The couple have been married since 2015 and live in a mansion on the Oxfordshire border near Banbury.

Mr Horner has recalled the unusual encounter in his new memoir, Drive, which is released on October 22.

The former Red Bull team principal said Ms Halliwell was being introduced to Formula One figures on the starting grid by Bernie Ecclestone.

In an extract reported by HITC, Mr Horner wrote: "Bernie and Geri walked closer. By the looks of it, he was introducing her to everyone on the starting grid. ‘And here is Ron’, he said, as McLaren’s unflappable team principal beamed. Geri kissed him on both cheeks.

"‘This is Eddie,’ said Bernie, introducing her to the former leader of Jordan Grand Prix. ‘I can’t believe I’m meeting a Spice Girl!’ Eddie laughed. Geri gave him a peck on both cheeks too.

"Then it was my turn. ‘And this is Christian from Red Bull’, said Bernie, waving at me. ‘Hello’, said Geri, sticking out her hand and giving me a firm handshake. She then walked off down the track.

"Well, that was odd, I thought. The exchange was unexpectedly frosty. I couldn’t for the life of me figure out why, though."

Ms Halliwell and Mr Horner went on to announce their engagement in 2014 before marrying in May 2015.

They welcomed their son, Montague George Hector Horner, in 2017.

Their blended family also includes Ms Halliwell's daughter, Bluebell Madonna Halliwell and Mr Horner's daughter, Olivia Horner, from previous relationships.