absolutely.”

    He then added: “I have the support of an incredible family, an incredible wife, an incredible team and everybody within that team. And my focus is on going racing, winning races, and doing the best I can.

    “It was a day about starting the season in the best possible way. My focus is on this team, my family, my wife and racing.”

  • “I’m Not So Proud”: Oliver Bearman Responds After Giving Lewis Hamilton a Heart-In-Mouth Moment

    “I’m Not So Proud”: Oliver Bearman Responds After Giving Lewis Hamilton a Heart-In-Mouth Moment

    “I’m Not So Proud”: Oliver Bearman Responds After Giving Lewis Hamilton a Heart-In-Mouth Moment
    Credits: IMAGO / Motorsport Images |
    L: Oliver Bearman R: Lewis Hamilton

    Oliver Bearman’s world would’ve turned upside down in the last 24 hours. After securing a stunning F2 pole position at Jeddah, the British racing sensation got a shock call-up that he would be making his F1 debut for Ferrari while Carlos Sainz recuperated from an appendicitis issue. With only 1 hour of running under his belt during the FP3 session earlier today, Bearman jumped into Qualifying for the very first time in his F1 career. What’s more, he almost outqualified Lewis Hamilton.

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    The #38 driver was en route to a Q3 appearance at his very first attempt. And he was on course to knock Hamilton out in the process. However, a small clip of the wall meant that he missed out on this historic achievement by mere milliseconds, 0.036 seconds to be precise.

    Naturally, he wasn’t too pleased with himself. Formula1.com quoted him as saying, “At the moment, I’m not so proud – the racer in me knows the car was quick enough to be in Q3 but in a couple of days I’ll look back and be proud of my efforts.”

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    That being said, the team themselves have been very proud of the 18-year-old, who became Ferrari’s youngest-ever debutant. Despite his Q2 exit, the Scuderia has refrained from putting any undue pressure on the young racing ace as they aim to have him settled in properly for the Grand Prix on Saturday.

    Fred Vasseur gives his vote of confidence to F1 rookie, Oliver Bearman

    Oliver Bearman merely had three hours notice to process that he was going to set foot in the SF-24. What’s more, a high-speed street circuit, like the Jeddah Corniche track, requires the utmost confidence from a driver. Naturally, Vasseur wants to nurture the young driver and not break him with targets and pressure.

    Vasseur explained, “There is always a difference between doing a very good job in the junior series and to do a job in F1. We don’t have to draw any conclusions now, we have to let him have time to do the job and I won’t put any pressure on him this weekend.”

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    Oliver Bearman would’ve started the F2 feature race from pole if not for Sainz’s illness. Despite this sudden development, the Briton has himself admitted that all he wants to do is ease into the weekend, and the race and try to bring in the best possible result for Ferrari, on his Grand Prix debut.

    It won’t be a straightforward task for Bearman, given he has to do a full Grand Prix distance for the first time in F1 machinery. That too at a fast street circuit in Jeddah with walls too close for any margin of error. As Vasseur said post-qualifying, the aim for the 18-year-old would be to have a “clean race”.

  • Lewis Hamilton Accepts Defeat as Mercedes Fails Him “Three Years in a Row”

    Lewis Hamilton Accepts Defeat as Mercedes Fails Him “Three Years in a Row”

    Lewis Hamilton Accepts Defeat as Mercedes Fails Him “Three Years in a Row”
    Credits: IMAGO / PanoramiC

    Having finished P2 in the constructors’ championship last season, Mercedes hoped to build on the momentum. Resurgence was the no. 1 thing on their mind in 2024, and it looked like they were on the right path. However, the return of one of their worst nightmares has disrupted operations at the Brackley-based team. Much to the surprise of the Mercedes and Lewis Hamilton, porpoising is back to haunt them.

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    Hamilton was quoted by X user Deni as he spoke to the media about the same in Saudi Arabia. He claimed Mercedes have tried every setup change possible but to no avail. While there was also some bouncing in Bahrain, Hamilton claimed it was nowhere near as intense as in Jeddah. Hence, the Silver Arrows need to come up with a way of doing away with the issue as soon as possible.

    “For example Max [Verstappen] is flat through 6, 7, 8 and the balance is just stable. That’s what we’re working towards. We gotta fix it, three years in a row. We gotta get on top of it.”, said Hamilton.

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    Most of the porpoising is apparent to the viewers on long straights. Drivers such as Max Verstappen are seemingly glued to the ground when roaring down the straights. However, the situation is much different for the Mercedes drivers.

    Their car bounces consistently, disturbing the aerodynamic flow of the car. Furthermore, it stops the drivers from putting the pedal to the metal, as it also becomes a risk. Too much porpoising at high speed could also lead to a severe crash.

    No relief for Mercedes and Lewis Hamilton since 2022

    Ever since the latest ground effect regulations have come into effect, Mercedes has had a tough time finding the right setup with their car. Lewis Hamilton has suffered the most as he has failed to win a single race since the start of the 2022 season.

