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Earlier this week, Catherine Middleton, the Princess of Wales, revealed the shocking news that she has cancer, which explained her absence from the public eye for the last few weeks. Upon hearing this concerning news, British F1 driver George Russell sent the Princess his best wishes.

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The Princess of Wales spoke about her illness in a video published on X (formerly Twitter). She let the world know that she has been away from the cameras to be close to her family, undergo treatment and expects everyone to respect their privacy.

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Ahead of the Australian GP in Melbourne, Russell posted a story on his Instagram handle with the caption, “Wishing you and the family the very best.”

The news is particularly disturbing because Middleton is not the only member of the Royal Family who is ill with cancer. His Majesty King Charles is also suffering from cancer, and his health remains fragile. The Princess’ revealed that she got to know about her cancer following the abdominal surgery she underwent back in January.

Like the king, 42-year-old Kate Middleton did not disclose what kind of cancer she has.

British Royal Family’s connection to sports

It appears that the British Royal family has an affinity for sports-related hobbies. For example, we’ve witnessed Princess Catherine Middleton and Prince William attend many sports matches in the past.

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The Late Queen Elizabeth II was a fan of motorsports, and congratulated Lewis Hamilton after he won his seventh-world championship in Turkey in 2020. Princess Kate and Prince William themselves are big fans of motorsports. A few years ago, they took part in a reaction test, which F1 drivers take part in, to work on their reflexes.

Catherine’s cancer revelation came as a shock, not just to the athletes of Britain, but to everyone. Aside from George Russell, several athletes and well-wishers from around the world sent their best wishes to her, hoping for a quick recovery.

GERI Horner and Christian Horner cuddled up during the podium celebrations at the Saudi Arabia Grand Prix in another public show of unity.

Geri, 51, stood by the 50-year-old Red Bull Racing chief in his team’s hospitality suite before the Saudi Arabian Grand Prix in Jeddah.

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Christian Horner and Geri in Jeddah this eveningCredit: Reuters

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The couple put on a united front ahead of the Saudi Arabian Grand PrixCredit: AP

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Oracle Red Bull Racing Team Principal Christian Horner and wife Geri talk today in the Paddock during the Saudi F1 Grand PrixCredit: Getty

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The pair continue to put on a united frontCredit: Getty

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Geri Halliwell looks on in the Paddock today before the Saudi Arabia F1 Grand PrixCredit: Getty

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The Spice girl enters the Red Bull hospitality suite at Jeddah Corniche CircuitCredit: Getty
And the pair were seen locked around each other as Red Bull celebrated a 1-2 podium finish on Saturday evening.

But her second public show of support in a week was dented by another jibe from Red Bull world champ Max Verstappen’s dad Jos, who repeated calls for Horner’s head.

And he twisted the knife by revealing he supports the unidentified team employee suspended after accusing her boss and sending hundreds of “sexually suggestive” texts.

Geri appeared red-eyed last week when she was pictured kissing her husband and holding hands as they walked through the F1 paddock at the Bahrain Grand Prix.

But she was much more composed yesterday as she appeared at the trackside wearing a long-sleeved white dress in keeping with Saudi Arabia’s strict religious dress code.

The pop icon was seen greeting several Red Bull staff preparing for the evening race before stepping into the team’s luxury motorhome.

She also appeared relaxed and smiled alongside her tracksuited husband as they took tea in his team’s trailer.

Trendsetter Geri has worn almost exclusively white outfits over the past five years but the modest ensemble she sported yesterday drew comparisons to Star Wars’ Princess Leia.

Insiders said she had spent time relaxing in Dubai prior to yesterday’s F1 event and was in a better frame of mind than in Bahrain, when the Red Bull “sext bomb” had just dropped.

A source close to the couple said: “They want the world to see they’re still very much a couple and that it’s business as usual for Red Bull.

“It’s been tough but Geri has been a rock for Christian through all this and he has spoken out about how much that means to him.

“There was no question of her staying away from Saudi – that would have sent entirely the wrong message.”

Geri was also buoyed by a public show of solidarity from ex-bandmate Melanie Brown – the Spice Girls’ “Mel B” as she fought to calm her marriage crisis.

Melanie, 48, said it had been “horrible” to see her suffer and that she, Mel C, Emma Bunton, and Victoria Beckham would “take a bullet” for their friend.

She added: “Between the four of us we’ve all been messaging her, I sent a message to her earlier. I just feel for her, and… oh my God. I just feel sad.

“But she knows she has us four that are with her. Because I don’t really know the ins and outs, all I see is, ‘That’s my friend and I know what she’s going through is really tough.’

“All you can do is be there, just like the girls have been there for me, all I can do is be there for Geri.

“But it is horrible to see your friend going through something, something you don’t quite know what it is, but that’s your friend and you want to protect her, no matter what.”

