Blog

Credits: IMAGO / PanoramiC

The Christian Horner case has taken a new turn, continuing the saga that began over two months ago. BBC has reportedly learned that the female complainant suspended by Red Bull has lodged an official complaint with the FIA. Meanwhile, Horner continues to deny the allegations against him, adding to the drama around the entire episode.

Advertisement

The latest act comes after there were reportedly two previous whistleblower complaints registered with the FIA. Per the report from BBC, a whistleblower contacted the FIA on their hotline on 2nd February and directly referenced Horner‘s inappropriate behavior. They asked the authorities to look into Horner’s behavior with female employees. Furthermore, they expressed fears over Red Bull trying to cover it all up.

Advertisement

On March 6, the whistleblower contacted the FIA again. They made references to the first call and claimed to go to the media next. The FIA has since issued a statement addressing the reports claiming the female employee reaching out to them. The first few lines of the statement read:

“Enquiries and complaints are received and managed by the compliance officer and the ethics committee where appropriate. Both bodies operate autonomously, guaranteeing strict confidentiality throughout the process.”

The statement continues by claiming that the FIA will not be able to confirm the receipt of any complaint. Furthermore, it read that it is unlikely that they will comment on any complaints they receive from any party. The statement enraged followers of F1 on social media, who did not hold back.

F1 community unhappy with the latest statement in the Red Bull employee saga

Soon after the FIA issued the official statement, fans stormed to X to have their say on the matter. They believe the nature of the matter deserves a more public approach. Per the fans, private investigations and hearings are only a means to “cover-up” and stack the odds against the ex-Red Bull employee.

Advertisement

Following the statement, one fan called for the FIA to be dissolved.

Some fans pointed out how things were different from the latest statement when the Wolffs were being investigated.

Meanwhile, some more fans were upset with the statement.

The off-track incidents continue to take center stage at the Red Bull camp. While they continue to dominate the on-track proceedings, the off-track exploits continue to disrupt their achievements and tarnish their image. Given the same, more and more people are starting to wonder how long some of the team’s biggest names would want to continue their association with the team. Rumors often pop up of top personnel wanting to move away from the team. While the credibility of such reports remains doubtful, a move might not be the biggest surprise.

Credits: IMAGO / Motorsport Images

The 2024 Saudi Arabian GP exposed a major flaw in Mercedes’ challenger- the W15. While battling with the McLarens, Lewis Hamilton was losing up to 5 tenths in the fast, twisty sections of the Jeddah Corniche Street Circuit. Now, to combat this issue, Andrew Shovlin, Mercedes’ trackside engineering director, has confirmed that the team is looking to do some “experiments” to ensure it fixes those niggles at the 2024 Australian Grand Prix.

Advertisement

Auto Motor und Sport quoted Shovlin, “There’s a lot of work going on in the aerodynamics department and the vehicle dynamics department. We’re trying to develop some experiments there that will hopefully give us a direction that will improve our performance.”

Advertisement

The car that Mercedes has developed this season is like a bullet in the straights. However, as Shovlin explained, their troubles come in the faster corners where the aerodynamic demands are at its peak. What’s more, during the race in Jeddah, the team used different setups on Hamilton and George Russell’s car. Unfortunately, neither car managed to yield a positive feedback.

While the team looks to experiment, Hamilton grows incredibly frustrated. Mercedes has been in a slump since 2022, which has prevented him from winning races too. Unless things take a dramatic turn this season, Hamilton is in for more of the same.

Lewis Hamilton faced tough Jeddah challenge owing to Mercedes’ failures

Hamilton’s race-long battle with the McLarens of Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri was a frustrating tussle for the seven-time world champion. Ex-Ferrari manager, Peter Windsor even termed it as an embarrassment.

In the opening rounds of the Grand Prix, Hamilton had to defend strong to keep the hounding Oscar Piastri at bay. Then, when the final rounds of pitstops were done, Hamilton came out behind Norris.