    The primary reason behind a dismal performance in 2022 was the constant porpoising of his car. It gave way to constant and immense back pains for Hamilton. Things got so bad that there were even chances of him missing the 2022 Canadian GP because of back issues. However, it never came to that.

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    Despite several calls from Hamilton to do away with the 2022 concept in 2023, Mercedes did not listen. They opted to stick with the concept, and it ended up with Mercedes struggling once again. Given the same, the Silver Arrows failed to win even a single race all season for the first time in over a decade.

    A new design philosophy in mid-2023 saw Mercedes’ struggles die down a little and allowed them to chase down their competition. However, things are now back to square one, with porpoising once again haunting them.

  • Low on Confidence, Fans Catch Lewis Hamilton Wiping Away Tears As Mercedes Faces Fury

    Low on Confidence, Fans Catch Lewis Hamilton Wiping Away Tears As Mercedes Faces Fury

    Low On Confidence, Fans Catch Lewis Hamilton Wiping Away Tears as Mercedes Faces Fury
    Credits: IMAGO / HochZwei

    After experiencing an engine overheating problem in Bahrain, Lewis Hamilton and Co. were hoping for a better showing at the second race of the season in Jeddah. While George Russell appeared to be in a comfortable position, Lewis Hamilton had trouble with the back of his car during practice and qualifying. However, while speaking to the media about his difficulties, it appeared that the Mercedes maestro was trying to hold back his tears. Now this situation has infuriated the Mercedes fans.

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    At the end of the second practice, Hamilton was four-tenths off Russell’s speed and down in P8. During this time, the Briton was also given a reprimand for impeding Williams’ Logan Sargeant. Following this, when Hamilton talked about his experience with the reporters, he said that he lacked confidence in the rear end of the W-15.

    He said as quoted by Formula1.com, “Yeah, a typical day, just lacking the confidence in the rear of the car. [With] the set-up we did some work session to session, changed quite a bit, but [there was still the] underlying issue with the rear end that I was struggling with.”

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    Hamilton went on to say that he felt better and had begun to regain confidence following the adjustments. However, eventually, the trust vanished in the qualifyings. After talking about his own experience, Hamilton jumped on to share his thoughts on Russell’s performance in Jeddah. The Briton claimed that George was performing admirably and was much more at ease in the W-15,’ similar to the last couple of years.’

    It’s interesting to note that in the midst of all this, there is a video that has gone viral which appears to show Hamilton blinking and possibly wiping away tears. Following this, the F1 Twitter community has seen an enormous influx of comments.

    Lewis Hamilton’s potential wiping of tears prompts Twitter F1 to lash Mercedes

    For the past two years, Lewis Hamilton has not won a single Grand Prix. Despite this, the seven-time champion has never stopped pushing to raise his own and his team’s performance. However, now that Mercedes has let the Briton down again, the fans have started dragging the Silver Arrows to show how deeply disappointed they are. A supporter going by the handle @sirhqmilton has even gone so far as to ask God to take all of Hamilton’s issues and throw them on Toto Wolff.

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    As soon as other fans saw the clip, they jumped in and started criticizing Mercedes for failing to provide Hamilton with a competitive car.

    As things stand, it will be intriguing to watch if Hamilton can use his expertise in the race to go past his starting position (P8).

  • Lewis Hamilton Admits Oliver Bearman Did Something He Could Never Do – “Nowhere Near Ready”

    Lewis Hamilton Admits Oliver Bearman Did Something He Could Never Do – “Nowhere Near Ready”

    Lewis Hamilton Admits Oliver Bearman Did Something He Could Never Do- "Nowhere Near Ready"
    Credits: IMAGO / Motorsport Images |
    L: Oliver Bearman R: Lewis Hamilton

    Carlos Sainz’s unfortunate appendicitis diagnosis paved the way for Oliver Bearman’s F1 debut. The 18-year-old Briton performed exceptionally, despite getting behind the wheel of the SF-24 with just a few hours’ notice. Seeing the same, seven-time world champion Lewis Hamilton was left in awe and admitted he could never do what Bearman did.

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    As reported by Sky Sports Hamilton was very impressed by Bearman’s performance. After qualifying on Friday he recalled how he was competing in Formula 3 at the age of 18. “I was nowhere near ready for Formula 1 at 18,” he said.

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    Bearman nearly knocked Hamilton out in Q2 in Jeddah but was eliminated by just three-hundredths of a second. He will start the race from P11 in a performance commended by almost everyone in the F1 community. Even Carlos Sainz, the driver he replaced, took to his Instagram account to congratulate Bearman on this performance.

    Hamilton, who had an exemplary junior career himself, seems to think that Bearman is miles ahead of where he was at 18. But he also added that “times are different”. This could be an acknowledgment of the fact that today, drivers get ready to compete at a higher level at a relatively young age.

    Oliver Bearman becomes Ferrari’s youngest driver

    At the age of 18, Oliver Bearman became the youngest driver to race for Scuderia Ferrari in its long and glittering history. He will start the Saudi Arabian GP from P11 on the grid and will be hoping to make an impact. Charles Leclerc starts from P2, and Bearman will be hoping to make up as many places as possible.