SCANDAL… LAP BY LAP

FEBRUARY 5: A Dutch newspaper reports a female Red Bull employee has made serious allegations of “inappropriate, controlling behaviour” about Horner to parent company Red Bull GmbH.

FEB 9: Horner is quizzed for nine hours by the lawyer hired by Red Bull to investigate.

FEB 15: He denies the allegations and says they are a distraction for the team.

FEB 15: F1 says it hopes the matter will be clarified at the earliest opportunity after a fair and thorough process.

FEB 26: Red Bull’s engine partner Ford says it is increasingly frustrated by the team’s handling of the complaint.

FEB 28: Horner is cleared of all wrongdoing. The employee is said to have the right of appeal.

FEB 29: Horner says he is pleased the investigation is over.

FEB 29: WhatsApp texts and pictures claimed to be between Horner and the employee are sent to journalists and F1.

MARCH 1: Horner refuses to comment on what he calls “anonymous speculation from unknown sources”.

MAR 2: Horner and wife Geri are pictured hand-in-hand, as Red Bull’s Max Verstappen wins the Bahrain Grand Prix. Horner says before the race: “It’s been very testing for my family but we are very strong and our focus is on this race.”

MAR 3: Verstappen’s dad Jos, claims Red Bull is in “danger of being torn apart” if Horner stays in the job. He denies being the source of the WhatsApp leak, saying: “It can’t go on the way it is. It will explode. He is playing the victim, when he is the one causing the problems.”

MAR 6: Max Verstappen sides with his dad in the row.

MAR 7: Horner says he wants to draw a line under the scandal and hails Geri’s support — as Red Bull suspends the employee.

On Thursday, Horner saluted his “phenomenally supportive” wife but insisted it was time to “draw a line” under the scandal.

But his accuser has won the support of UK parliament equality chief Caroline Nokes who  encouraged her to take her case to an employment tribunal.

And Verstappen Snr – who is understood to have become close to the woman – reignited the row yesterday, days after a public bust-up with Horner in Bahrain.

Jos, 52, hit out again after skipping the Saudi Arabian Grand Prix to compete in a rallying event in Belgium.

He said: “I think it’s too late for Christian to say ‘leave me alone’ but he has the support of the Thai owner so I think he will stay for the rest of the season

“I said it would be bad if he stayed, it really isn’t good for the team, this whole situation.”

Jos – who has warned Red Bull will “explode” if Horner stays – also lifted the lid of what appeared to be a public bust-up between the pair in Bahrain last week.

The Dutch former racing driver said: “He was saying to me ‘Do you trust me? I will do everything for your son’ and we were talking with our hands, we didn’t have a fight.

“But on Friday we did have an argument in the office, and I walked out but, in the trailer, he came up to me and said ‘Congratulations, good race’.”

Voicing his support for Horner’s attractive blonde accuser, Verstappen Snr said: “I sympathise with the woman, with all that she went through, but we will see what happens.

“Red Bull seem to know what they are doing with her, we will see. But I think it is for her to come out and see what happens.

“I’m not fully up to speed with what is happening with her but all these things that are going on are having an influence on Max.

“I’ve already said I think it is causing problems if he stays.”

Quizzed about Horner’s bid to draw a line under the saga, Jos said : “I think it’s a bit too late for that now. If that’s what he wants, fine, but I don’t think it will be possible.”

The Sun revealed on Thursday that Horner’s accuser had been suspended, with insiders alleging it was over “inconsistencies” in her evidence to a barrister-led probe.

Pals said Horner was finding it impossible to avoid his accuser at work who among 1,600 employees at the team’s HQ in Milton Keynes, Bucks.

HR bosses stepped in and suspended her on full pay on Monday and she is currently mulling whether to appeal against the rejection of her complaint.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

She appeared to be more relaxed yesterday in Jeddah.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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It comes as

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

RED BULL Racing has been forced to respond to shocking claims that they’ve changed tactics and are considering firing Christian Horner.

Reports over the weekend said shareholders were looking at axing the Formula One boss after his embarrassing sexting scandal.

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

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

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Tensions within the Red Bull team have been strained in recent weeks
What started as Horner’s personal controversy has morphed into a power struggle within Red Bull in recent weeks.

Outlets including Bild and F1-Insider reported yesterday that Red Bull’s major Thai shareholder could have changed his mind about keeping Horner on.

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

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

The shareholder in question, Chalerm Yoodivhya, has been an ally to Horner, 50, through weeks of embarrassing revelations after allegations made by a female colleague.

But the Thai businessman, who owns a whopping 51% of Red Bull, met with partners on Sunday to potentially discuss next steps, the Telegraph reports.

And F1 Insider said that other high-profile Red Bull names including Mark Mateschitz and Oliver Mintzlaff are set to look at his future before the Australian Grand Prix on March 24.

