MAX VERSTAPPEN SPEAKS OUT ON CHRISTIAN HORNER'S F1 PADDOCK RETURN

Max Verstappen has revealed he and Christian Horner remain in contact after his ousting from the Red Bull Team Principal role

Max Verstappen has revealed he speaks to former Red Bull Formula 1 CEO and Team Principal Christian Horner “almost every week”.

Horner had lead the Milton-Keynes-based squad to eight Drivers’ and six Constructors’ titles during his 20-year tenure at the team.

Four out of those titles came with Verstappen, between 2021 and 2024. But since then, Red Bull’s form had deteriorated, eventually leading to a falling out between Horner and the upper echelons of Red Bull’s management.

12 months on, with Horner still looking for a permanent way back into the paddock, he made a return cameo at Silverstone.

At the time of Horner’s departure, a lot of speculation was surrounding the role Verstappen, and his father Jos had had in orchestrating the Briton’s removal.

But the 28-year-old revealed something completely contrary to the speculative record.

“I speak to Christian almost every week,” he told media including Motorsport Week when asked if he had spoken to Horner in the paddock at Silverstone.

“I saw him on the camera walking around, but I haven’t had time to meet anyone to be honest. It’s been busy.”

When prodded if he had been discussing something in particular with Horner, Verstappen simply replied, “Like you do with your friends or people that you’ve known for a long time.”

Max Verstappen opens up on “painful” 12 months after Horner’s Red Bull F1 departure

Hot on the heels of Horner’s ousting, Red Bull GmbH promoted Laurent Mekies as the CEO and Team Principal of the main team, after a year of service leading Racing Bulls in 2024 for the Frenchman.

And immediately after his arrival, the team did see an uptick in performance.

Verstappen launched an audacious bid to reclaim his F1 title, with a 100+ points deficit to Lando Norris, after the Dutch GP, reduced to just two points after the chequered flag fell at the Abu Dhabi GP.

But Red Bull’s first season as a works outfit, with a RBPT-Ford power unit collaboration, has turned out to be a pretty underwhelming reality for the Dutchman.

Heading into the Belgian GP weekend, the race where Mekies succeeded Horner at Red Bull last year, Verstappen is a staggering 103 points off of championship leader Andrea Kimi Antonelli, in seventh.

Looking back on these 12 months, Verstappen conceded that it has been “painful” but erred on the side of caution before pinning the blame solely on Mekies.

“Everyone is trying their best. I’m not blaming one person or whatever. It’s just painful for everyone that this is happening,” Verstappen explained.

At Silverstone, Verstappen suffered his second rear-wing related incident, after his Q1 crash at Austria, DNFing out of P3 with only a handful of laps remaining.

“He [Mekies] came straight in my room, of course, to discuss the problems that we had in the race, to let me know what happened out there,” he concluded.

“But that’s normal. We always do that, good or bad.”

With Horner’s F1 return imminent, the last couple of race weekends has also exposed the fragility of the relationship between Verstappen and Red Bull, with the four-time F1 Champion reportedly on his way out at the end of 2026.

- Anirban Aly Mandal

WHY MAX VERSTAPPEN DIDN'T SPEAK TO CRISTIAN HORNER AT THE BRITISH GRAND PRIX

Max Verstappen speaks "weekly" with former boss Christian Horner, but the pair did not meet ahead of the British Grand Prix

Verstappen and Horner had their differences at Red Bull

Max Verstappen has revealed why he didn't speak with Christian Horner ahead of the British Grand Prix, despite the former Red Bull boss making his long-awaited return to the Formula 1 paddock.

The four-time champion has previously spoken of his continued relationship with his former boss since Horner was relieved of his duties at Red Bull one year ago, but this did not extend to a meeting at Silverstone this weekend. 

However, this was not due to any underlying or underplayed animosity between the pair, but was more an issue of timing across what is always a busy weekend. 

Asked if he had spoken to Horner on Sunday, Verstappen said: “I speak to Christian almost every week. I saw him on the camera walking around, but I haven't had time to meet anyone, to be honest. It’s just been busy.”

Asked if he was willing to share what the pair discuss in their weekly chats, and if it was just 'normal stuff', Verstappen added: “Yeah. Like you do with your friends, or people that you've known for a long time.”

One year on from Horner's removal, and Verstappen appears to be at his lowest point with Red Bull, as he labelled the rear wing of his car "super-dangerous" following a second crash in as many weeks. 

Horner's successor as Red Bull team principal, Laurent Mekies, has vowed to "leave no stone unturned" in searching for the root issue with the wing, and Verstappen said of the initial debrief of his crash: “He came straight into my room, of course, to discuss the problems that we had in the race, to let me know what happened out there, so yeah. But that's normal, we always do that.”

Dismissing this as nothing other than a normal post-race procedure, however, he added: “But we always do that, good or bad.”

- Sam Hall

CRISTIAN HORNER TO RELEASE TELL-ALL MEMOIR

Christian Horner will release his first memoir later this year as the former Red Bull boss prepares to tell his side of more than two decades at the top of the sport.

Christian Horner will release a memoir later this year. Image: XPB Images

The 52-year-old announced the release of Drive, which will be published on October 22, with the book covering his time in charge of Red Bull after taking over the team when the energy drink company entered Formula 1 in 2005 following its acquisition of Jaguar.

Horner said the book would serve as a reflection on his successful time in charge of one of the most decorated teams in F1 history.

“Formula 1 is ultimately a people business,” Horner said.

“While the sport is often defined by the cars, the victories and the championships, what stays with me most are the people, the decisions, the challenges and the extraordinary cast of characters I encountered along the way.

“This book is my reflection on an incredible 20-year journey and the many individuals who helped shape it.”

