Christian Horner has been sacked as Red Bull Racing chief executive and team principal after 20 years with the Formula 1 team – and his love life has also been rocky
Christian Horner has been dramatically ousted as the boss of Formula 1’s Red Bull team, a role he’s held for two decades. However, his high-profile career isn’t the only aspect of his life that has made headlines.
His romantic life has also been under scrutiny, particularly after he ended his long-term relationship to pursue a romance with Spice Girls star Geri Halliwell, now Geri Horner.
On 9 July, it was announced that Christian, who served as team principal and CEO of Red Bull Racing in Formula 1 from 2005 to 2025, had been let go by Red Bull. A spokesperson for parent company Red Bull GmbH told Mirror Sport: “Red Bull has released Christian Horner from his operational duties with effect from today.”
His departure comes after he faced intense scrutiny following allegations of ‘inappropriate behaviour’ towards a female colleague at Red Bull Racing last year. Although he denied the claims and was cleared of wrongdoing by an independent external investigation, the scandal caused divisions within Red Bull Racing’s leadership.
Following his dismissal, Christian is likely to receive support from his pop star wife, Geri Horner, who has stood by him throughout the ordeal. However, their relationship had a tumultuous beginning…, reports the Mirror.
Christian and Geri first met in 2009 through her connection with F1 supremo Bernie Ecclestone. At the time, there was no indication of a romantic spark, as Christian was still with his long-term partner, Beverley Allen.
Christian and Beverley were in a 14-year relationship, during which they got married and lived in a mansion in Oxfordshire. Beverley was by Christian’s side when he joined Red Bull Racing in Formula 1.
Christian was reportedly a supportive stepfather to Beverley’s two sons from a previous relationship. However, after 14 years together, they split up shortly after the birth of their daughter Olivia in 2014.
Just six months after Olivia’s birth, Christian and Geri went public with their romance, followed by an engagement announcement in November 2014. The couple tied the knot in May 2015 at St Mary’s Church in Woburn, Bedfordshire, amidst family drama as Christian’s parents chose to boycott the ceremony.
According to The Sunday Mirror in 2015, Christian’s parents were devastated when he left Beverley and started dating Geri. A relative of Christian’s expressed their dismay before the wedding, stating from their Gloucestershire home: “You can say that his parents are absolutely devastated. We won’t be going to the wedding.”
They hinted at a deeper narrative, adding: “There is a lot more to this story than people know about – to do with his ex-partner.”
The situation caused a family rift, with Christian’s parents reportedly among several relatives who disapproved of his actions. A friend of Geri and Christian revealed at the time: “Over the years Christian has been very close to his parents – particularly to his dad who shares his love of motor racing – but recent events have thrown everything into doubt. His mum is particularly upset.
“It’s a real shame and everyone involved is upset. Weddings are expected to bring families closer together, but this engagement has driven a wedge between people.”
Despite their rocky split, the former Red Bull boss managed to make peace with his ex for the sake of their daughter. Reports also suggested that Geri was determined to repair family relationships following the wedding snub.
In more cheerful news, Christian and Geri announced in October 2016 that they were expecting their first child together. A statement released at the time read: “Geri and Christian are absolutely delighted to announce they are expecting their first child together.
“The couple is overjoyed with the good news and cannot wait to welcome the newest addition to their family.”
Sources told the Mirror that Beverley was informed about the news before it became public knowledge, stating: “She has been fully kept in the loop and they have a good relationship.”
Today, the couple continues to co-parent their blended family, which includes Geri’s daughter Bluebell, 18, from a previous relationship, Christian’s daughter Olivia, 11, whom he shares with Beverley, and their son, Monty, whom they welcomed in 2017.
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Source: Celebrities - dailystar.co.uk
