Christian Horner updates — Red Bull boss meets with Max Verstappen’s representative as tensions rise amid text scandal
RED BULL boss Christian Horner has met with representatives of Max Verstappen in a bid to calm rising tensions at the racing team.
The meeting came just hours after Verstappen's father warned Red Bull would "explode" if Horner kept his job.
Max's manager Raymond Vermeulen is believed to have attended the meeting on behalf of the Verstappens, who were not present.
A source said the summit - reportedly attended by senior Red Bull figures - "went well".
Horner has come under fire in recent weeks after "sexually suggestive" texts were leaked allegedly sent by the boss to a female colleague.
Read our live blog below for the latest news and updates...
Geri Halliwell ‘knows woman’ at the centre of Christian Horner scandal
Geri Halliwell is personally aware of the woman at the centre of Christian Horner’s alleged “sexting” scandal.
A Red Bull insider said: “Geri knows of this woman, and had no qualms about their working relationship.
“This was the woman for whom her husband turned. Again, this is a bitter, bitter pill to swallow.”
FIA holding talks with F1 management over leaked messages
Formula One’s governing body, the FIA, is holding talks with F1 management after a series of alleged private texts were leaked.
An anonymous email with a string of intimate texts allegedly sent by Christian Horner to a female employee was leaked to F1 personnel and media on Thursday – a day after a three-week investigation into the Red Bull boss for alleged “inappropriate behaviour” was dismissed.
According to the BBC, the FIA is aware of the messages and is discussing the matter with F1 management.
Mole close to Red Bull ‘detonated’ text scandal in bid to oust F1 boss
In a bid to oust Christian Horner, a mole close to Red Bull Racing allegedly “detonated” the F1 boss’ alleged sexting scandal.
This comes after a slew of suggestive WhatsApp messages were leaked, allegedly sent by Horner to a female employee at Red Bull.
An F1 insider told The Sun: “Rumours are swirling at Red Bull that there’s a mole in their ranks, someone who has it in for Christian.
“The leak came as a shock. Someone has a vendetta against Christian.
“That person acted like a puppet master.”
Christian Horner responds to leaked messages
Christian Horner released a statement after a string of alleged intimate texts to a female colleague were leaked.
In response to the leak, Horner said: “I won’t comment on anonymous speculation, but to reiterate, I have always denied the allegations.
“I respected the integrity of the independent investigation and fully cooperated with it every step of the way.
“It was a thorough and fair investigation conducted by an independent specialist barrister and it has concluded, dismissing the complaint made.”
It came just 24 hours after the three-week internal investigation by Red Bull into alleged inappropriate behaviour was concluded and Horner was cleared.
Sky F1 pundit speaks out on Horner saga
Sky F1 pundit Naomi Schiff says the Christian Horner saga has “cast a shadow” over the season-opening Bahrain Grand Prix.
“I think coming into the first race of the season where there has been so much excitement around it, it’s really a shame this is casting a shadow over the weekend,” she said on Sky Sport ahead of qualifying in Bahrain on Friday.
“But at the end of the day, we have to remember it’s an internal, corporate investigation. We don’t have all the information. So we leave it at that.
“At the end of the day it’s also a human story and there is some sadness to all of this. There are people who are going to be affected by this. This matter should not have been dealt with in the way it has been dealt with.”
‘Still many rumours and questions’
McLaren boss Zak Brown has suggested that the FIA and Formula One need to conduct their own probe into Christian Horner for more “clarity.”
“There are still many rumours and also many questions,” Brown said. “I think those who run this sport have a responsibility towards the entire sport and all our fans, to make it clear that everything has been clear and transparent for them.
“That they come to the same conclusion as Red Bull and they agree with the outcome. Until then, I think there will continue to be speculation and many unanswered questions about the whole process. That is not healthy for the sport.
“It is up to the FIA and Formula 1 whether they can clarify whether they have the clarity that is needed.”
Toto Wolff calls for more transparency
Mercedes boss Toto Wolff expressed doubt on Red Bull’s investigation into Christian Horner and called for more transparency.
“There is a lady in the organisation who indicated that there was a problem, it was investigated and yesterday we all received the message that it was okay,” Wolff said after the three-week investigation into alleged inappropriate behaviour by Horner was dismissed.
“I believe that a major sport needs more transparency on such dangerous topics. I wonder what the position of the leadership is. I don’t think it should remain vague as it is now.