    Sainz’s surgery could keep him out for six weeks. So, if Bearman impresses the Ferrari higher-ups, he could compete in both the Australian and Japanese GP. This would be a huge opportunity for the F2 driver, who had secured pole for the feeder series’ feature race in Jeddah.

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    Getting praise from Lewis Hamilton will be a huge boost in confidence for the Briton. Already labeled as a star for the future, Bearman’s eyes will surely be on securing an F1 seat soon.

  • Max Verstappen Pulls off an All-Nighter in the Virtual World Ahead of Saudi Arabian GP

    Max Verstappen Pulls off an All-Nighter in the Virtual World Ahead of Saudi Arabian GP

    Max Verstappen Pulls of an All-Nighter in the Virtual World Ahead of Saudi Arabian GP
    Credits: Imago

    Max Verstappen secured the pole position in Jeddah ahead of the Saudi Arabian GP and is widely expected to be the winner. Contrary to drivers wanting to get a good night’s sleep before a big race, Verstappen decided to stay up and play games till the morning. Some would call what Verstappen was doing, a part of his race preparation.

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    Verstappen was playing iRacing and streaming the same. Users on social media were baffled at the Dutchman, who also sounded sick to some. Nini, a user on X, pointed out that Verstappen sounds “like he has a cold”. 

    He was playing the virtual racing game till 4 AM in the morning, which means he effectively pulled off an all-nighter. The Red Bull bosses will be hoping that the three-time world champion got at least a few hours of sleep before reporting to the paddock in the afternoon.

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    Verstappen, however, admitted previously that he uses sim-racing to prepare for races and stay sharp. So Verstappen could have been awake till the morning, warming up for the race in Jeddah.

    Regardless, it doesn’t change the pre-race predictions. Verstappen is still expected to be the winner of the Saudi Arabian GP. Before the Bahrain GP too, Verstappen was playing games late into the night. Still, he dominated the opening round, winning by a 20+ second gap to second-placed Sergio Perez.

    Max Verstappen’s first pole position in Saudi Arabia

    The 2024 Saudi Arabian GP will be the fourth installment of the race in Jeddah. Verstappen lost on the pole in 2021 after colliding with the barriers on his final push lap, and it went to Lewis Hamilton instead. His Red Bull teammate Sergio Perez got P1 in 2022 and 2023.

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    On Friday, however, Verstappen was unstoppable, and he put up a brilliant lap to secure P1. He will start ahead of Ferrari’s Charles Leclerc in P2. Perez meanwhile, will start the race from P3.

    Verstappen has won the Saudi Arabian GP once before, in 2022. That year, he put up a brilliant display, fighting neck to neck with Leclerc, in a battle for the ages. The next year, Perez won the outing, and Verstappen will be hoping for things to go his way again this year.

  • Toto Wolff Ready to Do Handstands For Max Verstappen

    Toto Wolff Ready to Do Handstands For Max Verstappen

    Toto Wolff Ready to Do Handstands For Max Verstappen
    Credits: Imago

    There has been immense unrest within the Red Bull camp in the last two months. Stemming from the same, rumors claim Max Verstappen might soon be headed away from Red Bull, especially given there is a vacancy at Mercedes. Speaking about the same in a report by Independent.co.uk, Toto Wolff reveals he would love to have the Dutchman on board his team.

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    Talking about the possibility of the move, Wolff said that the team needs to improve their car before he can have Verstappen in Mercedes. They need good equipment before dreaming about what their future can be. Wolff added each team on the grid would be willing to do handstands for the possibility of signing the 3X reigning world champion.

    “Let’s word it like this. It is a decision that Max [Verstappen] needs to take and there is no team up and down the grid who wouldn’t do handstands to have him in their car.”

    Helmut Marko has recently become the latest Red Bull entity to go under investigation. Should the findings of the investigation be against him, there are strong chances that the team will suspend him. However, things will not be too straightforward should it happen. Max Verstappen has all but ensured his departure from the Red Bull camp should Marko leave. Reports suggest there is a clause in Verstappen’s contract that allows him to terminate the same should there be significant changes in the management structure.

    Christian Horner has his say on the future of Max Verstappen

    As a string of controversies haunted Red Bull, rumors around Verstappen‘s departure escalated quickly. Some even suggested Jos Verstappen held talks with Toto Wolff to discuss the move. Addressing the same, Helmut Marko failed to deny the claims. His “no comments” stance added a layer of intrigue to their entire episode. However, Christian Horner is convinced that Verstappen is going nowhere. Despite the Dutchman not explicitly accepting the same as of late, Horner is confident Verstappen will honor the entirety of his current contract.

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    Speaking further, Horner said that Verstappen has a great team around him and has faith in them. All of Verstappen’s F1 wins and podiums have come with Red Bull. Having achieved so much together, Horner is certain Verstappen will see out his contract with Red Bull. Furthermore, signs are very promising that the current stats will only go up. Verstappen has already won the first two races of the season, and no other driver is even close to his pace. As such, there are also some doubts as to why Verstappen would want to leave such a dominant car.