Horner went on to become one of the most successful team bosses in F1 history, overseeing Red Bull’s rise from midfield operation to multiple championship-winning force.

During his tenure, Red Bull won eight drivers’ championships, six constructors’ titles and 124 grands prix, with Sebastian Vettel and Max Verstappen delivering the team’s two dominant eras.

The book’s publisher, Transworld, described the memoir as an inside account of how Red Bull went from an operation bought for £1 to one of the most valuable and recognisable teams in world sport.

The publisher said Drive would give Horner’s view on the pressure of leading a team at the sharp end of Formula 1, as well as the personalities, rivalries and private challenges that shaped his time in charge.

“It exposes the incredible pressures of that role, the psychological demands negotiated during each race, and the instinctive decision-making required to win (and win again) in a sport of maximum risk with the very finest of margins,” Transworld said.

The announcement comes almost a year after Horner’s departure from Red Bull, with last year’s British Grand Prix marking his final race in charge of the team.

He was removed from his role before the Belgian Grand Prix, ending a tenure that had stretched across Red Bull’s entire F1 history.

Horner has kept a relatively low public profile since leaving Red Bull, although he has remained heavily linked with a return to F1.

He has held talks around several potential opportunities, but has made clear he is not interested in coming back unless the right project emerges.

Horner is also set to return to Australia later this year for a speaking tour, while he is expected to appear at the British Grand Prix at Silverstone this weekend, which would mark his first F1 race appearance since leaving Red Bull.

- Ben Waterworth

FORMER RED BULL MECHANIC SAYS HANNA SCHMITZ COULD BE NEXT TO LEAVE AFTER GIANPIERO LAMBIASE

Photo by Gongora/NurPhoto via Getty Images

Ex-Red Bull mechanic Kenny Handkammer has claimed that Hannah Schmitz could be the next senior figure to leave the team.

In recent times, Red Bull have been hit with several high-profile exits, including the likes of Christian Horner, Adrian Newey, Jonathan Wheatley, Rob Marshall and Will Courtenay.

Last week, another senior departure was confirmed as Gianpiero Lambiase is set to leave Red Bull for McLaren in 2028.

Lambiase is set to become Chief Racing Officer at McLaren and will report to team principal Andrea Stella.

Less than a week after Lambiase’s departure was confirmed, it has been claimed that another senior figure could leave.

Hannah Schmitz could be next to leave Red Bull after Gianpiero Lambiase

Speaking on The Two Mechanics podcast, Handkammer claimed that the current Head of Strategy, Schmitz, could be next in line to leave the Milton Keynes-based outfit.

Handkammer said: “The decline of Red Bull is quite sad. If I were the CEO of Red Bull global, I’d be thinking. Look who he has lost, Christian Horner, Adrian Newey, Jonathan Wheatley, Gianpiero Lambiase and Will Courtenay.

“It looks like Hannah Schmitz, Head of Strategy, is rumoured to go too, all these massive key people and talks are there’s going to be more. That’s a real head scratcher. How do you reconfigure the team?”

Who is Hannah Schmitz and what is her role at Red Bull?

Schmitz, 40, is regarded as one of the most talented figures in the Formula 1 paddock, having joined Red Bull back in 2009 as a Modelling and Strategy Engineer.

In 2011, Schmitz became Senior Strategy Engineer before being promoted to Principal Strategy Engineer in 2021. In 2026, she became Red Bull’s Head of Race Strategy following Courtenay’s move to McLaren.

Schmitz has previously been praised for playing a major role in a number of Red Bull victories.

Following the 2022 Hungarian Grand Prix, Max Verstappen labelled Schmitz as ‘insanely calm’ after the Dutchman won the race from P10.

He said: “You can’t afford many mistakes. It’s of course very hard to always be on the good side, let’s say it like that. But I think we have a lot of good guys and girls in the team.

“Today, I think Hannah, our strategist, was insanely calm. Yeah, she’s very good.”

With several big names already out the door, Red Bull will have to keep the likes of Schmitz in the team if they want to prevent Verstappen from engineering his own exit.

CHRISTIAN HORNER FINALIZES DEPARTURE FROM RED BULL RACING F1 TEAM

Christian Horner led Red Bull to eight world drivers' titles and six world constructors' titles in Formula 1.

AFP

Christian Horner and Red Bull say they have finalized the process of Horner leaving the team he led to eight Formula 1 drivers' titles, two months after he was removed as team principal. The team issued a statement saying that Horner would leave Monday, without giving details of any agreement. “Leading Red Bull Racing has been an honor and privilege," Horner said in the statement. “When we started in 2005, none of us could have imagined the journey ahead — the championships, the races, the people, the memories.”

Horner had been away from the F1 paddock since July, when the Red Bull parent company said it had “released Christian Horner from his operational duties with immediate effect” and appointed Laurent Mekies in his place.

The Red Bull company's chief executive for corporate projects and investments, Oliver Mintzlaff, thanked Horner on Monday for “his exceptional work over the last 20 years.”

Horner had been Red Bull team principal since it entered F1 as a full constructor in 2005.

His last race in charge of the team was the British Grand Prix, in a season in which the team had struggled to keep up with F1's leading team McLaren. A series of high-profile executives had also left the team over the previous year and a half, including car design great Adrian Newey.

Since Horner was removed, Max Verstappen has won two of Red Bull's five Grands Prix under Mekies, including Sunday's Azerbaijan Grand Prix, as well as a sprint race.

Last year, Horner was accused of misconduct toward a team employee.

An investigation conducted on behalf of the Red Bull company dismissed the allegation, as did a further investigation conducted after the employee appealed against the initial ruling, Red Bull said at the time.

Horner remained in charge of the F1 team throughout the entire process.

