Former Spice Girl Geri Halliwell is said to be “devastated” by the allegations against her husband Christian Horner but will stand by him in public, a friend has told Web.
Mr Horner is being accused by a colleague of “incredibly controlling behaviour”, which he denies, while an investigation is launched into Red Bull's Formula One team boss.
Web understands the allegations against the Spice Girls singer's husband relate to allegations of misconduct by a team member.
Allegations relating to Horner made the rounds in the sport over the weekend ahead of the start of the new season next month. But they are flatly denied by the father of two and no evidence of this kind has been provided.
A source within the Red Bull team said the claims related to “incredibly controlling behavior.” It is believed that the behavior was directed towards a colleague.
Horner, 50, who is expected to remain in the job he has held since 2005 while the internal investigation is conducted, said: “I completely deny these allegations.”
A statement from Red Bull Austria – the Austrian energy drinks company that owns the F1 team – confirmed an investigation was underway. It said: “After becoming aware of the recent allegations, the company initiated an independent investigation.” This ongoing investigation is being carried out by an external specialist lawyer.
“The company is taking this matter extremely seriously and the investigation will be completed as quickly as possible. “It would be inappropriate to comment further at this time.”
Today's confirmation of the investigation follows 36 hours in which the Milton Keynes-based team denied any alleged wrongdoing. Horner also described the allegations as “crazy” in a message to Web in which he maintained his innocence.
Red Bull boss Christian Horner and his wife Geri Halliwell at the Monaco Grand Prix last May
Halliwell and Horner at Larkhill Royal Artillery Point to Point in Wiltshire on January 27th
Horner with Red Bull's Formula 1 champion Max Verstappen on October 7 last year in Qatar
Halliwell and Horner attend a film screening at Lightroom in London on December 5 last year
According to Horner loyalists, he is the victim of an internal dispute within the wider Red Bull family.
Once protected by Red Bull founder Dietrich Mateschitz, the claim that he is now exposed has forced him to be put down since Mateschitz died in October 2022 at the age of 79.
Horner's defenders say the allegations are smears aimed at ousting him from power in order to wrest control to Salzburg, home of the carbonated drinks maker that gives its name to the F1 team – the dominant force of the current era with Max Verstappen winning the last three world championship titles.
Horner has led the team since joining Formula 1 in 2005, winning multiple championships with Sebastian Vettel and now Verstappen.
Red Bull will unveil its latest car on February 15 ahead of the new season, which begins on March 2 in Bahrain.
Horner was awarded a CBE in the New Year Honors List for his services to motor racing.
Christian Horner with David Beckham at the start of the Miami Grand Prix in May 2022
Christian Horner pictured with Prince Harry before the Texas Grand Prix in October last year
Horner and Halliwell meet then-Prince Charles at a Prince's Trust event in London in 2019
Halliwell and Horner arrive at the Bafta Film Awards 2023 in London on February 19 last year
Horner and Halliwell married in 2015 and had one child together, Montague, seven.
Halliwell had a daughter, Bluebell, 16, with screenwriter Sacha Gervasi in 2005, while Horner shares Olivia, 10, with his ex-partner Beverley Allen.
Horner, who has led Red Bull since starting in 2005, has overseen a period of great success for the team.
Under Horner, the team has won seven drivers' championships and six constructors' championships.
Last season, Red Bull won 21 of the 22 races on the calendar, while Max Verstappen took the drivers' title.
Horner celebrated his 50th birthday in December, with stars including Ronnie Wood and Sir Rod Stewart in attendance.
Take That singer Gary Barlow was also seen tapping on the piano as the rest of the guests sang happy birthday to him on the chorus, while R&B singer Jade Jones posed for a photo with the Red Bull boss.
Horner was also presented with a three-tiered birthday cake that read “World Champion” – he had won six constructors’ championships.
Horner and Halliwell in a holiday photo taken on an unknown beach over Christmas
Famous faces from the world of sport were also at the party, with Bernie Ecclestone enjoying the celebrations alongside his wife, Brazilian Fabiana Flosi.
Horner shared a thank you post on his Instagram after the event, saying: “Last night my lovely wife Geri completely surprised me with a completely unexpected dinner with some dear friends. 'Looks like we're starting a band.'
Meanwhile, Halliwell shared a series of photos on Instagram with the following caption: “A surprise belated birthday celebration for @christianhorner and the supergroup! @officialgarybarlow you are amazing!”.
She also gushed, “You are my best friend.” I love you more than words can express and I am so grateful that you are in my life. I think you are a great person, you are kind, you are loving, you are generous.
Geri Halliwell called her husband “an amazing man” in a post to mark his 50th birthday.
The Spice Girls star said she was “really grateful” to have Christian Horner as her “best friend”.
“I'm really, really grateful and I just want to wish you the best, this new chapter in your life, just brilliance.” You're an amazing man and I just want to wish you a happy birthday. I love you.'
Last month, Web exclusively revealed that Horner and Halliwell had submitted plans to build a swimming pool at their Grade II-listed mansion.
Planning documents show the couple have applied to have the pool installed in their garden, along with new decorative plantings and a heat pump to keep the water warm.
In the documents, the couple say the work on the historic family home is being carried out in an effort to modernize the site – in the hope of “enhancing” its “unique character”.
Miss Halliwell threw a surprise party for her husband Horner's 50th birthday in December last year
His 50th birthday party brought together celebrities from the world of sport and music – including rock 'n' roll legends Ronnie Wood and Sir Rod Stewart
Horner was also presented with a three-tiered birthday cake with the words “World Champion” written on it.
Horner joked that they should form a new band after Gary Barlow was seen singing that night
The 40-by-16-foot pool with a fountain, topiary, sun loungers and a 6-foot-deep end is adjacent to the greenhouse and to the side of the main house, according to the plans.
Many of the documents were submitted on January 2 – days after Horner was included in the New Year's list for services to motorsport following another winning season with Red Bull.
But its location within the existing 18th-century vegetable garden has been criticized by heritage experts as the excavation found a “high probability of buried remains”.
While senior conservation officer Mandy Lumb said the proposal would have no impact on the listed building, she said: “Given the excavation will take place in close proximity to the existing house and there may be remains of the former house, there is a high risk Likelihood of remains being buried.” The advice of the Archaeological Advisor should be sought on this matter.”
Last month, Web exclusively revealed that Horner and Halliwell had submitted plans to build a swimming pool at their Grade II-listed mansion
The 40' x 16' pool with fountain, topiary, sunbeds and a 6' deep end is located next to the greenhouse and to the side of the main house
Plans of the existing gardens show topiary and vegetable beds in which the pool would be located
She added that the outbuilding that will house the facility should be repaired as part of the plans.
And she criticized the Horners for not applying for planning permission for a brick wall and a row of covered seating areas, which she believes is “unauthorized” unless the couple can get permission.
It comes just a year after the couple applied to expand their villa with a whole new floor as their planning application stated they needed more space for their “growing family”.