“We are outsiders and, of course, we don’t know exactly what is going on. But, looking at just a statement, it doesn’t seem to me how things should go in today’s time.
“Although, in Formula 1, we may be in our own bubble and others are satisfied with that.”
Meet Christian Horner’s boss
Alleged "leaked texts" have put Christian Horner's position as team principal of Red Bull into doubt - but he does still have the support of the most powerful man at Red Bull.
Meet the majority Red Bull shareholder Chalerm Yoovidhya, a Thai businessman with an estimated net worth of £26.8billion.
Horner opens up on 'testing' time for family
Christian Horner admits that it's been a "testing" time for him and his family as he appeared united with wife Geri Halliwell in Bahrain amid the sexts scandal that broke out this week.
Speaking ahead of Saturday's Bahrain Grand Prix, which was won by Red Bull's Max Verstappen, Horner said: "It’s been very testing for my family but we are very strong as a family and our focus is on this race.
"We are here to go racing and that is my job. So this is what we are focused on and this is what we are here to do."
Brit Awards host's dig at Christian Horner scandal
Brit Awards host Roman Kemp made a cheeky dig at the Christian Horner scandal during the ceremony on Saturday night.
Kemp made the quip about the Red Bull boss during the live show at London's O2.
As he moved around the guests at the ceremony, Kemp said: "It's busier here than at team Red Bull's press office."
Alpine chiefs quit
Two chiefs at Alpine have quit as the team suffered a horror start to the new F1 season.
Both technical director Matt Harman and head of aerodynamics Dirk de Beer have resigned.
It comes as Alpine drivers Esteban Ocon and Pierre Gasly finished in a lowly 17th and 18th in the Bahrain GP.
Geri Halliwell's faith helping her forgive Christian Horner
Geri Halliwell reportedly knew the staffer at the centre of the sexts storm with husband Christian Horner, and sources said she had visited the couple’s London home.
However, showbiz insiders said the Spice Girl’s spirituality and religious beliefs have helped to edge her towards forgiving her husband.
Geri, who often wears a crucifix around her neck, turned to Christianity in 2001 when she went on a ten-week Alpha course on the Bible. She previously told The Sun that she conceived in her mid-40s after praying to God to get pregnant naturally.
A source added: “Her Christianity is helping Christian because — although angry — she believes in forgiveness and wants to keep her family together.”
Max Verstappen's dad speaks out on Christian Horner scandal
Jos Verstappen, dad of star Red Bull driver Max, has spoken out on Christian Horner's continued position as team principal amid the sexts scandal.
Speaking to the Daily Mail, Verstappen Snr said: “There is tension here while he 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 causing the problems.”
Verstappen Snr reportedly had a blazing row in Horner’s paddock office after the qualifying race on Friday night.
He is said to have stormed out of the office before reluctantly returning to shake the Red Bull principal’s hand.
Geri Halliwell 'furious' over sexts leak
Geri Halliwell is 'furious' with her husband Christian Horner after learning that there was more to the situation surrounding the allegations against the Red Bull boss, a source told The Sun.
She had landed in Bahrain on Thursday night, as a torrent of sexually suggestive WhatsApp messages and pictures between Horner, 50, and a female employee began to circulate worldwide.
“The texts leak moved the goalposts — and Geri was furious about it," a source close to Halliwell said. "When Christian first told her about the situation, he said he had fallen out with a woman who wanted promotion and more responsibility in Red Bull.
"So he sold it to Geri as a workplace row and she accepted that. So Geri is now fuming that there appears to be more to this.”
Verstappen continues dominance
Max Verstappen remained in a class of his own as he cruised to victory at the Bahrain Grand Prix.
He thundered away from the lights at a rate that was nearly a second a lap quicker than his rivals.
By the 10th lap, he'd stretched his advantage to eight seconds and by the time he made his pitstop on lap 18 it was a terrifying lead of 30.4 seconds.
He stopped for tyres and started making his lead back up again. It was impressive and demoralising in equal measure.
Last year, Verstappen had been unstoppable, winning 19 of 22 races. There had been some hope based on pre-season testing that Ferrari and even Mercedes, would offer him more of a fight.
But on this evidence, it looks all too easy as he coasted to victory ahead of his Perez in second place.
Horner posts on Instagram for first time since sext leak storm
Christian Horner took to Instagram to express his gratitude to the Red Bull Racing team in his first post since the sext leak scandal.
"What a weekend. The perfect start to the season," he said.
"A big thank you to all the hard working team back in Milton Keynes for all their work over the winter to produce another great and very competitive car.