Advertisement

With a handful of laps to go, Hamilton went on the attack. However, that’s where Mercedes’ handicap was the most evident. In race trim, the MCL38 is one of the slowest cars in straight-line speed. Still, Norris was able to pull a gap on Hamilton in the middle-section of the track. This is because of Mercedes’ overwhelming weakness in sections that have fast corners.

McLaren’s supreme cornering ability allowed them to thwart Hamilton’s charge and pull a whopping half-a-second over Hamilton, over the course of one lap.

Credits: IMAGO / HochZwei

Christian Horner seems to have had enough of the spotlight on him for the last few weeks. This led to the Red Bull boss asking the media to “move on” from the recent allegations that rocked the F1 world. However, his demand for closure did sit well with journalists, who called the Briton out for his comments.

Advertisement

Laura Winter, Christian Hewgill, Bettywyn Glover, and Ellie Kime sat together in a recent episode of The Fast and The Curious podcast to discuss Horner’s ongoing saga. They disagreed with Horner’s demand to “move” past his controversy. Hewgill feels that it is up to the fans if they want to move past it or not.

Speaking about the same, Hewgill said, “The reality is when Christian Horner arrived at the Saudi Arabian Grand Prix weekend and said we need to move on now. The fact that so much of it is still unknown means that it’s not for Christian to decide when we move on. Formula 1 fans invest a lot of time and money into this sport. And they will decide when it’s time to move on.”

Advertisement

Glover, adding on the same, declined to stop talking about the controversy. She said “We’re not just going to sit here and ignore everything that’s happening. We can’t do that. So, Christian Horner, we’re not moving on. Thank you very much.”

Furthermore, the hosts also invited a fan to share her thoughts on this month-long ordeal. The fan named Kime, admitted that she was disappointed. At the same time, she wasn’t surprised with how everything unfolded.

How Christian Horner’s investigation came to a close

In the first week of February, a female employee at Red Bull reportedly accused Horner of inappropriate behavior at the workplace. Once the news broke, Red Bull GmbH, the parent company of Red Bull Racing took immediate cognizance of the situation and put Horner under investigation.

However, the outside world did not know what was happening and what the investigation was about. It was after an anonymous mail containing chats between Horner and the female employee was leaked, that everyone started to have an idea about the entire situation.

Advertisement

About 149 journalists and higher-ups at F1 and FIA received a Google Drive link containing screengrabs of the same. This urged the fans and renowned F1 entities such as Toto Wolff and Zak Brown to call for more transparency regarding the investigation.

Lewis Hamilton also pointed this out as he said the current situation is very serious for the sport. The seven-time world champion said that the ongoing Christian Horner ordeal is affecting everyone in F1. Other drivers, however, have refused to make impactful statements on the matter. For this, they have been called out.

Credits: Imago

In 2013, Lewis Hamilton left McLaren to become a Mercedes driver. 12 years and 6 drivers’ championships later, the British driver will finally move on from the team. From 2025 onwards, Hamilton will become a Ferrari driver, fulfilling a childhood dream. While completing his media duties (video uploaded on X by Sir Lewis Updates) Hamilton addressed the much-anticipated move.

Advertisement

Advertisement

Speaking to the media, Hamilton ascertained fans that he will always be a Mercedes man. He claimed that he loves Mercedes, and that will never change. He even mentioned that he still hopes that McLaren does well every time they race. Furthermore, Hamilton mentioned his excitement about facing a massive challenge as he moves into the next chapter of his life.

“I think this is a really pivotal point, another chapter I’m going to into my life where I’ve got this massive challenge ahead of me, moving forward, and it’s something that I’m really, really excited about. And it’s worrying, it’s nerve-wracking and it’s exciting.”

Experts and pundits believe Hamilton’s mental peace has taken a hit in recent years. Having last won a race in 2021, the Briton is growing increasingly frustrated with his team. Despite often getting on the podium, a 104th race win has eluded Hamilton for over two years now.

Hopes were high for the 2024 Mercedes car, and Hamilton was optimistic of strong results. However, the first two races of the season were no different from what was seen in the previous two seasons. Hence, with continued struggles, experts and pundits think Hamilton has run out of patience with Mercedes.

