Geri Horner made a notable entrance into the Bahrain paddock, hand in hand with her husband, Christian Horner, just ahead of the season-opening Grand Prix, affirming their solidarity amidst recent controversies.
Speculations swirled around Geri’s presence, particularly after Christian was cleared of allegations concerning his conduct following a complaint from a female colleague.
Showing resilience, Geri appeared at the main paddock entrance, elegantly clad in a cream dress and heels, as a throng of photographers and reporters trailed the couple to the Red Bull motorhome.
They paused briefly on the veranda, engaging with notable figures like Charlene de Carvalho-Heineken and Flavio Briatore before retreating inside.
READ: Christian Horner’s Red Bull still facing the sack as FIA intervenes
Thai co-owner of Red Bull, Chalerm Yoovidhya, purportedly a staunch supporter of Horner, warmly greeted the couple, embracing Christian and sharing lunch with Geri.
Despite expectations of her presence on the grid, Geri opted for the comfort of the motorhome.
Among the visitors was footballer Neymar, a guest of Red Bull, who posed for photographs with drivers Max Verstappen and Sergio Perez.
Geri, who had flown to Bahrain on Thursday, remained unseen until her arrival at the paddock.
While en route, a flurry of WhatsApp exchanges between Horner and the accuser surfaced, sent anonymously to key figures in F1.
READ: Max Verstappen fumes at Red Bull
Despite the dismissal of allegations against Horner by an independent barrister, scrutiny persists, with calls for transparency from rival team principals and speculation on Red Bull’s partnerships’ stance.
Amidst this backdrop, Saturday’s race commences at 6 pm local time (3 pm UK time), with Verstappen leading from pole position.
All eyes will be on the pre-race grid, awaiting a potential appearance by Geri Horner, amidst a storm of controversy and speculation.