"To our stakeholders, illustrious partners and everyone here in Bahrain, thank you for your unending support and commitment to get us off to the best possible start."
Pictures: Geri Halliwell and Christian Horner in Bahrain
Geri Halliwell presented a united front with her husband Christian Horner before and after yesterday’s Bahrain Grand Prix amid the sexts leak.
Credit: Getty 
Credit: Getty 
Credit: PA Geri Halliwell ‘read Christian the riot act’ behind scenes in Bahrain
Geri Halliwell shared an awkward hug and a cringey kiss with hubby Christian Horner amid the sexts leak — but there were “fireworks” behind the scenes, sources said last night.
The Spice Girl, 51, presented a united front with the under-fire F1 Red Bull boss before and after yesterday’s Bahrain Grand Prix.
She had landed in the Middle East on Thursday night, as a torrent of sexually suggestive WhatsApp messages and pictures between Horner, 50, and a female employee began to circulate worldwide.
Sources said furious Geri “read the riot act” to him but put on a brave face for the cameras — to her husband’s “relief”.
Horner on Red Bull's 'great start'
Embattled Red Bull boss Christian Horner was delighted with his team's performance at the Bahrain Grand Prix, as Max Verstappen cruised to victory while team-mate Sergio Perez finished second.
Speaking after the race, Horner said: "Testimony to the hard work behind-the-scenes - maximum points today.
"It's an aggressive evolution. The design team has done a wonderful job, they've pushed hard, you can see there's innovative ideas. It's a strong evolution.
"It's a great start, it's not a one off. We're going to have to see four or five races before we see a true pattern. You can't base too much on this one race.
"It was a great performance by Max and the perfect start to the season. He's got to keep performing like he did today. He made a couple good passes and drove a strong race. A one-two finish is the optimal.
"We have got a tremendous support, tremendous partners and great shareholders behind us as well."
Christian Horner responds to questions over his future
Christian Horner gave a defiant response to questions over his Red Bull future following a dominant win at the Bahrain GP.
The team principal is caught up in an alleged "sexting" scandal after being cleared of misconduct by an internal probe.
The 50-year-old was allowed to lead Red Bull into the new F1 season that begun yesterday, with Max Verstappen cruising to victory as he continued his dominance from last year, while team-mate Sergio Perez finished second.
Afterwards, Horner was asked: "Are you confident you have the full backing of everybody above you and you'll be leading this team in Jeddah next weekend?"
He replied: "Yeah, absolutely - I wouldn’t be here otherwise.”
Horner also added: "You don't achieve this kind of result by not being united."
Max Verstappen easily wins Bahrain GP
Max Verstappen started his F1 title defence with a crushing victory in the Bahrain Grand Prix.
The 26-year-old crossed the line with a whopping 22 seconds lead over his team-mate Sergio Perez.
He was congratulated by his Red Bull boss Christian Horner, who beamed for the first time in a while after being dogged by controversy.
How much does Christian Horner get paid?
Christian Horner is believed to be the highest-paid principal in Formula One.
According to Red Bull accounts, Horner made a staggering £40.2million from 2011 to 2022.
His 2022 pay from Red Bull was listed at £8,044,000, which was almost £3million higher than the £5,085,000 salary he bagged a year earlier.
Friends fear leak could ‘destroy’ Geri Halliwell
Friends of Geri Halliwell fear the latest bombshell will “destroy” the mum-of-two, who shares seven-year-old son Monty with Christian Horner.
One pal told the : “It has all come crashing down.
“The tears stopped when the judgment came in on Wednesday, now they absolutely will have started again. This will destroy her.
“All along Christian promised there was nothing in it.”
Geri Halliwell ‘feels a fool’ for trusting Christian Horner as star set to decide next move
Geri Halliwell “feels a fool” for trusting husband Christian Horner.
The singer is now facing “the biggest decision of her life” following a slew of leaked texts that allegedly show her husband “sexting” a Red Bull employee.
She will most likely fly back to the couple’s country home in the Cotswolds and make her decision behind closed doors, the reported.
Geri Halliwell ‘knows woman’ at the centre of Christian Horner scandal
Geri Halliwell is personally aware of the woman at the centre of Christian Horner’s alleged “sexting” scandal.
A Red Bull insider said: “Geri knows of this woman, and had no qualms about their working relationship.
“This was the woman for whom her husband turned. Again, this is a bitter, bitter pill to swallow.”