Lewis Hamilton has mentally checked out from Mercedes

Noting the consistently intense efforts from George Russell, former F1 driver David Coulthard believes Hamilton might already be aligning with the Ferrari team. Per a report from Sports Illustrated, Coulthard does not think Hamilton has been able to settle with the W15 challenger. Russell’s continued improvements with the Mercedes car might also be putting Hamilton on the back foot. However, he added that should Hamilton find a “window of performance,” he shall certainly deliver. However, given the current situation, Coulthard is all but certain that Hamilton is already at Ferrari, albeit mentally.

Advertisement

Ever since the ground effect regulations came into effect in 2022, Mercedes and Hamilton have struggled a lot. The 7-time world champion is yet to win a race under the latest regulations. Mercedes have fared slightly better as a team. Thanks to Russell, the Silver Arrows won their only race of the latest regulations in 2022 in Sao Paulo. Although Hamilton outperformed Russell in 2023, it looks like the younger driver has the upper hand this season so far. Meanwhile, Ferrari continues to walk down a resurgent path, slowly inching closer to the performances of Red Bull.

Credits: IMAGO PanoramiC

An F1 expert recently explained why he believes that Lewis Hamilton is becoming increasingly “frustrated” at Mercedes. Edd Straw of The Race believes that since the Briton will leave the team for Ferrari in 2025, he is perhaps no longer committed to “fixing” things with his current side.

Advertisement

When asked on the most recent episode of The Race F1 Podcast if Hamilton has given up, he replied, “I don’t think he has given up. I think he is incredibly frustrated and disappointed“.

Straw believes that since Hamilton wants to fight Max Verstappen and Red Bull at the front, it is disappointing for him to not be able to do so. Meanwhile, another reason why he believes that Hamilton is no longer committed to the Mercedes project is that he will leave for Ferrari in 2025.

Advertisement

“He is only there for one more year. So I think, at some point, he is going to process the fact that I just get the best out of this car, I don’t really need to fix it for next year and try and make this one better,” explained the expert. At the moment, all Hamilton can do is fight for podiums. Verstappen meanwhile, continues to dominate.

Verstappen has won both the races so far this season. His teammate Sergio Perez followed him P2 in both. In such a situation, Hamilton may indeed be thinking that he will try and do the best he can for Mercedes for the rest of this season, and then plan ahead with Ferrari.

Lewis Hamilton will hope to challenge for a record eighth title in 2026

The regulations remain relatively unchanged going into the 2025 season. Hence, Max Verstappen and Red Bull are likely to be the favorites even next year. However, things could change come 2026. With F1 set to introduce new regulations, the pecking order could change massively.

Since the new regulations revolve around engines and Ferrari has years of experience in producing power units, they could be one of the favorites in 2026. Lewis Hamilton is perhaps betting on the same as he continues to hunt for his record-eighth championship. Ferrari fans too, have been excited about this partnership ever since Hamilton announced his move at the end of January.

Advertisement

Red Bull are currently going through a period of turmoil because of the ongoing Christian Horner saga. There are rumors that the Dutchman may consider leaving the team because of this internal unrest. Since the Briton will be leaving Mercedes, the Silver Arrows are now reportedly fancying signing three-time champion Max Verstappen.

Credits: Imago

Lewis Hamilton recently visited a school in Malaysia as part of a promotional activity for Mercedes’ sponsor, Petronas. There, a fan gave him the ultimate honor and labeled him Lisan Al Gaib, another word for prophet or messiah.

Advertisement

Lisan Al Gaib became a famous name after the release of Dune, and later Dune 2, one of 2024’s biggest blockbuster films, starring Timothée Chalamet. In the fictional Dune universe, Fremens are a group of people who believe that Lisan Al Gaib is their savior, prophet, or Messiah. Hamilton, one of F1’s most popular stars, was labeled the same.

Advertisement

While he was exiting a building in Kuala Lumpur, the capital city of Malaysia, a fan shouted and called him by the name. The video for the same became viral all over social media. And fans online seem to agree with the comparison.

