Christian Horner ‘wants quiet time with Geri' following his ‘shock' axe as Red Bull boss that left him in tears

The Sun

4 days ago

CHRISTIAN HORNER 'wants quiet time with Geri and the family' following his dramatic exit from Formula 1 team Red Bull this week.
The now former Red Bull team principal was axed on Wednesday after 20 years in charge, a year on from being accused of sexual harassment and coercive, controlling behaviour by a female employee.
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Horner denied the accusations throughout the scandal.
He stayed in his position for 16 months and his dismissal was part of a clear-out.
Red Bull have slid down the standings since the accusations, with star driver and four-time world champion Max Verstappen also being linked with a move to Mercedes in the build up to Horner's exit.
Now, according to The Mail, Horner's priority is 'quiet time with Geri and the family for a little while'.
Horner and his wife, former Spice Girl Geri Halliwell-Horner, have been seen together in public as a united front since the scandal last February.
Horner was in tears as he addressed his 'shock' sacking and received a standing ovation at Red Bull HQ in Milton Keynes.
He said: "Yesterday, I was informed by Red Bull that operationally I would no longer be involved with the business or the team moving forward.
"I will still remain employed by the company, but, operationally the baton will be handed over.
"It came as a shock to myself. I've had a chance to reflect over the last 12 hours and wanted to stand in front of all of you to break this news.
"And to express my gratitude to each and every single member of the team that has given so much during the last 20-and-a-half years that I've been here.
Christian Horner 'in tears' during farewell speech to Red Bull employees as sacked boss admits decision came as 'shock'
"When I arrived 20 years ago, with a few less grey hairs, I walked into a team and did not know what to expect but I was immediately welcomed and we started to build what became a powerhouse in F1.
"Watching and being part of this team has been the biggest privilege of my life."
A source told The Sun that the tears during his farewell speech were 'actually about Geri'.
The source said: 'Christian is of course desperately sad that his career has ended this way.
"He also had the shock news about his ex wife's death just a few days before. But the emotion he showed during his teary speech was actually about Geri.
'He fears his sacking is yet another crisis for his marriage to face after an incredibly difficult year.
"Geri has already begun distancing herself by going by Halliwell-Horner when writing her books.
"Although she's still totally invested in her marriage, she wants to focus on herself and protecting her own image."
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Geri has previously attempted to dismiss any meaning behind the name change, telling The Sunday Times: 'That's a load of c**p. It's my writing name.
"I haven't legally changed anything — Horner is the name on my passport."
The Mail report also states there is 'doubt [Horner] is done for Formula One forever'.
There are also rumours of a move to Ferrari, which he declined two years ago, allowing Fred Vasseur to be given the top job.
In May, he batted away rumours he would join Ferrari, declaring: "It's always flattering to be associated with other teams, but my commitment is with Red Bull."
Announcing the news of the six-time World Constructers' Championship winner's departure, Red Bull managing director Oliver Mintzlaff said: "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."
Racing Bulls' Laurent Mekies, head of Red Bull's sister team, has been put in to replace him.