- Associated Press 

CHRISTIAN HORNER SET FOR 'SHOCK F1 MOVE TO ASTON MARTIN'

Christian Horner has been linked to Aston Martin. (Image: Bradley Collyer / PA)

Christian Horner is set to make a Formula 1 move to Aston Martin after his sacking from Red Bull, according to new reports.

The 51-year-old who lives near Banbury was relieved of his Red Bull team principal role last month after 20 years of service.

Early in July, a statement from Red Bull GmbH read: “Red Bull has released Christian Horner from his operational duties with effect from today (Wednesday, July 9) and has appointed Laurent Mekies as CEO of Red Bull Racing.”

Christian Horner and his wife Geri Halliwell-Horner live on the Oxfordshire border. (Image: Scott Hunt / PA)

Mr Horner had been team principal at Red Bull since 2005, overseeing eight drivers’ world championships and six constructors’ titles.

He led them to world championship success with drivers Sebastian Vettel and Max Verstappen in a period which included eight drivers’ championships and six constructors’ championships.

The Formula 1 star resides in a £9.2m mansion with his wife, Geri Halliwell-Horner, on the Oxfordshire border with Northamptonshire.

Missed a copy of the Oxford Mail you wanted? Here's what to do https://t.co/n1aacoWEDF

— Oxford Mail (@TheOxfordMail) May 13, 2024

Now he has been linked with a move to Aston Martin by former F1 driver Juan Pablo Montoya on a recent episode of the MontoyAS podcast.

Asked if he could see Horner at Cadillac, he said: "No, I see Horner more in a team like Aston.

"I see him at a team like Aston on the one hand because he has been with Newey for many years and they have a very good relationship, so it would be a very good fit."

- Edward Burnett

SKY SPORTS APOLOGISE AS TOTO WOLFF SWEARS ON LIVE ON LIVE TV SUGGESTING CRISTIAN HORNER JOB

Sky Sports were forced to apologise after Mercedes boss Toto Wolff swore live on air as he gave a hilarious suggestion about Christian Horner’s new role

Toto Wolff swore live on TV(Image: Sky Sports)

Sky Sports were forced to apologise as Mercedes boss Toto Wolff swore live on air.

Following the end of the sole qualifying session for the Belgian Grand Prix sprint weekend, Wolff was asked about Christian Horner’s sacking from Red Bull. The two became fierce rivals as Red Bull took over Mercedes’ dominance in the sport.

Wolff was asked whether he would miss Horner in the paddock despite them being involved in numerous heated fallouts in recent years. But the Mercedes team principal gave an answer that many weren’t expecting, certainly not Sky presenter Natalie Pinkham.

He said: "In a way, yes [I will miss him]. He was one of the main casts. I don't think he's gone forever; he could pop up in some other function.

"I need to be careful. He could be rocking up in the FIA, and then you know I'm really in the s***. He was someone that was controversial, polarising, and not soft-washed.

"That was good from the entertainment factor, and from that perspective, he will be missed. His track record speaks for itself."

Ironically, despite saying he needed to be careful, Wolff’s choice of words were anything but as Sky had to apologise for the use of his expletive language at the end of the interview, which was aired without a bleep.

Horner oversaw Red Bull taking Mercedes’ perch as the most dominant team in F1 when he won back-to-back Constructors’ Championships as Max Verstappen became a four-time world champion.

However, Red Bull’s form this season, and amid past controversies clouding over him, Horner was sacked following the British Grand Prix.

Two failed driver signings in Liam Lawson and Yuki Tsunoda this season have seen Verstappen carrying the team again this year, but the Dutchman’s future is uncertain.

Wolff denied that his approaches to the Dutchman were a catalyst behind Horner’s dismissal.

He said: "No. There is much more in the background that we probably don't know with Red Bull.

"Looking after drivers, in my position as team principal of Mercedes, I need to explore what Max is going to do in the next few years, not only next year."

- Cameron Winstanley

MEKIES REVEALS SHOCK CALL THAT MADE HIM RED BULL TEAM BOSS

 

XPB

Laurent Mekies has revealed the exact moment he was informed he would replace Christian Horner as team principal and CEO of Red Bull Racing – describing it as a bolt from the blue that he had to "quickly digest" before embracing the challenge.

Red Bull stunned the Formula 1 paddock earlier this month when the energy drink company announced that Horner, who had led Red Bull Racing since its inception in 2005, was stepping down with immediate effect and replaced by Mekies, previously in charge of sister outfit Racing Bulls.

Speaking to F1.com ahead of his first race weekend in charge at Spa-Francorchamps, the Frenchman described the whirlwind moment when Red Bull GmbH managing director Oliver Mintzlaff and motorsport advisor Helmut Marko delivered the news.

"Obviously, it came out of the blue, as [it did] for you guys, so mine was probably quite similar to you," Mekies said.

"I received a call a few hours before everyone was made aware. And it was from Oliver and Helmut, and it took me by surprise.

"Initially, I asked them if you have to think about it and then you quickly realise... then try to digest and then you say, well, wait a second, it's Red Bull calling you to step in that role. How can it be anything else than an honour and a privilege?

“So, you get that Red Bull energy feeling there, and that's how it happened. Obviously, I called them back, and the rest is history."

From Shock to Strategy: Mekies Outlines His First Moves

While the appointment came with little time for preparation, Mekies quickly focused his attention on building relationships inside the team and understanding the internal dynamics of one of F1’s most successful operations.

"I think the biggest element was then how do you get into it. The first thing that pops into your mind is, you need to meet the people and that was really what was in my mind,” he explained

"How do you now use the time? To meet these incredible people, to meet the teams, to start to get to know each other, to start to interact, to understand the strengths, to understand the dynamics, to understand all of that."

He acknowledged the early days are still part of a long learning curve.