Hamilton’s larger-than-life figure in the F1 paddock has made him a huge personality. Some even feel that he is bigger than F1 as a whole. Being the prophet and messiah of F1 is a tag Hamilton would love to wear proudly. That is because he is adamant about bringing widespread changes over to the sport.

Fans react to Lewis Hamilton’s Lisan Al Gaib comparison

On X (formerly Twitter), fans didn’t shy away from sharing their reactions to the viral comparison. Some were shocked, others not so much. A user on X named Stefanie felt that Hamilton being called Lisan Al Gaib was actually very “real.”

View post on X

A few surprising reactions aside, some fans were talking about how good the movie would do now. Dune 2 is already a box office hit and has even received a few early Oscar shouts. Having F1’s most famous personality linked to it will make them wonder.

Advertisement

View post on X

Hamilton’s visit to Malaysia itself shocked some, let alone the Lisan Al Gaib comparisons. With just one week off, many expected the drivers to rest and regroup before a trip down under to Australia. Hamilton, however, decided to fly to the South-East Asian country and appear for Petronas’s event.

UFC star Sean Strickland has admitted that he’s ‘mentally unwell’ in a rare honest confession which was posted on social media.

Fans have become used to the former middleweight champion’s controversial and outspoken takes – such as his recent online rant that included a homophobic slur.

However, the American MMA star has taken to social media to share a video of a completely different focus – as he made admissions to mental health struggles.

Speaking on Instagram, Strickland said: ‘All week I’ve been f***ed up, dude. I’ve been on Twitter saying crazy s***, just f***ing spiraling.

‘I woke up and I told my girl, I was like, ‘Babe, I feel like I’m a danger to people. Like I don’t feel like I should be out in the world.’

UFC star Sean Strickland admitted that he’s ‘mentally unwell’ in an open admission to followers

The American is an outspoken and controversial figure but opted to change that for his video

‘And I think that – I have everything. I’m rich, I’m famous, I have everything I ever f***ing wanted and I am still mentally unwell.

‘I get in these mindsets to where like I want to burn everything down in the world. Like, I want to have nothing, so I can just f***ing lose it and just take out everything on people’.

‘Again, I don’t know why I’m telling you guys this. I’ve just been kind of going through some s***. I’m fine. I’ll be fine. I’m going to go train right now and try to hurt all of my friends, and all of the demons will go away.

‘I just want you guys to know that I have everything I could ever want in the world, and I still struggle. So, whatever you guys are going through man, hope y’all feel better. Go to the gym, train. F***ing wish you all the best.’

Taking to X, formerly known as Twitter, shortly afterwards, Strickland then wrote: ‘There is always this little voice in me that says “burn it all down, everything”.

‘Then I remind myself “you have a girlfriend, a mortgage. Just stop, it’s gonna be fine just relax move forward, lock it away” Lmao I swear the daily struggle.. ya know?!?!’.

He later took to X to provide more details of his ‘daily struggle’ with mental health issues

Strickland was defeated by Dricus du Plessis in a bout for the middleweight title in January

Just last week, Strickland was seen using a sick homophobic slur during yet another foul-mouthed rant on social media.

On this occasion, Strickland caused offence with a post onto his account on X, formerly known as Twitter, as he produced a bizarre, homophobic rant.

The former UFC champion wrote: ‘I just look at gays like a form of r*****ation.. but I fully accept them

‘Could you imagine if we seen any species on this planet wake up one day and all chose to be gay

‘We would all think “wow there is clearly something wrong with that species. Why are humans exempt? Come on’.

How confession comes shortly after the American MMA star took to social media and claimed that being gay is ‘like a form of r*****ation’

As many fans questioned the post by Strickland, it didn’t take long for the UFC star to return to the platform and suggest that users online ‘can’t take a joke’.

He continued: ‘All can’t take a joke. ARE YOU ALL F***ING HIGH OR JUST WOKE STUPID?!

‘Why is it so difficult to admit that being gay is an abnormality. Be gay, be happy, we accept you

‘BUT You’re a mammal that is human and you fail to do the one thing all mammals want to do. Lmao!! Come on!!’