  • Victoria Beckham is every inch the grafter as she undergoes dress fittings while David plugs eyewear… as the designer’s brand FINALLY turns a profit

    Victoria Beckham is every inch the grafter as she undergoes dress fittings while David plugs eyewear… as the designer’s brand FINALLY turns a profit

    Victoria Beckham can proudly say her once-floundering fashion brand is turning a handsome profit.

    And on Thursday, the former pop star was proudly putting herself to work as she documented a dress fitting on Instagram – proving to be her own best advertisement in a sizzling black gown with a knot at the hip.

    She was feeling snap happy during the shoot as she popped her hip while showcasing newly darkened hair and a dramatic smouldering eyeshadow.

    While Victoria was working on her collections, David cemented the family’s grafter status as he too was on the promo trail with his eponymous eyewear collection.

    Taking to Instagram, the footballer smouldered while pretending to read a book with a pair of trendy hexagonal frames along with an open-necked linen shirt.

    Victoria Beckham can proudly say her once-floundering fashion brand is turning a handsome profit and on Thursday, the former pop star was proudly putting herself to work as she documented a dress fitting on Instagram

    Victoria Beckham can proudly say her once-floundering fashion brand is turning a handsome profit and on Thursday, the former pop star was proudly putting herself to work as she documented a dress fitting on Instagram

    She was feeling snap happy during the shoot as she popped her hip while showcasing newly darkened hair and a dramatic smouldering eyeshadow

    She was feeling snap happy during the shoot as she popped her hip while showcasing newly darkened hair and a dramatic smouldering eyeshadow

    While Victoria was working on her collections, David cemented the family's grafter status as he too was on the promo trail with his eponymous eyewear collection

    While Victoria was working on her collections, David cemented the family’s grafter status as he too was on the promo trail with his eponymous eyewear collection

    Earlier in the week, Victoria added to her long list of cover-shoots on Wednesday by featuring in a new fashion spread for the Financial Times HTSI magazine.

    The former Spice Girl was chosen as cover star for the weekly lifestyle supplement while discussing the future of her VB fashion and beauty empire, which registered a profit last year after a series of financial shortfalls.

    Dressed in an oversized sweater and polished brogue shoes, Victoria, 49, sits cross-legged as she gazes off-camera in a shot taken by photographer Nathaniel Goldberg.

    Referencing her brand’s resurgence in an accompanying caption, she wrote: ‘Such a pleasure speaking on all things Victoria Beckham fashion and beauty! I’m so proud of where we are today… On newsstands and online this Saturday!’

    In October the designer told Vogue France her self-titled brand has finally made a profit, some 15-years after launching her own fashion label.

    Earlier in the week, Victoria added to her long list of cover-shoots on Wednesday by featuring in a new fashion spread for the Financial Times HTSI magazine

    Earlier in the week, Victoria added to her long list of cover-shoots on Wednesday by featuring in a new fashion spread for the Financial Times HTSI magazine

    ‘This is just the beginning. I have lots of ambitions, and I work hard to achieve my goals. I never wait for things to just fall into my lap,’ she said.

    ‘It’s such an exciting time. This year, we made a profit! This takes time, especially for an independent brand. My perfume isn’t a license – I own it.

    ‘Now that I have laid down the groundwork for the house, the real work can begin.’

    In an interview with industry bible Women’s Wear Daily (WWD) in March to celebrate the news, her brand’s investor, David Belhassen, shone a rare spotlight on the inner workings of Victoria’s empire.

    He said revenues were up by a huge 42 per cent to £58 million — and predicted that when the business filed accounts for the 2022 financial year in December, the former Spice Girl would make her many critics eat their words.

    In January 2023, accounts for Victoria Beckham Holdings Ltd revealed losses of £5,887,036 in 2021, down from £8,581,944 in 2020.

    The figure meant overall losses for the firm stood at £66.3m since its launch in 2008 and directors of the firm – including Victoria and her husband David – were not paid a dividend.

    The luxury fashion business has expanded to Europe and the Middle East, with the annual accounts saying the brand was also expanding into new products, with the launch of leather goods and the VB Body range.

    In October the designer told Vogue France her self-titled brand has finally made a profit, some 15-years after launching her own fashion label

    In October the designer told Vogue France her self-titled brand has finally made a profit, some 15-years after launching her own fashion label

    'This is just the beginning. I have lots of ambitions, and I work hard to achieve my goals. I never wait for things to just fall into my lap,' said Victoria (pictured at Paris Fashion Week in 2023)

    ‘This is just the beginning. I have lots of ambitions, and I work hard to achieve my goals. I never wait for things to just fall into my lap,’ said Victoria (pictured at Paris Fashion Week in 2023)

    Despite big losses, the Beckham’s global empire has reportedly doubled its profits.

    Annual accounts filed with Companies House in London showed the pair made £11.6m in the year ending December 2020 despite the pandemic – compared to £4.5m in 2019.

    In accounts submitted in 2021, auditors warned of ‘significant doubt’ about Victoria’s fashion company’s ability to continue operating when it was reported the company had racked up debts of more than £46million since it launched.

    Friends of the star said at the time Victoria was determined to continue with her company even though her detractors have dismissed it as a vanity project.

