‘Out of the picture’: Christian Horner sext scandal accuser suspended by Red Bull

The F1 sexting scandal has taken a surprising twist after Geri Horner laid down the law for her Red Bull boss husband Christian.

Christian and Geri Horner at the Bahrain Grand Prix. Photo by Clive Mason/Getty Images

F1 boss Christian Horner’s accuser has been suspended in a boost for his Spice Girl wife Geri Halliwell.

The employee has not been at Horner’s Red Bull Racing HQ since Monday after being told to stay at home.

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It comes following the bombshell leak of hundreds of “sexually suggestive” messages by the 50-year-old team boss.

Allegations of inappropriate behaviour against Horner were dismissed by a barrister-led probe.

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

Ginger Spice Geri, 51, has been left heartbroken by the scandal, which erupted when a raft of embarrassing messages were released online on the eve of the F1 season opener.

Christian and Geri Horner at the presentation in Bahrain. Photo by ANDREJ ISAKOVIC / AFP

The pair were a united front in Bahrain. Photo by Kym Illman/Getty Images

The pop icon put on a show of unity at last week’s Bahrain Grand Prix in which Red Bull pulled off a perfect 1-2 triumph led by world champ Max Verstappen.

Geri wanted her husband to cut all contact with his unidentified accuser - but he found it impossible to comply as they remained in regular contact at work.

While Geri will be pleased with the outcome, there’s no suggestion her demand that she be taken “out of the picture” is what led to the suspension.

Frustrations came to a head on Monday following a series of interventions by high-powered lawyers the woman engaged to maintain her role.

HR bosses stepped in and suspended her on full pay pending the outcome of the internal inquiry rumbling on over the scandal.

Insiders said she had demanded to continue working among 1,400 employees at the top F1 team’s high tech HQ in Milton Keynes, Bucks.

And she has instructed lawyers “at every turn” as Horner attempted to detach himself from her professionally and personally, The Sun was told.

The source added: “Whenever she thought she was being sidelined her lawyers stepped in immediately.

“Something had to give and now she’s been suspended.”

The ongoing saga dogging Red Bull has been complicated by behind-the-scenes clashes between star driver Verstappen’s father Jos, 51, and Horner.

Insiders said Jos had become close to the woman - but he has strenuously denied being the text leaker while warning Horner’s team will “explode” if he is not ousted.

Red Bull Racing said today: “The company cannot comment on this internal matter.”

Horner, 50, was seen in the Saudi Arabia paddock today for practice ahead of the next race without Geri by his side.

Geri was mid-air on her way to Bahrain after her husband was cleared when the texts were published widely online via an anonymous email drop.

She was apparently “relieved and elated” after the complaint was initially thrown out, but later left “stunned” by the leaked messages.

Halliwell and Horner have been married since 2015 and share a son.

Tensions inside the Red Bull team are mounting after Jos warned the camp could “explode” if Horner stays in his £8million-a-year role.

The two men were seen locked in what looked like a fiery argument during the F1 season opener — in which Red Bull stormed to first and second places thanks to Max and team-mate Sergio Perez.

Sky Sports footage showed Horner and Jos apparently arguing, following reports they have previously clashed in a rift that has lasted for months.

This story first appeared in The Sun and was republished with permission.