Christian Horner: Unseen Geri Halliwell Reaction, O2 Boos, Investigations and the Exit Unpacked

The latest documentary release has revealed Geri Halliwell's previously unseen reaction to her husband Christian Horner being booed by fans in the wake of a sex-texting scandal, a moment that underlines a turbulent period for the former team chief and his family. The footage and contemporaneous material trace a path from leaked messages to internal investigations, a high-profile public backlash at a major launch event, and Horner's eventual departure from the team.

Christian Horner and the documentary revelations

The documentary, released on Friday, presents Christian Horner discussing the fallout from public scrutiny and his time in the spotlight. In the film Horner frames public reaction in sporting terms, saying that when you become a serial winner the crowd often casts roles of hero and villain, and that the team dynamic is judged ultimately by results.

Geri Halliwell's unseen reaction at the O2 launch

Footage captured by documentary cameras shows Geri Halliwell, 53, watching from the audience as Christian Horner faced sustained boos at the F1 72 launch event at the O2 in February last year. Halliwell, described as a semi-regular fixture on race weekends who often appeared in the paddock at prominent races such as the British Grand Prix, is seen smiling but appearing concerned for her husband. The scene underlines her public support for Horner throughout the ensuing controversy.

What happened at the O2: boos, lines and awkward moments

At the O2 event fans booed Horner vigorously as he took the stage to deliver a speech. He responded with a grin and opened with: "It's a pleasure to be at the O2, anyway. I hope everyone is having a good night. " He later described the need to embrace the role of the pantomime villain and repeated that line while seated in the audience. After speaking he was seen awkwardly looking for directions to his seat.

Several drivers watched from backstage and nearby: Lewis Hamilton, Charles Leclerc, Max Verstappen and Liam Lawson. Hamilton, stunned by the reaction, was seen backstage uttering "s***. " Lawson said, "I think we are going to get a lot of boos, " to which Verstappen responded, "I don't give a f***. "

Investigations, questioning and the Red Bull statement

In February 2024 a leaked cache of suggestive messages purporting to be from Christian Horner stunned the paddock. He was later accused of sexual harassment and inappropriate behaviour by a female member of staff. The exact nature of the complaints remains unknown, but Horner was questioned by a KC for a full day at a secret location last year; the barrister gathered evidence and produced a 150-page document for the Red Bull board's determination. Horner has consistently denied the accusations.

Two separate legal reviews cleared Horner of wrongdoing: an internal investigation conducted by a lawyer then a subsequent review that dismissed the complainant's appeal. Red Bull GmbH in Salzburg issued a statement noting that the independent investigation into the allegations was complete and that the grievance had been dismissed. The statement added that the complainant had a right of appeal, that the investigation was considered fair, rigorous and impartial, and that the investigation report was confidential because it contained private information; it would not comment further out of respect for all concerned and that it would continue striving to meet the highest workplace standards.

Exit from Red Bull: timing, blame and post-departure reflections

Christian Horner, 52, left his roles as team principal and chief executive last summer following months of team decline and internal disputes. He had joined the team in 2005 and led it to eight drivers' championships and six constructors' titles. The departure has been framed in multiple ways in public discussion: Horner said he felt a "real sense of loss" at leaving and blamed Oliver Mintzlaff and Helmut Marko for the decision, describing it as sudden and saying he did not have the chance to say a proper goodbye. He suggested changes within the business after the founder's death played a part, saying that after Dietrich Mateschitz's death he may have been deemed to have too much control.

Horner left with a reported £52m payout. He has dismissed suggestions that Max Verstappen and Verstappen's camp were responsible for his exit, noting that Max's father had never been his biggest fan but that he did not believe the Verstappens were responsible in any way. Jos Verstappen had earlier said Horner was "driving people apart, " and there was public speculation that the exit might have been intended to help secure a new contract for Max Verstappen. Verstappen, who is contracted until 2028, committed to racing for the team in 2026 only after Horner's exit.

What remains clear and what is uncertain

The documentary material has lifted the lid on both a personal moment — Geri Halliwell's reaction at the O2 — and a series of institutional decisions: leaked messages, legal reviews, a lengthy KC-prepared file, public boos, driver reactions, and a sudden departure that ended a long tenure. Several details remain unclear in the provided context, including the precise nature of the original complaints. Recent updates indicate many of these elements are now part of the public narrative, while some legal and internal documents remain confidential.