While Horner was cleared of the colleague’s initial accusations of controlling behaviour on February 28 – the company turmoil did not end there.

Just 24 hours later a dossier of the father-of-two’s embarrassing and seedy text messages were leaked.

The intimate messages raised questions about Red Bull’s international investigation and put the spotlight firmly on wife Geri Halliwell’s appearance in Bahrain days later.

While the couple put on a public – if awkward – display of support for the F1 opener, reports suggest things behind the scenes are rocky.

The former Spice Girl, 51, reportedly laid down the law for his behaviour moving forwards and demanded he cut off contact with the woman.

She was later suspended from Red Bull.

Tensions within the team itself have also been steadily increasing for weeks.

The biggest rift so far has sprung up between Horner and his star driver – Max Verstappen’s – father Jos.

Jos, 52, has backed Horner’s accuser and has called for £8million-a-year Horner to be axed, accusing the boss of ripping the team apart.

SCANDAL… LAP BY LAP

FEBRUARY 5: A Dutch newspaper reports a female Red Bull employee has made serious allegations of “inappropriate, controlling behaviour” about Horner to parent company Red Bull GmbH.

FEB 9: Horner is quizzed for nine hours by the lawyer hired by Red Bull to investigate.

FEB 15: He denies the allegations and says they are a distraction for the team.

FEB 15: F1 says it hopes the matter will be clarified at the earliest opportunity after a fair and thorough process.

FEB 26: Red Bull’s engine partner Ford says it is increasingly frustrated by the team’s handling of the complaint.

FEB 28: Horner is cleared of all wrongdoing. The employee is said to have the right of appeal.

FEB 29: Horner says he is pleased the investigation is over.

FEB 29: WhatsApp texts and pictures claimed to be between Horner and the employee are sent to journalists and F1.

MARCH 1: Horner refuses to comment on what he calls “anonymous speculation from unknown sources”.

MAR 2: Horner and wife Geri are pictured hand-in-hand, as Red Bull’s Max Verstappen wins the Bahrain Grand Prix. Horner says before the race: “It’s been very testing for my family but we are very strong and our focus is on this race.”

MAR 3: Verstappen’s dad Jos, claims Red Bull is in “danger of being torn apart” if Horner stays in the job. He denies being the source of the WhatsApp leak, saying: “It can’t go on the way it is. It will explode. He is playing the victim, when he is the one causing the problems.”

MAR 6: Max Verstappen sides with his dad in the row.

MAR 7: Horner says he wants to draw a line under the scandal and hails Geri’s support — as Red Bull suspends the employee.

A source told The Sun said over the weekend: “Christian’s enemies are making it clear they will not give up.

“But he and Geri are staying strong and will face them down.

“Christian will be back at work at Red Bull’s HQ first thing on Monday to get on with the business of running his team and winning races.”

And on Saturday at the Saudi races, Horner hugged and shared a joke with Red Bull’s CEO Franz Watzlawick on the grid before the race as both parties tried to draw a line under their recent spat.

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Even Helmut Marko, the outspoken Austrian who works as Red Bull’s motorsport advisor and who had clearly aligned himself with Horner’s rival, Jos Verstappen, appealed for calm – just 24 hours after hinting he could be suspended.

Horner has saluted his “phenomenally supportive” wife but insisted it was time to “draw a line” under the scandal.

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

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Horner with Red Bull’s CEO Franz Watzlawick

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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Piquet Jr’s crash was the centre of the controversy

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

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

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Geri Halliwell was seen without her hubby Christian HornerCredit: Getty

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

But Red Bull quickly poured cold water on the claims.

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

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

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

THE staffer who accused Red Bull chief Christian Horner of controlling behaviour has allegedly launched an appeal against the probe that saw him cleared.

The unnamed woman at the centre of the “sexting” storm was suspended last week and is said to be disappointed by how the racing team dealt with the scandal.

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

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

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Horner and Geri put on a united front at the Saudi Arabia GP last weekend
Horner, 50, was cleared of misconduct towards a female colleague – allegations he had always denied – by an internal probe on February 28.

However, she is now understood to have new legal representation and has appealed the decision of the investigation, according to The Times.

On March 7, the woman was suspended on full pay from Red Bull HQ amid claims her “honesty was called into question.”

The reasons allegedly given to her were that she appeared dishonest owing to inconsistencies in the evidence she had provided.

Red Bull Racing have been approached for comment.

On Thursday, a friend of the unnamed staffer told MailOnline: “She is so disappointed with how it’s all gone, especially as she did everything by the book.

“She raised her concerns in private and did everything right, but she feels very let down by the company.”

They added: “The lack of support is noted and she’s just so disappointed with the treatment from her employer.”

Insiders said she had demanded to continue working among 1,400 employees at the top F1 team’s high tech HQ in Milton Keynes, Bucks.