"And it's been only two weeks, and you are nowhere near where you want to be, but it's a completely different feeling once you start that process and you get to know more people every day, so it makes it quite an incredible journey."

Mekies now faces the immense task of leading Red Bull into its post-Horner era, with the team's on-track form under scrutiny and star driver Max Verstappen closely watching developments.

But for the 48-year-old engineer, the sudden opportunity is one he now fully embraces – with Red Bull’s signature energy already carrying him into a new chapter.

- Phillip van Osten

'A LOT OF DRAMA': MCLAREN BOSS ZAK BROWN WEIGHS IN ON CHRISTIAN HORNER'S RED BULL DISMISSAL

Imago

McLaren Racing chief Zak Brown said he was unsurprised by the dismissal of Red Bull boss Christian Horner, but the timing was a little unusual.

Red Bull did not give a reason for the decision, but thanked Horner for his work and said he will "forever remain an important part of our team history."

Laurent Mekies of sister team Racing Bulls replaced Horner in his role as team principal and chief executive of the Red Bull team.

Horner had been Red Bull team principal since it entered F1 as a full constructor in 2005. He had performed his team and media duties as normal throughout the British Grand Prix last week.

Brown, who has an extensive rivalry with Horner and Red Bull, said he was not taken aback by the decision to let Horner go, but did wonder about the timing.

Left to right: Christian Horner, Helmut Marko and Max Verstappen. Getty

"Maybe the timing but not the result," Brown said when asked if he was shocked by the news.

"There has been a lot of drama there over the last couple of years, so it doesn't seem like that drama has been calming down -- maybe it's been getting worse.

"So, I'm not surprised, any time in the middle of the season. But we're head down on our championship.

"They've got Max [Verstappen] still knocking on the door, so we've got to pay attention to that. But, yeah, tremendous amount of success they've had."

Horner is the latest in a series of high-profile executives to leave the team over the last year and a half. Car design great Adrian Newey joined Aston Martin and sporting director Jonathan Wheatley departed for Sauber, which is soon to become the Audi works team. All of these changes have followed the 2022 death of Dietrich Mateschitz, the billionaire co-founder of Red Bull who created its F1 project.

The announcement also comes more than a year after Horner was accused of misconduct toward a team employee.

An investigation conducted on behalf of the Red Bull company dismissed the allegation, as did a further investigation conducted after the employee appealed against the initial ruling, Red Bull said at the time.

Horner remained in charge of the F1 team throughout the entire process.

Horner oversaw eight F1 drivers' titles — four for Sebastian Vettel and four for Verstappen — and six constructors' titles during his time with the team.

But McLaren has dominated this season in F1, while Red Bull's performance has dipped, though defending champion Verstappen remains third in the standings and the team is fourth.

As for Horner, Brown believes the former Red Bull boss will land on his feet.

"Given his age and his history in motor racing, I'd be surprised if he didn't show up somewhere in motor racing," Brown added.

"But I don't know his other interests, whether he wants to go run a football team or what have you. So, we'll see."

-  Sacha Mirzabegian, with AP

RED BULL ISSUES 'VALID CONTRACT' WARNING TO MAX VERSTAPPEN AMID MERCEDES F1 LINKS

Helmut Marko has reminded Max Verstappen of his contract with Red Bull

Red Bull advisor Helmut Marko has reminded Max Verstappen that he has a “valid contract” with Red Bull, amid growing speculation he may switch to Formula 1 rivals Mercedes.

Verstappen’s whereabouts in 2026 have been the subject of increasing speculation, with a myriad of different accounts all pointing towards discussions with Mercedes.

A Verstappen exit from the Milton Keynes-based squad would thoroughly put the icing on the cake of what has been a tumultuous period for the team, exacerbated by the shock firing of Team Principal and CEO Christian Horner.

The team is also bracing itself for a tough first year under the new regulations next year, with Horner warning that it would be “embarrassing” if Mercedes were to be outperformed by Red Bull, in its new partnership with Ford.

But when asked by OE24 about the rumours of Verstappen’s potential switch to the ‘silver arrows’, Marko replied: “Max can meet with whoever he wants.”

It is widely believed that Verstappen can trigger an exit clause in his Red Bull contract if he is below fourth place in the Drivers’ Championship at the summer break.

Verstappen is currently third in the standings, with 46 points separating him from that and fifth place, currently occupied by Charles Leclerc.

A bigger dip in form for the team would place it in an invidious position, but assumption dictates that if Verstappen is able to hold on to his current placing, the hierarchy in Milton Keynes can temper its nerves.

Marko doubled down on the contractual situation that Verstappen has, reminding the four-time World Champion that his deal runs through 2028.

“We have a valid contract and we assume that Max will stay with us,” he said.

However, it was reported last week that Mercedes’ CEO Ola Kallenius has given the green light for the team to try and sign Verstappen, which could mean that it is prepared to pay the necessary compensation in order to spring Verstappen from his current deal.

- Jack Oliver Smith

CHRISTIAN HORNER IS MOCKED ON MUMSNET OVER 'MORTIFYING' MESSAGE 'SENT TO FEMALE EMPLOYEE BY THE F1 BOSS' AFTER THEY WERE LEAKED ON SOCIAL MEDIA

Christian Horner has been mocked by Mumsnet users over 'mortifying' leaked texts he allegedly sent to a junior female employee.

Geri Halliwell's husband was cleared to continue as Red Bull team principal on Wednesday following an internal probe into claims of 'coercive behaviour', which he has always denied.

But just 24 hours later, texts apparently exchanged between him and the complainant were sent from an anonymous email to 149 F1 figures - leading friends to warn that his marriage to the Spice Girl was 'in question for the first time' .