Eddie Hearn has revealed that Anthony Joshua and Tyson Fury could sign a two-fight deal to finally face each other, with one of the bouts potentially taking place at Wembley Stadium.

Joshua dispatched Francis Ngannou inside two rounds in Saudi Arabia earlier this month, and has now had three of his last five fights in the Middle Eastern country.

Fury also fought in Saudi Arabia last time out against Ngannou, and is set to return there in May for his undisputed clash with Oleksandr Usyk.

A win for Fury could set up a fight against Joshua, but fans have become concerned that the pair may not meet on British soil due to Saudi powerbroker Turki Alalshikh being able to offer boxers lucrative money to fight in the Middle East.

However, Joshua’s promoter Hearn has raised hopes that his charge and Fury could meet in the UK, and even claimed that is something Alalshikh is exploring.

Eddie Hearn has revealed Anthony Joshua could fight Tyson Fury twice

Fury has to get past Oleksandr Usyk first, but may then focus his attention on Joshua

One of the fights could take place at Wembley Stadium, according to Hearn

‘This is a gentleman called Turki Alalshikh, who is obviously a very influential figure in sports and entertainment in Saudi Arabia,’ Hearn said on The Sports Agents podcast.

‘He’s also the biggest fight fan I’ve ever met. And quite amazingly, he’s now talking about staging two Fury vs AJ fights – one in Saudi Arabia and one at Wembley Stadium.’

Joshua and Fury have both fought at Wembley before, experiencing some of their best nights in boxing at the iconic venue.

AJ beat Wladimir Klitschko in front of 90,000 fans at Wembley in 2017, rising from the canvas to stop the Ukrainian in the 11th round of a back-and-forth contest.

He returned the following year to knock out Russia’s Alexander Povetkin in the seventh round.

Fury was also victorious at the national team stadium as he beat fellow Brit Dillian Whyte in 2022.

Saudi powerbroker Turki Alalshikh (pictured) is on board with making one of the fights in the UK, Hearn claimed

Hearn would love to to bring a Joshua-Fury fight to Wembley, and insists Alalshikh is on board, but admits it is inevitable that big fights will continue to be made in Saudi Arabia in the coming months and years.

Speaking about Alalshikh, Hearn added: ‘He’s one of those guys that listens and reads everything.

‘So he’s definitely read about, “I wish this fight was at Wembley”, or “It’s a shame the fight is in Saudi Arabia”.

‘I mean, we really must have more of a global vision in sport, boxing doesn’t just sit here but two Brits, fighting for the undisputed world championship, I think he would probably bring one of them to the UK, I really do. And that financially, they’ve got the ability to do that.’

Max Verstappen has touched down in Melbourne ahead of an important week at the Australian Grand Prix for Red Bull Racing.

The Formula One world champion and his team have been mired in controversy this season following accusations levelled against boss Christian Horner of ‘inappropriate behaviour’ by a female colleague.

An internal investigation cleared the beleaguered husband of former Spice Girl Geri Halliwell, and the unnamed woman was suspended from the team for giving ‘dishonest’ evidence.

Hundreds of messages allegedly from Horner – some sexual – were spilled to the media and F1 powerhouses, but Red Bull affirmed he would not be sacked despite calls from Verstappen’s father, Jos, for Horner to walk else risk tearing the team apart.

Thai businessman Chalerm Yoovidhya owns 51 per cent of Red Bull and has reportedly sent a family member – dubbed the ‘Thai spy’ – to keep tabs on Horner and the wider company.

Max Verstappen has arrived in Melbourne ahead of this year’s Australian Grand Prix

The reigning world champion has won the opening two races of the new season

Despite the off-track drama, Verstappen has kept his cool behind the wheel, comfortably winning the opening two races of the season in Bahrain and Saudi Arabia.

And the reigning champion appeared relaxed as he landed at Melbourne Airport ahead of this weekend’s race at Albert Park.