    One said: ‘This is what gives Victoria her identity, she loves it and despite its obvious obstacles, she is a grafter and hugely passionate about it.’

    Victoria Beckham debuts soft pink gown previously worn by Kim K

    The fashion label, which has a flagship store in Mayfair (pictured), filed a loss of £12.2million in 2018, £4.6million in 2017 and a £8.4million loss in 2016

    The fashion label, which has a flagship store in Mayfair (pictured), filed a loss of £12.2million in 2018, £4.6million in 2017 and a £8.4million loss in 2016

    In February 2021, it emerged that Posh’s beauty range she set up in 2019 had suffered a loss of £4.7 million.

    A spokeswoman for Victoria said: ‘Whilst 2019 was a challenging year, the business halved its losses – a significant step in the road to profitability. The launch of the hugely successful beauty line in the same year helped drive overall revenues up 7% on 2018 and both businesses are focussed on profitable growth.

    ‘The showcase of the recent AW21 fashion collection has been well-received by fashion critics and the beauty business has seen multiple sell-out products in recent months.’

    The fashion label, which has a flagship store in Mayfair, London and sells items such as coats for up to £2,900 each, filed a loss of £12.2million in 2018, £4.6million in 2017 and a £8.4million loss in 2016.

  • Victoria Beckham gives a glimpse at her midriff in chic trouser suit as she’s joined by Helena Christensen and Katie Holmes at launch of designer’s £23,750 Breitling watch collection

    Victoria Beckham gives a glimpse at her midriff in chic trouser suit as she’s joined by Helena Christensen and Katie Holmes at launch of designer’s £23,750 Breitling watch collection

     Victoria Beckham was the epitome of chic as she stepped out to the launch celebration of her collaboration with luxury watch brand Breitling in New York City on Friday.

    The fashion designer, 49, gave a glimpse of her midriff in a sheer black top with a plunging neckline at the Indochine restaurant.

    Victoria was joined by Helena Christensen, 55, and Katie Holmes, 45, for the launch of her Breitling Chronomat 36 Victoria Beckham Collection, with prices that range from £4,700 to £23,750.

    Posh complemented the look with a pair of flared trousers and posed while casually standing with her hands in her pockets.

    Helena, meanwhile, wore a snow white satin dress with ruched short sleeves and an asymmetrical hem.

    Victoria Beckham showed off her chic sense of style as she stepped out to the Breitling x Victoria Beckham launch celebration for the Breitling Chronomat 36 Victoria Beckham Collection at the Indochine restaurant in New York City on Friday

    She was joined by Helena Christensen...

    ...and Katie Holmes

    Victoria Beckham (left) Helena Christensen (centre) and Katie Holmes (right) showed off their chic senses of style at the Breitling x Victoria Beckham launch celebration on Friday

    She wore a pair of flared trousers and posed while casually standing with her hands in her pockets

    She wore a pair of flared trousers and posed while casually standing with her hands in her pockets

    The garment reached down to her ankles and she carried a white handbag with her to match the dress.

    Danish designer Helena completed her look by opting for some black heels for the event.

    Meanwhile, Katie put on a leggy display as she posed in a black and white dress which featured cut out detail to the front and a ruffled mini skirt.

    A length of material hung down to the front and she wore a black jacket to match the rest of her ensemble.

    The actress added a few inches to her stature by wearing some black heels. Katie was seen posing alongside former Spice Girl Victoria as well as some of the other guests at the event.

    Victoria has teamed up with luxury Swiss watchmaker Breitling to produce her first ever watch offering called The Victoria Beckham Collection.

    The line features six styles of Breitling’s modern-retro inspired Chronomat 36 design.

    Only 1,500 pieces are being made, with the watch faces being coloured in the shares from Victoria’s Spring Summer 2024 collection including peppermint, midnight blue, dove gray, and sand, with a subtle inclusion of discreet Victoria Beckham and VB logos.

    Katie put on a leggy display as she posed in a black and white dress which featured cut out detail to the front and a ruffled mini skirt

    Katie put on a leggy display as she posed in a black and white dress which featured cut out detail to the front and a ruffled mini skirt

    Model Helena, 55, wore a snow white satin dress with ruched short sleeves and an asymmetrical hem

    Model Helena, 55, wore a snow white satin dress with ruched short sleeves and an asymmetrical hem

    The former Spice Girl was seen alongside Katie as well as some of the other guests at the event (L-R: Katie, Victoria and CEO of Swiss watchmaker Breitling Georges Kern)

    The former Spice Girl was seen alongside Katie as well as some of the other guests at the event (L-R: Katie, Victoria and CEO of Swiss watchmaker Breitling Georges Kern)

    Victoria has teamed up with luxury Swiss watchmaker Breitling to produce her first ever watch offering called The Victoria Beckham Collection (L-R: Katie, Victoria, ballet dancer Misty Copeland and Georges)

    Victoria has teamed up with luxury Swiss watchmaker Breitling to produce her first ever watch offering called The Victoria Beckham Collection (L-R: Katie, Victoria, ballet dancer Misty Copeland and Georges)

    The line features six styles of Breitling's modern-retro inspired Chronomat 36 design. Prices range from £4,700 to £23,750 (L-R: model Annemary Aderibigbe and Victoria)

    The line features six styles of Breitling’s modern-retro inspired Chronomat 36 design. Prices range from £4,700 to £23,750 (L-R: model Annemary Aderibigbe and Victoria)

    Victoria has jetted to the Big Apple in time for New York Fashion Week, which kicks off on February 9.