Mumsnet users described the messages as 'sleazy', with one writing that they 'give me the creeps'.

Another described the exchanges as 'humiliating' for Halliwell, adding 'I really feel for her'.

One of the suggestive text exchanges that are said to involve Horner and have been leaked online

One forum poster suggested the messages raised questions for Red Bull.

Christian Horner in Bahrain today. The Red Bull team principal has been mocked on Mumsnet over 'mortifying' leaked texts

'It calls Red Bull's integrity into question,' the mother wrote. 'They did say it was a private matter after the leak, but as this is an employee, I do not think they can get away with going into hiding on it.'

Others were more direct, describing the messages as 'grim' and 'pathetic'.

Horner returned to the paddock in Bahrain today with his future once again in the spotlight after hundreds of WhatsApp messages were plastered all over social media. 

As well as putting his marriage under threat, Horner, 50, is also at risk of falling foul of the moral behaviour code set by F1 governing body the Fédération Internationale de l'Automobile (FIA). 

Spice Girl Geri Halliwell is seen with husband Horner at the World Premiere of 'The Moonwalkers' last December

This can be breached if 'any words, deeds, or writings have caused moral injury or loss to the FIA, its bodies, its members, or its executive officers, and more generally on the interest of motorsport and on the values defended by the FIA'. 

Sources close the employee have questioned the 'one-side' decision to clear Horner and feel it should be looked at again after the leak of the crude messages her boss allegedly sent her.

Meanwhile, Halliwell flew out to Bahrain last night before the email containing the leaked messages was sent.  

The Spice Girl is said to be 'having the meltdown to end all meltdowns' over the leaks. 

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

Below, we reveal a flavour the messages, which are now being widely circulating on social media -  

Halliwell is said to be 'highly unlikely' to fly out to Bahrain to join her husband. Pictured: Their wedding day in 2015

Suggestive jokes 

Many of the texts leaked online take the form of playful exchanges.

One exchange with Horner apparently sending the woman a picture of him in an airport after landing, which he jests about stretching her legs, to which she responds: 'Wow'

A second begins with a 'confession' and reference to flying to Dubai and being 'out of control', followed by a reference to a solo sex act.

FIA President also received the emails

Photo requests 

Several of the texts said to have been sent by Horner include requests for selfies. 

In one he appears to tell the woman a photo of her in nightclothes is 'needed' and makes a request for another pic, followed by a winky face emoji, as the pair are discussing preparations for a trip.

Horner and Geri Halliwell at the Larkhill Royal Artillary Point to Point

Jokes about underwear 

'Horner's' enthusiasm for a certain brand of underwear crops up repeatedly in the leaked WhatsApp chats, in which the woman is said to 'look very attractive'.

Other messages mentioning the figure-hugging womenswear include reference to the brand and a 'tart' followed by a crying with laughter emoji.

Worries about messages

The leaked WhatsApps include several times when 'Horner' asks the woman to delete the texts they have exchanged.  

Other times, 'Horner' appears to regret some of his texts.

- MAILONLINE REPORTER

GERI HALLIWELL VS. CHRISTIAN HORNER

Geri Halliwell:

Geri Halliwell-Horner, also known by her former stage name Ginger Spice, is an English singer, songwriter, and television personality. She rose to international fame in the 1990s as a member of the iconic pop girl group the Spice Girls. After leaving the group, she embarked on a successful solo music career and has appeared in various television shows. She is married to Christian Horner, and they have a blended family.

Christian Horner:

Christian Horner is a British motorsport executive and former racing driver. He is best known as the Team Principal of the Red Bull Racing Formula One team, a position he has held since 2005, leading the team to multiple World Championships. He is the longest-serving Team Principal in F1. He is married to Geri Halliwell, and they have a blended family, including a daughter together.

#GeriHalliwell #ChristianHorner #MarriedCouple #SpiceGirls #Formula1 #F1 #PopStar #Racing #redbullracing

- Himanshu Goswami

CHRISTIAN HORNER BREAKS SILENCE AFTER SHOCKING RED BULL SACKING DECISION: 'WHEN I ARRIVED 20 YEARS AGO...'

Christian Horner reportedly broke down in tears as he bid farewell to the Red Bull team after being shockingly sacked as the Formula 1 team’s boss. He addressed Red Bull staff at their Milton Keynes campus.

Christian Horner was sacked by Red Bull after 20 years as team principal. Image: Reuters

Former Red Bull Formula 1 team boss Christian Horner was reportedly reduced to tears as he delivered a farewell speech to his former colleagues on Wednesday at the team’s Milton Keynes campus. The 51-year-old Horner, who led Red Bull to six Teams’ Championships and eight Drivers’ Championships in his 20-year tenure as the team boss, was sacked by the F1 team on Wednesday. Laurent Mekies has been named the new CEO of Red Bull Racing.

As per a report in the Guardian, Horner was at the Red Bull GmbH campus on Wednesday to speak to the 1,500-strong workforce for one last time.

Horner expresses shock at his sacking

According to the report, Horner got emotional as he expressed his shock at being removed from the CEO’s position.

“Yesterday, I was informed by Red Bull that operationally, I will no longer be involved with the business for the team,” Horner said in a video accessed by Sky Sports News.

“The decision came as a shock to myself. I have had a chance to reflect over the last 12 hours and I wanted to stand in front of all of you to break this news, and just express my gratitude to each and every single member of the team that has given so much during the 20 and a half years that I have been here.

“When I arrived 20 years ago, with a few less grey hairs, I walked into a team and I didn’t know what to expect but I was immediately welcomed. We then started to build what became a powerhouse in Formula One. Watching and being part of this team has been the biggest privilege in my life.”

