Christian Horner left pregnant first wife before marrying Geri Halliwell
Former Formula 1 Red Bull boss Christian Horner ended his relationship with ex-wife Beverley shortly after the birth of their first child, before going on to marry Spice Girl star Geri Halliwell soon after.
Christian Horner has been dramatically sacked from his role as Red Bull Racing’s Formula 1 team principal, a position he's held for two decades, but it's not just his career making headlines. His personal life has also attracted media attention, over his controversial split from his long-term partner before beginning a new relationship with Spice Girls star Geri Halliwell, now Horner.
On July 9, Red Bull confirmed Christian's departure from the role he held from 2005 to 2025. A spokesperson for Red Bull GmbH, the team’s parent company, revealed: "Red Bull has released Christian Horner from his operational duties with effect from today."
His departure follows intense scrutiny over allegations of 'inappropriate behaviour' made last year by a female colleague at Red Bull Racing. Christian denied the claims and was cleared of any wrongdoing by an independent KC appointed by Red Bull to investigate. Nonetheless, the scandal is said to have caused internal divisions within the Red Bull Racing's leadership, the Mirror reports.
Following his axe, Christian will no doubt have the support of his popstar wife, Geri Horner, who will be standing by her husband throughout the ordeal. But their relationship wasn't always plain sailing...
Former Formula 1 boss Horner first met Geri Halliwell in 2009, through her connection to F1 chief Bernie Ecclestone. At the time, there was no sign of romance, as Christian was in a long-term relationship with Beverley Allen.
Christian and Beverley had been together for 14 years and were married during that time. They lived in a mansion in Oxfordshire, and Beverley supported him when he began his Formula 1 career with Red Bull Racing.
During their relationship, Christian was reportedly a devoted stepfather to Beverley’s two sons from a previous relationship. After 14 years together, the couple separated shortly after the birth of their daughter, Olivia.
Just six months after Olivia's arrival in October 2014, Christian and Geri made their relationship public and announced their engagement in November of the same year.
Geri and Christian tied the knot in May 2015 at St Mary's Church in Woburn, Bedfordshire. However there was family drama as Christian's parents chose to not attend the ceremony.
In 2015, the Sunday Mirror reported that Christian’s parents were heartbroken over his split from Beverley and his new relationship with Geri. Ahead of the wedding, a relative from their Gloucestershire home shared the family’s disappointment, saying: "You can say that his parents are absolutely devastated. We won't be going to the wedding."
They continued, suggesting there was more behind the scenes: "There is a lot more to this story than people know about – to do with his ex-partner."
The situation reportedly caused a rift within the family, with Christian's mother and father among several relatives who were extremely disappointed with his actions.
At the time, a friend of the couple disclosed: "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."
However, despite their bitter split, the former Red Bull chief and his ex managed to let it go for the sake of their daughter. Reports also suggested that Geri was keen to repair family relations following the wedding snub.
In happier news, Christian and Geri announced in October 2016 that they were expecting their first child together. At the time, a statement 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."
Insiders revealed to the Mirror that Beverly was informed of the pregnancy before it became public, stating: "She has been fully kept in the loop and they have a good relationship."
Today, the couple continue to raise their blended family, which includes Geri's daughter Bluebell, 18, from a previous relationship, Christian's 11 year old daughter, Olivia, whom he shares with Beverley and their son Monty, born in 2017.
Join the Daily Record's WhatsApp community here and get the latest news sent straight to your messages.