    The fashion designer can proudly say her once-floundering brand is turning a handsome profit.

    In October the designer told Vogue France her self-titled brand has finally made a profit, some 15-years after launching her own fashion label.

    ‘This is just the beginning. I have lots of ambitions, and I work hard to achieve my goals. I never wait for things to just fall into my lap,’ she said.

    ‘It’s such an exciting time. This year, we made a profit! This takes time, especially for an independent brand. My perfume isn’t a license – I own it.

    ‘Now that I have laid down the groundwork for the house, the real work can begin.’

    In an interview with industry bible Women’s Wear Daily (WWD) in March to celebrate the news, her brand’s investor, David Belhassen, shone a rare spotlight on the inner workings of Victoria’s empire.

    Only 1,500 pieces are being made, with the watch faces being coloured in the shares from Victoria's Spring Summer 2024 collection (L-R: Influencer Isabela Grutman and Victoria)

    Only 1,500 pieces are being made, with the watch faces being coloured in the shares from Victoria’s Spring Summer 2024 collection (L-R: Influencer Isabela Grutman and Victoria)

    Victoria and Helena posed for a selfie at their table

    Victoria and Helena posed for a selfie at their table

    The fashion designer also shared a fun snap with Isabella (centre) and

    The fashion designer also shared a fun snap with Isabella (centre) and

    He said revenues were up by a huge 42 per cent to £58 million — and predicted that when the business filed accounts for the 2022 financial year in December, the former Spice Girl would make her many critics eat their words.

    In January 2023, accounts for Victoria Beckham Holdings Ltd revealed losses of £5,887,036 in 2021, down from £8,581,944 in 2020.

    The figure meant overall losses for the firm stood at £66.3m since its launch in 2008 and directors of the firm – including Victoria and her husband David – were not paid a dividend.

    The luxury fashion business has expanded to Europe and the Middle East, with the annual accounts saying the brand was also expanding into new products, with the launch of leather goods and the VB Body range.

    Despite big losses, the Beckham’s global empire has reportedly doubled its profits.

    American fashion designer and businesswoman Jenna Lyons looked stylish in a beige trouser suit for the event

    American fashion designer and businesswoman Jenna Lyons looked stylish in a beige trouser suit for the event

    David Beckham and Victoria Beckham star in first Superbowl advert

    Annual accounts filed with Companies House in London showed the pair made £11.6m in the year ending December 2020 despite the pandemic – compared to £4.5m in 2019.

    In accounts submitted in 2021, auditors warned of ‘significant doubt’ about Victoria’s fashion company’s ability to continue operating when it was reported the company had racked up debts of more than £46million since it launched.

    Friends of the star said at the time Victoria was determined to continue with her company even though her detractors have dismissed it as a vanity project.

    One said: ‘This is what gives Victoria her identity, she loves it and despite its obvious obstacles, she is a grafter and hugely passionate about it.’

  • Nicola Peltz cozies up to mother-in-law Victoria Beckham at star-studded Lola premiere – after resolving THAT wedding dress ‘feud’

    Nicola Peltz cozies up to mother-in-law Victoria Beckham at star-studded Lola premiere – after resolving THAT wedding dress ‘feud’

    Nicola Peltz Beckham cozied up to her mother-in-law, Victoria Beckham, at the star-studded Lola premiere in Los Angeles on Saturday at the Regency Bruin Theatre.

    The Bates Motel actress, 29 – who recently resolved a ‘feud’ with the fashion designer, 49, over that wedding dress drama – joined other celebrities at the event, including husband Brooklyn and BFF Selena Gomez.

    Peltz made a milestone by making her directorial debut with the upcoming drama titled, Lola – which is slated to be released on February 9.

    After their reconciliation, Nicola and Victoria brushed aside the past and paused for an assortment of snaps together while both wearing outfits from the Victoria Beckham collection.

    The budding star affectionately draped her right arm over her mother-in-law’s shoulder, and Victoria was seen grabbing hold of her hand with her own.