Later on Instagram, Horner added that it was “honour” for him to lead the Red Bull team. “After an incredible journey of 20 years together, it is with a heavy heart that today I say goodbye to the team I have absolutely loved. It’s been an honour to be part of this incredible era of motor sport.

“Every one of you, the amazing people at the factory, have been the heart and soul of everything that we have achieved. Win and lose, every step of the way, we have stood by each other as one and I will never forget that.”

He added that he is leaving the team with “immense pride.”

“It’s been a privilege being part of and leading this epic team and I am so proud of our collective accomplishments and you all. I leave with immense pride in what we’ve achieved and also with what’s in the pipeline for 2026 – and huge respect for everyone who’s made F1 the pinnacle it is today.”

Under Horner’s guidance, Red Bull also won 107 pole positions, 124 race wins and 287 podiums.

Horner’s sacking comes a little over 17 months after he was accused of inappropriate behaviour by an employee.

- FP Sports Desk

HOW MERCEDES NOW 'PRIVATELY FEEL ABOUT OFFERING GEORGE RUSSELL A NEW CONTRACT AFTER CRISTIAN HORNER'S SACKING

Christian Horner’s exit from Red Bull Racing could have wide-ranging implications for the Formula 1 driver market.

Max Verstappen went into the 2025 F1 season as the incumbent drivers’ championship winner, having won four titles on the bounce.

However, at the halfway stage of the campaign, it appears almost impossible for the Red Bull driver to add a fifth championship to his collection.

Oscar Piastri has a 69-point lead over Verstappen, and his dissatisfaction could have wide-ranging implications for the driver market.

Verstappen has a get-out clause in the Red Bull contract, and that has caught the attention of Mercedes.

Mercedes chiefs have reportedly greenlit a move for Verstappen, and this could have wide-ranging implications for George Russell.

Russell is out of contract at the end of the season, as is his teammate Andrea Kimi Antonelli.

However, Toto Wolff appears more likely to let the British driver go should Verstappen become available; however, the 27-year-old’s future might be settled sooner rather than later.

‘Privately’ felt in Formula 1 that George Russell will extend his Mercedes contract

Journalist Daniel Moxon was writing on his Substack in the aftermath of Horner being replaced by Laurent Mekies at Red Bull.

Explaining what was being discussed during the British Grand Prix weekend at Silverstone, Moxon suggested that he consulted sources from ‘both Mercedes and Red Bull’.

Moxon believes that ‘there wasn’t anything too serious there’ when asking about the idea of Verstappen moving on at the end of this season.

Wolff’s interest in Verstappen has been well known for some time, even before the Dutchman made his Formula 1 debut in 2015.

He believes that there is nothing ‘concrete’ to suggest that a move for Verstappen is impending, even if Wolff and Verstappen are holidaying in the same area ahead of the next race at Spa.

Russell is said to be ‘confident’ that he’ll be signing a new Mercedes deal, and ‘privately’ it’s believed that it could be struck potentially before the Belgian Grand Prix.

There are suggestions that Russell and Mercedes reached an impasse over the length of his contract.

It makes sense for Wolff to offer the four-time race winner a short-term deal to keep the opportunity of signing Verstappen open.

However, Russell is in such good form that he can be demanding in negotiations with the Silver Arrows.

How Mercedes driver George Russell was greeted by the British Grand Prix crowd

Russell had a nightmare home race at Silverstone on Sunday, finishing in the final points-paying position after a botched strategy.

He decided to change onto slick tyres on the formation lap, losing him track position and a lot of time as the track didn’t dry as fast as expected.

Fans at Silverstone appeared to forget Russell existed, with far more excitement surrounding Lando Norris and Lewis Hamilton.

From a commercial point of view, Verstappen would be a huge draw for Mercedes given his success, even if he’s not particularly willing to take part in many of the commercial activities that drivers are required to do.

Martin Brundle suggested Mercedes’ strategy defied common sense at Silverstone, and that might be why Russell didn’t get the support he might have expected.

His luck at the British Grand Prix has been woeful throughout his career, with a technical fault ending his hope of winning the race last season.

- Ben Evans

CHRISTIAN HORNER SACKED BY RED BULL, LAURENT MEKIES NAMED NEW CEO

Christian Horner has been relieved of his duties by Red Bull, according to reports

Christian Horner has been sacked as Team Principal of the Red Bull Formula 1 team after 20 years in the job.

F1 reporter Erik van Haren from Holland’s De Telegraf has posted on his X account that the 51-year-old is to be removed from his post, and the staff at the team’s Milton Keynes based have been informed.

The bomb has dropped at Red Bull Racing,” van Haren wrote. “Team boss and CEO Christian Horner has been sacked after more than 20 years.”

Red Bull has now confirmed the move, staying that Horner was “released from his operational duties with effect from today”.

Laurent Mekies, Team Principal of Red Bull’s statellite outfit Racing Bulls, will take Horner’s place as Team Principal and CEO.

Alan Permane, who was Racing Director at the Faenza-based squad, takes over as Racing Bulls boss.

“We would like to thank Christian Horner for his exceptional work over the last 20 years,” said Oliver Mintzlaff, Red Bull’s CEO of Corporate Projects and Investments.

“With his tireless commitment, experience, expertise and innovative thinking, he has been instrumental in establishing Red Bull Racing as one of the most successful and attractive teams in Formula 1.

“Thank you for everything, Christian, and you will forever remain an important part of our team history.”

Horner has been the subject of numerous reports in recent months regarding his future and authority within the team.

After allegations were made about his private life, Horner was said to have come under pressure from certain circles around the team, including lead driver Max Verstappen’s father Jos.

In a communication released by Racing Bulls, new boss Mekies has said: “The last year and a half has been an absolute privilege to lead the team with Peter [Bayer].

“It has been an amazing adventure to contribute to the birth of Racing Bulls together with all our talented people.

