THE father of the woman at the centre of the Christian Horner sexting scandal has revealed his thoughts about the F1 boss’ sacking.
The Red Bull Racing boss, 51, was sacked today after 20 years as the racing team’s principal.
ReutersChristian Horner was sacked today from his role as Red Bull Racing Principal[/caption]
The Mega AgencyHorner and wife Geri at the F1 movie premier[/caption]
Horner looks on from the pitwall during practice racing in 2024
His downfall also comes a year after the “sexting scandal” that engulfed him over texts he apparently sent to a female employee.
The Brit was accused of sending suggestive WhatsApp messages, in texts that were leaked.
The father of the woman who received the texts has told the Daily Mail his reaction to the shock news of Horner’s sacking.
He said: “I’ve read the news and the right thing has happened. It’s been all over the news and people know what took place.”
The dad reportedly refused to talk about what his daughter is doing now, after she left Red Bull.
He said: “You’ll have to find out for yourself, I don’t want to go into details but she’s not involved with them (Red Bull).”
Horner vehemently denied the bombshell claims and two probes cleared the former boss.
In February 2024, Horner was cleared of any wrongdoing after bombshell claims were made by a female colleague about his behaviour.
He had spent a tumultuous three weeks fighting for his career after a female colleague alleged controlling and coercive behaviour by the boss.
The probe later investigated him allegedly sending improper messages to a woman.
A KC cleared Horner for a second time in August after the unnamed accuser launched an appeal following the internal probe.
Spice Girl Geri Halliwell stood by Horner despite reportedly being left “in floods of tears” when the scandal broke and was supported by pals, including her fellow Spice Girls.
A source said at the time: “This has been weeks of hell for Christian and his family.
“As he has said all along, these claims are ‘nuts’.
AFPF1 World Champion Sebastien Vettel and Horner celebrate winning in 2010[/caption]
PAHorner and Geri cuddle at a race[/caption]
“Geri has been rock solid behind Christian – and his whole family is relieved and elated that it’s over. Those feelings are there but no one close to Christian feels like celebrating much after what he’s been through.”
After Horner was cleared, Geri made a high profile return to the track in Bahrain holding her husband’s hand.
Horner outlasted the scandal and reports of a growing rift between him and the Verstappen camp.
Verstappen’s father, Jos, a former racing driver, is reportedly a friend of the female complainant.
The Dutchman repeatedly called for Horner’s dismissal after the sexting scandal and hours before the Bahrain race in 2024.
The pair reportedly had another row on Sunday at Silverstone, according to former F1 driver Ralf Schumacher.
AFPHorner speaks to press as he arrives for the Bahrain GP[/caption]
GettyHorner looks on from the grid during the F1 Grand Prix of Austria at Red Bull Ring[/caption]
Max claimed his fourth driver’s title despite the behind-the-scenes carnage and on-track challenges from Britain’s Lando Norris in the arguably faster McLaren car in 2024.
But while Max would have been hoping to add to his collection of titles with another defence in 2025 – Red Bull have floundered and been left in the dust by McLaren.
Max currently has 165 of Red Bull’s total points – while his two teammates combined have just 7.
Verstappen’s disappointing weekend in Silverstone which saw him spinning after a safety car essentially put the title all but out of his reach.
Red Bull managing director Oliver Mintzlaff said about the sacking: “We would like to thank Christian Horner for his exceptional work over the last 20 years.
“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.”
A look at Christian Horner’s life and career
CHRISTIAN Horner is among the most well-known names in Formula One having helped build Red Bull into one of the biggest teams in the sport.
1973 – Born in Leamington Spa, Warwickshire
1991 – Wins a Formula Renault scholarship after impressing in karting races
1993-1997 – Competed in a host of competitions including British Formula Three, British Formula Two, and Formula 3000
1997 – Founded and developed the F3000 team Arden
1999 – Retired from driving and continued developing the Arden team
2005 – Appointed head of Red Bull team, becoming the youngest ever team principal at that time
2009 – Wins his first races as team principal with Sebastian Vettel and Mark Webber
2010 – Wins the Constructors’ Championship and Drivers’ Championship with Vettel – the first of four doubles in a row
2013 – Has a daughter with ex-wife Beverly Allen shortly before the couple split
2014 – Gets engaged to Spice Girls member Geri Halliwell
2015 – Marries Halliwell in Woburn, Bedfordshire
2017 – Horner and Halliwell welcome their son
2021 – Wins another Drivers’ Championship with Max Verstappen, beating Lewis Hamilton on the final lap of the season
2022-23 – Red Bull win the Drivers’ Championship and Constructors’ Championship two years in a row
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