    Victoria also wrote a sweet message on Instagram: ‘we could not be more proud of you! Congratulations on your incredible film, Lola. officially in theatres February 9th! Kisses xx’

    Nicola Peltz cosies up to mother-in-law Victoria Beckham at premiere

    Nicola Peltz Beckham, 29, cozied up to her mother-in-law, Victoria Beckham, 49, at the star-studded Lola premiere in Los Angeles on Saturday at the Regency Bruin Theatre

    Nicola Peltz Beckham, 29, cozied up to her mother-in-law, Victoria Beckham, 49, at the star-studded Lola premiere in Los Angeles on Saturday at the Regency Bruin Theatre

    After their reconciliation, Nicola and Victoria brushed aside the past and paused for an assortment of snaps together while posing up a storm together on the pink carpet

    After their reconciliation, Nicola and Victoria brushed aside the past and paused for an assortment of snaps together while posing up a storm together on the pink carpet

    Victoria also wrote a sweet message on Instagram: 'we could not be more proud of you! Congratulations on your incredible film, Lola. officially in theatres February 9th! Kisses xx'

    Victoria also wrote a sweet message on Instagram: ‘we could not be more proud of you! Congratulations on your incredible film, Lola. officially in theatres February 9th! Kisses xx’

     The stylish pair were also dressed to impress for the special evening, with Nicola donning a white, corset top that had thick straps that wrapped around her shoulders.

    She also wore a pair of low-waisted, white trousers and slipped into a pair of white shoes that were partially concealed by the hem of the pants.

    The beauty opted for minimal accessories to allow the outfit to be the main focal point, and donned a mini ear cuff as well as a few rings that offered a flashy flare.

    Her locks were parted in the middle and pulled back into a chic up do, preventing any loose strands from falling onto her face.

    Peltz opted for a classical makeup look, which comprised of a layer of mascara to her lashes as well as a gold, shimmering shadow around her eyes.

    A light pink blush was added to her cheekbones for a radiant glow, while a nude-colored, matte tint was worn on her lips for a finishing touch.

    Victoria also made a statement of her own wearing a pair of dark navy slacks that contained a black trim on the sides.

    The star – who is currently married to David Beckham – also opted to wear a matching, double-breasted blazer which was secured with a button at the front.

    Victoria Beckham stuns as she arrives at Lola premiere in LA

    The budding star affectionately draped her right arm over her mother-in-law's shoulder, and Victoria was seen grabbing hold of her hand with her own

    The budding star affectionately draped her right arm over her mother-in-law’s shoulder, and Victoria was seen grabbing hold of her hand with her own

    The stylish pair were also dressed to impress for the special evening, with Nicola donning a white, corset top that had thick straps that wrapped around her shoulders and also wore a pair of low-waisted, white trousers

    The stylish pair were also dressed to impress for the special evening, with Nicola donning a white, corset top that had thick straps that wrapped around her shoulders and also wore a pair of low-waisted, white trousers

    She also wore a pair of low-waisted, white trousers and slipped into a pair of white shoes that were partially concealed by the hem of the pants

    She also wore a pair of low-waisted, white trousers and slipped into a pair of white shoes that were partially concealed by the hem of the pants

    The beauty opted for minimal accessories to allow the outfit to be the main focal point, and donned a mini ear cuff as well as a few rings that offered a flashy flare

    The beauty opted for minimal accessories to allow the outfit to be the main focal point, and donned a mini ear cuff as well as a few rings that offered a flashy flare

    Victoria also made a statement of her own wearing a pair of dark navy slacks that contained a black trim on the sides

    Victoria also made a statement of her own wearing a pair of dark navy slacks that contained a black trim on the sides

    The star - who is currently married to David Beckham - also opted to wear a matching, double-breasted blazer which was secured with a button at the front

    The star – who is currently married to David Beckham – also opted to wear a matching, double-breasted blazer which was secured with a button at the front

    Victoria Beckham and Nicola Peltz-Beckham bond during family vacation

    The designer slipped into a pair of closed-toed, black heels to coincide with the color scheme of the look, while also wearing dainty, gold anklets.

    She further accessorized the ensemble for the premiere by wearing a silver bracelet on her right wrist, as well as a gold watch on her other wrist.

    Her long, brunette locks were parted in the middle, and effortlessly flowed down past her shoulders in light waves.

    After pausing for a few solo pictures upon arriving to the venue, the Spice Girls singer also held a small smile as she celebrated her daughter-in-law’s new film.

    Nicola was alo accompanied by her husband, Brooklyn Beckham – whom she tied the knot with in 2022.

    He was dapper in a classic, black suit and chose to not wear a dress shirt underneath the blazer. The model completed the outfit by donning a pair of sleek, black shoes.

    The lovebirds also took time to pose for a quick photo session, and at one point, were seen sharing sweet gazes towards each other.

    The screening comes shortly after it was revealed late last month that both Victoria and Nicola put their differences aside and made up over $2-per-pop vodka cocktails and Sunday afternoons playing Peltz’s favorite memory game named Fish Bowl.

