Gerri Halliwell is said to be ‘stunned’ after WhatsApp messages from her husband, Red Bull boss Christian Horner, were allegedly leaked on Thursday.
Horner had been under investigation for several weeks after a female employee of the Red Bull Formula 1 team accused him of ‘inappropriate and controlling behaviour’,claims the 50-year-old has always denied.
On Wednesday, ahead of the seasoning opening race in Bahrain, Red Bull announced that the team principal had been cleared following a three-week internal probe conducted by an external lawyer.
However, just 24 hours later, the allegations have resurfaced after a tranche of messages – claiming to be between Horner and the complainant – were leaked to the media, F1 teams, FIA president Mohammed Ben Sulayem and F1 chief executive Stefano Domenicali.
The latest twist in the saga as well as the details of the leaked messages and images, which the Metro have seen, have reportedly left former Spice Girl Halliwell ‘stunned’ according to The Sun, while the Daily Mail add she has been ‘extremely humiliated.’
Throughout the investigation, it was said that Halliwell was in‘floods of tears’and was‘struggling to sleep or eat’over the allegations.
It is unclear at this stage whether the leaked messages form part of the investigation or whether this is new evidence which may force a re-opening of the case.
Horner, meanwhile, has publicly responded to the leaks with a short statement.
‘I won’t comment on anonymous speculation, but to reiterate, I have always denied the allegations,’ he began.
‘I respected the integrity of the independent investigation and fully cooperated with it every step of the way.
Christian Horner investigation timeline
How the scandal has unfolded...
Monday 5 February - Red Bull confirm investigation into Horner over 'controlling behaviour' allegations
Friday 9 February - Horner grilled by independent lawyer during eight-hour hearing
Thursday 15 February - Horner attends Red Bull's 2024 car launch and publicly addresses allegations for first time - says he 'fully denies' any wrongdoing
Friday 16 February - Fresh allegations emerge in Dutch Newspaper De Telegraaf suggesting Horner sent messages of a 'suggestive nature' to a female employee
Wednesday 21 February to Friday 23 February - Horner attends Formula 1 pre-season testing in Bahrain - says: ‘We hope there is a resolution as soon as possible’
Friday 23 February - Sixth series of F1: Drive to Survive releases on Netflix - Horner and wife Geri Halliwell feature in docuseries
Wednesday 28 February - Horner cleared of allegations - Red Bull say: 'The investigation is complete and the grievance has been dismissed. The complainant has a right of appeal'
Thursday 29 February - WhatsApp messages and images supposedly between Horner and the complainant were leaked to the media and F1 personnel
Friday 1 March - Horner summoned for showdown talks with F1 CEO Stefano Domenicali and FIA President Mohammed Ben Sulayem - later, Horner has a 'blazing row' with Jos Verstappen
Saturday 2 March - Red Bull's Max Verstappen wins season opening Bahrain Grand Prix - hours later, his father Jos warns Red Bull 'is in danger of being torn apart' unless Horner leaves
Thursday 7 March - Horner's accuser is suspended on full pay by Red Bull
Sunday 10 March - Following Saudi Arabian Grand Prix, Red Bull's owners hold crisis talks amid reports Horner will be sacked and Verstappen could leave for Mercedes
‘It was a thorough and fair investigation conducted by an independent specialist barrister, and it has concluded dismissing the complaint made. I remain fully focused on the start of the season.’
The new F1 season gets underway this weekend in Bahrain, withLewis Hamilton setting the pace early on while Red Bull and star driver Max Verstappen struggled.
Horner arrived in Bahrain on Wednesday night and was present in the paddock for Thursday’s practice.
Christian Horner investigation - what we know
- Red Bull team principal Christian Horner was under investigation over allegations of 'inappropriate behaviour'.
- Allegations made by female employee of Red Bull concern Horner's ‘strict and controlling work regime’.
- Horner said he 'fully denies any accusations', and was reportedly 'shocked and disturbed' by the allegations.
- 50-year-old is married to former Spice Girl Geri Halliwell.
- Halliwell said to be in 'floods of tears' over investigation but will stand by her husband despite warnings of a potential 'toxic tinge'.
- Hearing has been held into the matter, with independent lawyer handing in a 150 page dossier to Red Bull.
- Horner was cleared of allegations on eve of new F1 season with Red Bull saying: 'The investigation is complete and the grievance has been dismissed. The complainant has a right of appeal.'
- WhatsApp messages and images supposedly between Horner and the complainant were leaked to the media and F1 personnel - Metro have seen the material but cannot comment on what they detail.
- Horner has met with F1's CEO and the FIA president following the leaked messages, which have left Halliwell 'stunned and humiliated'.
- Jos Verstappen, father of Red Bull driver and F1 champion Max, has called for Horner to be sacked, saying team would 'explode' if he stayed.
- Jos had a 'blazing row' with Horner at the Bahrain Grand Prix and his comments have fuelled speculation that Max could leave Red Bull.
- Tensions are said to be very high at Red Bull between Horner, the owners, the Verstappen and key personnel , but Horner insists the whole team are united and focused solely on racing.
- The female employee has been suspended on full pay by Red Bull and reports suggest she will appeal the outcome of the investigation.
On Thursday, prior to the leaked messages, the 50-year-old said his entire focus was now back on the season ahead.
‘I can’t give you any further comment, but the process has been conducted and concluded,’ he told Sky Sports.
‘I am pleased to be here in Bahrain, and with the team, focused on the season ahead. Within the team, the unity has never been stronger.’
The Red Bull boss is the longest-serving time principal on the grid and has overseen Max Verstappen’s last three successive drivers’ championship victories.
The Englishman has a contract with the team until 2026 having signed an extension in 2021.
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