Geri Halliwell 'expected to miss Saudi Arabia Grand Prix' as Christian Horner saga rumbles on

While Horner was cleared of misconduct by Red Bull last week, the 50-year-old has remained in the spotlight after alleged texts and WhatsApp messages sent to a female employee were leaked.

The Briton continues to deny any wrongdoing and said 'absolutely' when asked if he'd be in charge for Saturday's Grand Prix in Saudi Arabia.

Horner was reportedly 'relieved' that Geri stood by his side in the Middle East.

But an F1 source has told The Sun that the 51-year-old is expected to miss this weekend's race due to her hectic schedule.

“Christian will be heading to Saudi Arabia for the race next weekend and I doubt Geri will be there — but that is because she is incredibly busy," they're quoted as saying.

Horner and Geri married in Bedfordshire back in 2015 and have become one of sport's biggest power couples in the time since.

Geri rarely misses a race, having been by her husband's side amid Red Bull's dominance of the sport.

The F1 team have ended the stranglehold Lewis Hamilton and Mercedes previously had on Formula One by winning the last three drivers' championships.

Max Verstappen is the strong favourite to secure glory again this year, particularly after cruising to victory in Bahrain - with the 26-year-old finishing 20 seconds faster than team-mate Sergio Perez.

His long-term future with the team is shrouded in uncertainty, however.

Verstappen's father, Jos, sent shockwaves around F1 by publicly calling for Horner to leave his post over the weekend.

"There is tension here while he remains in position," he told the Daily Mail.

"The team is in danger of being torn apart. It can't go on the way it is. It will explode.

"He is playing the victim, when he is the one causing the problems."

Jos also denied being behind the alleged text and WhatsApp leaks, adding: "That wouldn't make sense.

"Why would I do that when Max is doing so well here?"

Verstappen is contracted to Red Bull until 2028.

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But Jos has reportedly told friends his son will leave the team 'if he has to' amid the ongoing Horner saga, with a move to Mercedes being talked up.

The Silver Arrows have a spot free for next year, with Lewis Hamilton off to pursue a new challenge with Ferrari.

Horner, meanwhile, refused to comment when quizzed on the subject in Bahrain - with the 50-year-old insisting his focus is on Geri and racing.

“I'm not going to comment on what motive whatever person may have for doing this," he said.

“My focus is on this team, my family, my wife, and going racing. I have the support of an incredible family, with an incredible wife and an incredible team. And everybody within that team.

"My focus is on going racing and winning races and doing the best that I can.”

He continued: “Obviously, it's not been pleasant, some of the unwanted attention, but the focus is now very much on the cars.

“My focus has very much been on what's going on on track. And the result [of the Bahrain GP] I think demonstrates where the whole team's focus is. And we move onwards.

“I've had tremendous support from within the team and within the company.

“It was a day about going racing, about the start of the season, and about starting the season in the best possible way.

“The drivers did brilliantly. The team did brilliantly. And it was the best possible start for the team, for our partners, for our shareholders and everybody within the group.”