“The spirit of the whole team is incredible, and I strongly believe that this is just the beginning.

“Alan is the perfect man to take over now and continue our path. He knows the team inside out and has always been an important pillar of our early success.”

Permane added his own sentiments, saying: “I feel very honoured to take on the role as Team Principal and would like to thank Oliver and Helmut for the trusrt they have shown in me.

“I am looking forward to working with Peter to cotinue the good work that both him and Laurent have done in taking this team forward.

“This is a new challenge for me, but I know that I can count on the support of everyone within them.”

- Jack Oliver Smith

MAX VERSTAPPEN WAS 'DISRESPECTFUL' ON F1 PODIUM IN SAUDI ARABIA, SAYS JOHNNY HERBERT

Verstappen was given a five-second penalty in Jeddah and was visibly annoyed after finishing second

Verstappen was ‘disrespectful’ on F1 podium in Saudi, says Herbert

Johnny Herbert believes Max Verstappen was “unprofessional and disrespectful” on the Saudi Arabian GP podium after finishing second to Oscar Piastri on Sunday.

Former F1 race winner Herbert added that Verstappen should have been given a 10-second penalty for the incident at turn one on lap one with Piastri, instead of a five-second penalty.

Pole-sitter Verstappen came out second best with McLaren’s Piastri in Jeddah and was clearly annoyed by the penalty given to him, refusing to directly answer a question on the topic from David Coulthard on the grid after the race.

In the customary podium celebrations afterwards, Verstappen did not spray champagne in the usual manner with Piastri and third-placed driver Leclerc – something Herbert picked up on.

"I saw Max Verstappen drink the champagne on the podium and didn't really celebrate [with] Oscar or Charles – it comes across as unprofessional and disrespectful, from a four-time world champion,” Herbert said.

“You have to be gracious in defeat sometimes. I don't know how people will argue that it was an unfair penalty.

“The people arguing against it have probably never been in a race car, and definitely not in an F1 car, so they have zero understanding. I'll include Christian Horner in this, too.

“I know he's the team principal and he's trying to do what's best for Red Bull, but sometimes you have to just admit you're wrong and give the place back. Most drivers are very aware of when they should give the place back."

Red Bull boss Horner argued after the race, via still images from Verstappen’s onboard camera, that his driver was “ahead at the apex” and should not have been penalised.

Verstappen finished second to Oscar Piastri in Jeddah
Getty Images

"It was a definite penalty, because when you go into any corner, especially a tight one like that, you've got to be on the apex near the curb,” Herbert added, in partnership with Beste Online Casino Nederland. “The apex of the turn was not where Verstappen was, who was two metres out.

"Horner then came up with the picture of evidence to show who was in front in turn one, which was a load of baloney, but to me, it was passing the buck to the FIA and the stewards.

“It's wrong, it shouldn't be like that. Red Bull had a chance to give the place back but they chose not to.”

Red Bull, ultimately, decided not to officially appeal the penalty afterwards.

Herbert was dropped as an F1 race steward in January after being criticised by Verstappen’s dad, Jos, for commenting on the Dutchman’s driving style as a media pundit, alongside being an official.

Herbert was critical of Verstappen’s driving style in Mexico last year, when the former British driver was part of the stewarding panel who dished out a 20-second penalty to the Red Bull driver. This incident prompted Jos to rebuke: “I think a steward shouldn’t talk to the press at all.”

Herbert, 60, was then dropped by the FIA prior to the 2025 season due to the “incompatibility” of his dual role.

The next race of the 2025 season is the Miami Grand Prix (2-4 May).

- Kieran Jackson

VERSTAPPEN NOT LEAVING SAYS HORNER AMID RUMOURED $300M BID BY ASTON MARTIN

Max Verstappen will continue to drive for Red Bull next year, team principal Christian Horner has stated following rumours of a lucrative offer from Aston Martin.

Red Bull is facing further speculation over their star driver’s future after he fell to third place in the championship at the previous round. The team’s motorsport consultant Helmut Marko last week claimed Verstappen could exploit an exit clause in his contract if he is not inside the top three by the summer break in August.

Asked whether Marko’s claim was true, Horner said: “I think ‘noise’ is exactly the right word to describe it.”

“There’s been a lot of noise outside of the team,” he told Sky. “Inside the team, I think Max again reaffirmed his commitment yesterday.”

Horner said Verstappen will “absolutely” continue to drive for Red Bull in 2026.

Verstappen’s dissatisfaction with the team’s dip in performance last year prompted claims he could move to a rival team before his current deal with Red Bull ends in 2028. The first rumours of an approach from Aston Martin emerged earlier this year.

Today La Gazzetta dello Sport claimed Aston Martin has offered Verstappen a three-year deal worth $300 million (£226m). The Italian newspaper claimed Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund, which has spent heavily on other sports, intends to buy the team and will finance the bid for the four-times world champion.

Horner downplayed Marko’s fears Verstappen could leave the team. “People are always going to have their concerns,” he said. “As a team we are very much focused on sorting this car out. Sort the car out, it doesn’t even become a discussion point.”

Verstappen and team mate Yuki Tsunoda ended the first practice session at the bottom of the top 10. Horner said the team had “gone a little radical on some of the set-up,” in that session.

“We’ve got plenty to look at. We ran the cars slightly differently as well, so that we’ve got that info. 

- Keith Collantine

HORNER: THE PURIST IN ME WOULD LOVE TO GO BACK TO A V10

 

Red Bull Formula 1 boss Christian Horner commented on a recent statement by FIA President Mohammed Ben Sulayem regarding the return of screaming V10 engines.

Horner has expressed support for an eventual return to V10 engines despite his team spending heavily on designing their own power unit for the new era starting in 2026.