    Nicola was also accompanied by her husband, Brooklyn Beckham - whom she tied the knot with in 2022

    Nicola was also accompanied by her husband, Brooklyn Beckham – whom she tied the knot with in 2022

    He was dapper in a classic, black suit and chose to not wear a dress shirt underneath the blazer. The model completed the outfit by donning a pair of sleek, black shoes

    He was dapper in a classic, black suit and chose to not wear a dress shirt underneath the blazer. The model completed the outfit by donning a pair of sleek, black shoes

    The aspiring chef, 24, and the actress, 29, put on a loved-up display at the star-studded event held at the Regency Bruin Theatre in California

    The aspiring chef, 24, and the actress, 29, put on a loved-up display at the star-studded event held at the Regency Bruin Theatre in California

    While the couple's best pal Selena Gomez also made an appearance in a plunging chic trouser suit

    While the couple’s best pal Selena Gomez also made an appearance in a plunging chic trouser suit

    She also had the support of Brooklyn's younger brother Cruz

    She also had the support of Brooklyn’s younger brother Cruz

    Victoria and Nicola looked closer than ever at the event

    Victoria and Nicola looked closer than ever at the event

    The screening comes shortly after it was revealed late last month that both Victoria and Nicola put their differences aside and made up over $2-per-pop vodka cocktails and Sunday afternoons playing Peltz's favorite memory game named Fish Bowl

    The screening comes shortly after it was revealed late last month that both Victoria and Nicola put their differences aside and made up over $2-per-pop vodka cocktails and Sunday afternoons playing Peltz’s favorite memory game named Fish Bowl

    Sources say they are now closer than ever thanks to spending Sunday afternoons giggling together over the 5.5 per cent proof tipple which contains 196 calories per serving

     Sources say they are now closer than ever thanks to spending Sunday afternoons giggling together over the 5.5 per cent proof tipple which contains 196 calories per serving

    Sources say they are now closer than ever thanks to spending Sunday afternoons giggling together over the 5.5 per cent proof tipple which contains 196 calories per serving.

    Speaking for the first time about his mom and wife’s new close relationship, Brooklyn says they bonded over drinking cans of Vodka Snapper which is a mix of the spirit and fruit flavored iced tea.

    ‘We love Sunday roasts. Me and my dad share a bottle of wine. My mum and Nicola share vodka Snapple,’ he revealed.

    ‘We don’t really watch TV – we just talk and just have fun. It’s just about being in the moment, having a drink, eating food and enjoying each other’s company.’

    ‘We sometimes play games. My wife introduced my family to this game called Fish Bowl which we love to play at gatherings.’

    ‘My mum and dad really like it, we played it a couple of weeks ago when we were together.’ Brooklyn is said to be ‘thrilled and relieved’ that his beloved mother, who turns 50 in April and wife have buried the hatchet.

    One source says that ‘time was a great healer’ but now the two women are ‘super close.’

    Speaking of how they are now all friends, Brooklyn adds in an interview with Grazia magazine: ‘Me and my family are really close, and my wife and her family are really close.’

    Speaking for the first time about his mom and wife's new close relationship, Brooklyn says they bonded over drinking cans of Vodka Snapper which is a mix of the spirit and fruit flavored iced tea

    Speaking for the first time about his mom and wife’s new close relationship, Brooklyn says they bonded over drinking cans of Vodka Snapper which is a mix of the spirit and fruit flavored iced tea

    Speaking of how they are now all friends, Brooklyn adds in an interview with Grazia magazine: 'Me and my family are really close, and my wife and her family are really close'

    Speaking of how they are now all friends, Brooklyn adds in an interview with Grazia magazine: ‘Me and my family are really close, and my wife and her family are really close’

    ‘Mine are in between London and Miami, which is really good. Thank God for the football team, so I get to see them as much as I can. We travel over to London sometimes, they come out here [to LA] and we sometimes meet in Miami.’

    Beckham and Peltz fell out after the actress assumed that her mother-in-law-to-be would be designing her wedding dress but she did not have the time to do so.

    Instead, the bride wore Valentino and later 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 said.

    However, the past is now behind the family and they are now celebrating Nicola’s new milestone by making her directorial debut with the film titled, Lola.

    She also wrote the screenplay and took on a leading role in the project, which took nearly six years to make.

    The premise is, per IMDB, ‘Lola James works to save enough money to get her little brother, Arlo, out of their toxic home. Arlo keeps her hopeful, until one tragic night, when her whole world gets uprooted. From that moment on, nothing will ever be the same.’

    However, Nicola – who is an heiress – has received backlash for making a film about a poverty-stricken 19-year-old. She has also been criticized for unfairly using her elite background to get her pet project made.

    A trailer was released online last week, triggering a fierce backlash.

    Watch the heartbreaking trailer for Nicola Peltz Beckham’s Lola

    However, the past is now behind the family and they are now celebrating Nicola's new milestone by making her directorial debut with the film titled, Lola, which she also wrote and starred; seen in December 2023 in L.A.

    However, the past is now behind the family and they are now celebrating Nicola’s new milestone by making her directorial debut with the film titled, Lola, which she also wrote and starred; seen in December 2023 in L.A.

    One user posted on Instagram: ‘I wish rich people like yourself would stay away from trying to tell stories like this… You have no idea what this character’s reality is like.

    ‘I find it offensive to the working-class women who are truly living this reality that have to see a billionaire indulge themselves into a dream acting role.’

    Another wrote: ‘This project was funded through privilege.’ People on X, formerly Twitter, were just as scathing, with one calling it ‘poverty porn… just an escalating series of the worst clichés imaginable.’

    For Lola, she managed to secure the services of 28-time Grammy-winning producer Quincy Jones, the man behind Michael Jackson’s Thriller album, to help with the soundtrack.