It comes after former F1 driver Christijan Albers warned a “lot more will surface” as he noted the under pressure Red Bull boss has a “terrifying amount of power” at the all-conquering team.

Speaking to the Dutch outlet De Telegraaf he said it was “terrifying” Horner holds so much control despite the bombshell allegations against him.

Albers said: “Because by the way it’s all being picked up and it’s just being waved away, then you make someone on the other side extra angry. I think a lot more will surface.

“Then, still, [Horner has] this drive and envy to still be able to get that number one position and just chop everyone’s head off.”

Play Video

Spice Girls ‘rallying behind’ Geri Halliwell, Mel B says amid sexting scandal plaguing F1 boss husband Christian Horner
Meanwhile, Max Verstappen’s dad Jos, 52, has backed the suspended female employee and called for Horner to be axed, accusing him of ripping the team apart.

There are rumblings in the Vertsappen camp that the reigning world champ could quit Red Bull in the foreseeable future.

Despite the ongoing saga, Horner has been putting forward a consistent business-as-usual front in his £8million-a-year role.

The F1 chief and his Spice Girl wife Geri, 51, put on a united – if awkward – front last weekend at the Saudi Arabia Grand Prix.

Speaking at the press conference, Horner said he was keen to “draw a line” under the scandal and that it was time to “focus on what is going on on track.”

Despite Geri’s very visual display of standing by her man, sources claim that the singer is “in turmoil”.

The F1 season returns next week in Melbourne for the Australian GP and the off-track drama has done little to slow down the dominating Verstappen, who has won both races easily.

CHRISTIAN Horner has agreed to a ‘public ceasefire’ within his troubled Red Bull Racing team after emergency crunch talks, reports suggest.

Horner, 50, has faced constant grillings over the sexting scandal with even senior members of the Red Bull team reportedly calling for him to leave his role in wake of the bombshell leaks.

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

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

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

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The trio have reportedly agreed to a ‘public ceasefire’ for the sake of the Red Bull teamCredit: Getty
But it is now believed that the internal battles at the sports top constructor is set to end after Horner, Jos Verstappen and Helmut Marko seemingly agreed to stop their disputes, The Mirror reports.

Jos, the father of three time world champion Max Verstappen, has spoken publicly about his concerns over the shock claims.

The 52-year-old has backed Horner’s accuser in front of the media and called for £8million-a-year Horner to be axed, accusing the boss of ripping the team apart.

When asked if it was time to “draw a line” under the situation, as Horner insisted people do, Jos said: “I think it’s a bit too late for that now.

“If that’s what he wants, fine, but I don’t think it will be possible.”

As Helmut Marko, Red Bull’s iconic senior advisor, has also reportedly distanced himself from Horner since the allegations came to light.

The 80-year-old was even placed under investigation by Red Bull for issues related to the leaking of WhatsApp messages from an anonymous email relating to the Horner investigation.

But now the trio have agreed to a “public ceasefire” say reports.

The ceasefire is being done for the benefit as the team as many feel the pre-season distractions could soon take their toll.

Despite the issues, Red Bull have taken two race wins and two second place finishes in the first pair of races this year – once again dominating F1.

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F1’s Christian Horner says ‘time to draw a line’ on claims of inappropriate behaviour
Crunch talks took place within Red Bull, say sources, as they looked to reach a happy place within the team – void of public spats.

Max Verstappen has been open of his admiration for Marko and is thought to be loyal to the advisor and his dad no matter what.

Meaning if Red Bull punish or abandon either man it could lead to Verstappen’s exit – causing major issues at Red Bull.

Horner was cleared of misconduct towards a female colleague – allegations he had always denied – by an internal probe on February 28.

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It comes as the woman who accused Horner of inappropriate behaviour has now lodged a complaint against him with the sport’s ruling body the FIA.

The unnamed woman, who has been suspended from her job at the team’s base in Milton Keynes, has now made three complaints over Horner’s conduct since the start of February, it is claimed.

On March 7, the woman was suspended on full pay from Red Bull HQ amid claims her “honesty was called into question.”

The reasons allegedly given to her were that she appeared dishonest owing to inconsistencies in the evidence she had provided.

Ex-driver Horner has said he wants to move on from the scandal, with ex-Spice Girl wife Geri Halliwell. 51, standing by him.

The F1 chief and Geri have always put on a united – if awkward – front at the Bahrain and Saudi Arabia Grand Prix in recent weeks.

Speaking at the press conference, Horner said he was keen to “draw a line” under the scandal and that it was time to “focus on what is going on on track.”

Despite Geri’s very visual display of standing by her man, sources claim that the singer is “in turmoil”.

The F1 season returns next week in Melbourne for the Australian GP and the off-track drama has done little to slow down the dominating Verstappen, who has won both races with ease.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Credits: IMAGO / Motorsport Images and IMAGO / NurPhoto

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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