The naturally aspirated V10s, which disappeared from the starting grid in 2006, are far louder than the current V6 turbo-hybrid units but are being mooted as a future option with sustainable fuel.

The governing FIA said last week that discussions were ongoing with stakeholders over the sport’s technical direction from 2030 and a working group was likely to be set up to explore all possibilities.

Horner said: “Personally, from a sporting perspective, looking at what the future engine of Formula 1 should be beyond this next generation, particularly with the way that sustainable fuel is going.

“It does open up all kinds of opportunities. Inadvertently, we´ve ended up with a very, very expensive, very complex engine from ’26 onwards.

“The purist in me would love to go back to a V10 that was done responsibly with sustainable fuel that reintroduced the sounds of grand prix racing,” he added at pre-season testing in Bahrain.

“It’s an interesting concept and one to certainly look for after this current set of regulations,” Horner concluded.

Red Bull, who will be partnered by Ford from 2026 after a split from Honda, have built a powertrains plant next to their Milton Keynes headquarters.

- Allan Baldwin, Reuters 

OFFICIAL: PEREZ ANNOUNCES DEPARTURE FROM RED BULL RACING FOR 2025

An agreement has been reached

After four successful seasons together, and following the conclusion of the longest Formula One season in history, Sergio Pérez and Oracle Red Bull Racing have reached an agreement to part ways for 2025.

Checo joined Oracle Red Bull Racing for the 2021 season and across four seasons and 90 race starts with the Team, the Mexican racer enjoyed the most successful spell of his 13 years in Formula One. As well as scoring five wins, including victory at the Monaco Grand Prix and a pair of Azerbaijan Grand Prix wins that earned him a reputation as ‘F1’s King of the Streets’, Checo helped the Team to two Constructors’ Championship titles, in 2022 and 2023. As a title runner-up in his own regard last year, he also sealed the Team’s first one-two finish in the Drivers’ standings.

Checo, said: “I’m incredibly grateful for the past four years with Oracle Red Bull Racing and for the opportunity to race with such an amazing Team. Driving for Red Bull has been an unforgettable experience and I’ll always cherish the successes we achieved together. We broke records, reached remarkable milestones, and I’ve had the privilege of meeting so many incredible people along the way. A big thank you to every person in the Team from the management, engineers and mechanics, catering, hospitality, kitchen, marketing and communications, as well as everyone at Milton Keynes, I wish you all the best for the future. It has also been an honour to race alongside Max as a teammate all these years and to share in our success. A special thank you to the fans around the world, and especially to the Mexican fans for your unwavering support every day. We’ll meet again soon. And remember…Never give up.”

Christian Horner, Team Principal and CEO of Oracle Red Bull Racing, said: “I would like to thank Checo for all he has done for Oracle Red Bull Racing over the past four seasons. From the moment he joined in 2021 he proved himself to be an extraordinary Team player, helping us to two Constructors’ titles and to our first 1-2 finish in the Drivers’ championship. His five wins, all on street circuits, were also a spectacular mark of his determination to always push to the limit. While Checo will not race for the Team next season, he will always be an extremely popular Team member and a treasured part of our history. Thank you, Checo.”

Further announcements regarding the Team’s full 2025 line-up will be made in due course.

- NextGen Auto

LIAM LAWSON 'LEARNED LESSON' AFTER MEXICO INCIDENT WITH SERGIO PEREZ

Liam Lawson of RB and Sergio Perez of Red Bull battle for position during the Mexico Grand Prix. Jared C. Tilton/Getty Images

SAO PAULO, Brazil -- RB driver Liam Lawson says he learned lessons from his collision with Red Bull's Sergio Perez at the Mexico Grand Prix, but will not change his overall approach to racing.

Lawson and Perez collided at Turn 5 while racing for position in Mexico, with Lawson gesturing with his middle finger at the Mexican when he passed him later in the race.

Perez told media after the chequered flag that Lawson, who replaced Daniel Ricciardo at RB two races ago, had the wrong "attitude" for F1, claiming the New Zealander was "out of control".

Lawson, who drives for the Red Bull-owned RB team, said he spoke with Red Bull team principal Christian Horner and motorsport advisor Helmut Marko following the Mexico Grand Prix.

"I don't think they want me to race differently," he said. "But obviously the target is not to make contact with another Red Bull car.

"And as I said at the time, it wasn't my intention in the moment. Looking back, maybe I could have avoided it. And clearly that would have been the right thing to do at the time."

Asked if he would maintain the same level of aggression in his racing, Lawson added: "That won't change, yeah. That attitude towards racing and how I approach races in Formula 1 won't change.

"That's how I'll always be, but at the same time there's things in there if I make mistakes I'll always learn from them. And clearly in Mexico I made a mistake and I'll learn from it."

Perez was attempting to pass Lawson for position when the pair collided. The Red Bull driver was squeezed to the inside of Turn 4 and then both ran deep into the corner, with Lawson ending up off the circuit.

Lawson rejoined ahead of Turn 5, which is where the two cars collided, and admitted he could have skipped the inside of the corner to avoid contact.

"Looking back, maybe there were things I could have done differently, I could have cut the chicane and avoided it completely," he said. "But in the moment I'm racing as well, you have a split second to make this decision.

"So it's something I've spoken to the team about afterwards and I've reflected on and I'll learn from going into this weekend."

Lawson said he spoke with Perez after the race and apologised for gesturing at the Red Bull driver with his middle finger.

"Briefly we spoke after the race but at the same time we left the track very early immediately afterwards anyway. So I think it was an on-track fight and I apologised for what I did after the incident.

"But in terms of the fight we had on track, it was deemed as a racing incident and something that was an in the moment battle."

- Laurence Edmondson, F1 Editor