F1 boss Christian Horner says Spice Girl wife Geri Halliwell has been ‘phenomenally supportive’ after scandal

F1 boss Christian Horner has singled out his wife Geri Halliwell for praise after he spoke on the scandal that has engulfed the Red Bull team.

Formula One team boss Christian Horner has broken his silence on the sexting scandal and praised his “phenomenally supportive” wife ex-Spice Girl Geri Halliwell.

It comes after Ms Horner’s accuser at Red Bull Racing was suspended.

Hundreds of messages reportedly from Mr Horner were leaked. But allegations of inappropriate behaviour against him were dismissed by a barrister-led investigation.

A source told The Sun: “It became obvious that the situation could not continue and it was decided to suspend (the accuser) on full pay while internal inquiries continue.”

Red Bull Racing team principal Christian Horner and his wife British singer Geri Halliwell talk to an acquaintance ahead of the Bahrain Formula One Grand Prix at the Bahrain International Circuit in Sakhir on March 2, 2024. (Photo by Giuseppe CACACE / AFP)

Talking in Saudi Arabia ahead of this weekend’s Grand Prix, Mr Horner singled out Halliwell.

She and Mr Horner have been married since 2015 and share a son.

“My wife has been phenomenally supportive throughout this as have my family,” he said.

“It’s obviously been a very trying period. I’m married and have three children.

“When that intrusion includes your children and the scrutiny that is placed on my marriage, I’m very fortunate that I have a beautiful family and a very supportive wife. And I’m the only one that has been named in this.

Christian Horner and Geri Horner walk in the Paddock holding hands prior to the F1 Grand Prix of Bahrain at Bahrain International Circuit on March 02, 2024 in Bahrain, Bahrain. (Photo by Clive Mason/Getty Images)

“It’s very challenging, because when there’s children involved, when there’s families, parents involved, it’s not pretty. It is time now to focus on why we are here, which is to go Formula One racing.”

Halliwell had joined her husband at the Bahrain Grand Prix last week in a show of support.

The staff member’s complaint plunged the 50-year-old’s future as head of one of the most successful teams in Formula One history into serious doubt.

Oracle Red Bull Racing Team Principal Christian Horner attends the Team Principals Press Conference during practice ahead of the F1 Grand Prix of Saudi Arabia at Jeddah Corniche Circuit on March 07, 2024 in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia. (Photo by Bryn Lennon/Getty Images)

“Obviously there has been a lot of coverage surrounding this, but one has to go back to the basis of a grievance was raised, it was fully investigated, and it was dismissed,” Mr Horner said in Saudi Arabia.

“From there we move onwards.

“I think the time now is to look forward and draw a line under it.

“We are here to go racing, we are here as a Formula 1 team, and the time now is to focus on what is going on on track and the performance of the cars and the drivers, where the spotlight should be during the course of a Grand Prix weekend.”

Originally published as F1 boss Christian Horner says Spice Girl wife Geri Halliwell has been ‘phenomenally supportive’ after scandal