Members of the Spice Girls are reportedly 'conflicted' over Christian Horner as the Red Bull chief continues to prepare for this weekend's Grand Prix in Saudi Arabia.
The 50-year-old was cleared of misconduct last week, having always protested his innocence amid allegations of inappropriate behaviour.
Horner has continued to face scrutiny, however, with alleged text and WhatsApp messages sent by the Briton to a female member of staff leaked last week.
The Red Bull chief was directly asked if the leak was legitimate. He responded by saying: "I'm not going to comment on anonymous, speculative messages from an unknown source."
Christian Horner was backed by Geri Halliwell at the Bahrain Grand Prix over the weekend
GETTY
Geri Halliwell, Horner's wife, flew out to Bahrain to support her husband over the weekend.
The pair held hands and put on a united front prior to Max Verstappen winning the first race of the new F1 season.
According to the Daily Mail, other members of the Spice Girls are 'conflicted' over Horner at the current moment in time.
"The other Spice Girls are very sympathetic and all feel really conflicted about Christian now," an F1 source is quoted as saying.
"All those celebrity friends of hers who were happy to hang out with him will also be steering very clear.
"It's a bad mess."
Another insider has claimed Geri is struggling to fathom the situation.
"Geri is wondering how on earth this all happened. She very much believes that things happen for a reason and so she can't understand why this has been thrown her way and what it all means," they stated.
Horner was reportedly 'relieved' that Geri opted to be by his side in the Middle East.
The Spice Girls icon is, however, expected to miss next week's event in Saudi Arabia due to her busy schedule.
There are still questions over Horner's position at the team, even if the 50-year-old continues to be backed by certain Red Bull figures.
Fuelling the flames over the weekend was Jos Verstappen, who sensationally called out Horner in public.
Jos said Red Bull could 'explode' if the 50-year-old stays in the job.
And his comments have fuelled talk that Max Verstappen, who won the Bahrain Grand Prix, could leave the F1 giants at the end of the season.
Jos has supposedly told friends that his son will quit Red Bull 'if he has to' as the Horner saga rumbles on.
LATEST SPORTS NEWS:
- Geri Halliwell lays down 'strict ground rules' to Christian Horner with ultimatum given over female accuser
- Max Verstappen's dad 'backs out of Saudi Arabia GP' with Red Bull tensions blazing amid Christian Horner saga
- Max Verstappen 'privately supports father's stance on Christian Horner' with Red Bull exit possible
Members of the Spice Girls are said to be 'conflicted' over Christian Horner
GETTY
Mercedes have a vacancy for next season after Lewis Hamilton's move to Ferrari was confirmed last month.
And the prospect of Verstappen replacing the Stevenage-born racer at the Silver Arrows isn't entirely out of the question.
Red Bull chief Helmut Marko has admitted he 'would be surprised' if Mercedes hadn't already probed a potential deal for Verstappen.
"I would be surprised if they had not done that. But Max is a very loyal driver," Marko said.
And the 80-year-old then praised Hamilton by saying: "Lewis is an exceptional driver.
Geri Halliwell is standing by Christian Horner after jetting out to support her husband in the Middle East
GETTY
"If Mercedes gives him a car capable of winning or even competing for the world championship, they will have to involve him in everything until the end.
"And so Mercedes will jump over their shadow."