The 26-year-old hasn’t been completely removed from the scandal, insisting that he would quit the team if Red Bull chief Helmut Marko were to leave the company.

Marko faced accusations of being the source of the leaked messages and himself admitted that he may not be at this weekend’s race in the event he faces disciplinary action. He has since insisted that he is not leaving the team.

Verstappen, Red Bull’s chief asset, will not stand for Marko going – which had increased the prospect of his moving to Mercedes.

The triple world champion said in Saudi Arabia: ‘If such an important pillar falls away, it is not good for my situation and I have told the team that. He is an important part in my decision-making for the future.

Verstappen appeared relaxed ahead of a big race week Down Under

The Red Bull team has been engulfed in a scandal involving Christian Horner

Verstappen, Red Bull’s chief asset, will not stand for Marko going – increasing the prospect of his moving to Mercedes. The triple world champion said: ‘If such an important pillar falls away, it is not good for my situation and I have told the team that. He is an important part in my decision-making for the future.er the renowned racing operator would attend this weekend’s race.

‘For me, Helmut has to stay. I have a lot of respect for him, and what we have achieved together. It goes very far.

‘He built this team with Dietrich (Mateschitz, the energy drink company’s late founder).’

The couple honored their pooch in birthday tributes on Instagram Sunday

Kate Green/Getty Images for Universal Pictures; Henry Cavill/Instagram

Henry Cavill and girlfriend Natalie Viscuso

Henry Cavill and his girlfriend Natalie Viscuso are celebrating a milestone birthday in the household!

The couple posted tributes in honor of their pet dog Baggins on Instagram Sunday as they marked the pooch’s first birthday.

“Happy Birthday, Baggins!” Cavill, 40, wrote in the caption to his post as he shared a joint selfie of him with Baggins and his other pet dog Kal.

“There was a time, not so long ago, when Kal used to live in peace,” he continued. “Alas, he’s now one friend richer, but uninterrupted naps are never assured.”

Henry Cavill/Instagram

Cavill and Viscuso posted a first birthday tribute to their pet dog Baggins on Sunday

Related: Henry Cavill and Girlfriend Natalie Viscuso Have Glam Date Night at Argylle London Premiere

Cavill was seen in the cute snap leaning over in an armchair as he took the photo with his dogs, who stood beside him. Baggins looked at big brother Kal wide-eyed in the shot as he raised his paw, while Kal licked his lips.

The Witcher star also shared an adorable photo of Baggins as a newborn puppy, and others of him getting bigger and bigger in the following months. In another cute snap, Baggins snoozed as he lay on Viscuso’s lap outdoors.

In her tribute to Baggins, Viscuso wrote on Instagram, “Hard to believe this guy is already a year old! Lookin’ like a proper gent from the very beginning. #birthdayBaggins.”

Related: Henry Cavill and Girlfriend Natalie Viscuso Celebrate His 39th Birthday with Home-Cooked Meal

Alongside her message, she shared a heartwarming throwback photo of Baggins wearing a checked dog jacket as he stood on a grassy lawn.

Cavill and Viscuso confirmed their relationship on Instagram in April 2021 as the pair posted a photo of them playing chess together. The couple made their red-carpet debut at the New York City premiere of Cavill’s Netflix sequel film Enola Holmes 2 in October 2022.

In January, Viscuso continued to support her man during the promotion of his most recent film Argylle. The couple made several red-carpet appearances together during that month at the premieres of the film in Seoul, South Korea, and London.

Taylor Hill/FilmMagic Cavill and Viscuso went Instagram official in April 2021

Never miss a story — sign up for PEOPLE’s free daily newsletter to stay up-to-date on the best of what PEOPLE has to offer, from celebrity news to compelling human interest stories.

Cavill and Viscuso, who is a television executive at Vertigo Entertainment, revealed they are collaborating together on an adaptation of Warhammer 40,000 in December 2022.

Speaking about the partnership in an Instagram post, Cavill called it “a blessing beyond words, [as] without her we might not have found the perfect home at Amazon.”

For more People news, make sure to sign up for our newsletter!

Read the original article on People.