Bernie Ecclestone 'involved behind scenes' as stance on Christian Horner revealed amid Red Bull investigation

Bernie Ecclestone 'involved behind scenes' as stance on Christian Horner revealed amid Red Bull investigation

WATCH NOW: Sports round-up amid claims Bernie Ecclestone backs Christian Horner

Jack Otway

By Jack Otway


Published: 08/02/2024

- 10:16

Updated: 08/02/2024

- 10:21

The 50-year-old is being investigated by the F1 side amid allegations of inappopriate behaviour

Bernie Ecclestone is reportedly giving his support to Christian Horner as the Red Bull chief looks to clear his name.

Earlier this week, the 50-year-old was accused of inappropriate behaviour by a female staff member at the F1 side.



The allegations are said to be related to Horner's work, with the Red Bull supremo strongly denying the allegations.

Red Bull are currently investigating the matter, with their team principal set to meet with a lawyer on Friday as they look for a swift resolution.

F1 news Bernie Ecclestone Christian Horner

F1 news: Bernie Ecclestone is reportedly providing support for Christian Horner

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With the new F1 season creeping closer, time is of the essence with the Formula One outfit hoping for another successful campaign.

Ecclestone is yet to speak out on Horner but, according to Motorsport-total, is now 'playing a role behind the scenes'.

It's claimed Ecclestone and Horner's relationship 'remains good' at a time when the latter is facing such scrutiny.

And Ecclestone is reportedly doing all he can to calm Horner and provide support for the 50-year-old as he fights to clear his name.

It is currently unclear what will happen with Horner, who has been in charge of Red Bull ever since being appointed all the way back in 2005.

He oversaw the success of Sebastian Vettel during the German's time in the sport, with the 36-year-old claiming four F1 titles between 2010 and 2013.

And Horner has helped Max Verstappen dominate the sport in recent years as well.

Verstappen was, for a spell, unable to get the better of Lewis Hamilton.

Ever since securing his first F1 title back in 2021, however, the 26-year-old hasn't looked back.

Verstappen has won two more crowns since then to establish himself as the biggest force in F1.

However, it's also been claimed that Horner's relationship with Verstappen's father, Jos, is 'badly damaged'.

Red Bull are set to launch their new car on February 15 before the first race of the new season over a fortnight later.

And former F1 star Giedo van der Garde isn't expecting Horner to be in attendance.

Speaking to the DRS De Race Show podcast, he said: "No [I don't think he will be at the launch].

"Horner is being checked out internally by Red Bull.

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F1 news: Bernie Ecclestone has a positive relationship with Christian Horner

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"Believe me, when that presentation comes next week, Horner will definitely not be there."

Horner recently provided an update on the car and said he was satisfied with the work being done at the team's headquarters in Milton Keynes.

“I think as far as targets can be, yes," he said when asked if the car had been meeting initial targets.

“We don’t have a lot of preseason testing these days, we’ve got a lot to focus on and to get done, but it’s always a busy time of year in the factory in the planning stage for the season ahead.”

When asked if there had been any stumbling blocks, he continued: “There are always challenges along the way but, if you’re not on the limit, you’re not trying hard enough.”

F1 news Christian Horner

F1 news: Christian Horner has been head of Red Bull's racing affairs ever since his appointment all the way back in 2005

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The new F1 season kicks off in Bahrain on March 2.

Verstappen won the race last year before going on to claim 18 more victories over the course of the season.

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