Bernie Ecclestone has been in communication with Christian Horner amidst an ongoing investigation into Horner’s behavior by Red Bull.
Reports indicate that Ecclestone has been offering counsel to Horner, who recently underwent an eight-hour interrogation by an external attorney regarding accusations of misconduct.
Despite the comprehensive session, the inquiry into Horner’s actions, who is 50 years old, remains open, casting uncertainty on his future within the sport.
Horner has refuted these claims in an interview with De Telegraaf, though the specifics of the allegations have not been made public. The BBC has suggested the complaints involve “inappropriate and controlling behavior,” a detail Red Bull has yet to confirm.
The scrutiny surrounding Horner has attracted attention from several high-profile figures within the Formula One community, including Bernie Ecclestone, the former head of the Formula One Group.
Ecclestone, aged 93 and a known ally of Horner, has reportedly been in regular contact, providing guidance. Formula One’s current CEO, Stefano Domenicali, has also been involved in discussions.
Red Bull has opted to withhold comments until the investigation is thoroughly completed, leaving Horner’s position for the upcoming 2024 season in question.
As the team prepares to unveil their RB20 car, it’s uncertain if Horner will be at the forefront of the event. This new model is anticipated to build on the success of the RB19, which Max Verstappen drove to a historic World Championship victory.
The team is treating the allegations with utmost seriousness and aims for a prompt resolution to the matter. However, it remains to be seen if the investigation will spill over into the start of the 2024 season, which kicks off with the Bahrain Grand Prix on March 2.
This timeline gives Red Bull a narrow window to conclude their investigation without it affecting the season’s onset.
Since becoming the team principal in 2005, Horner has been instrumental in Red Bull’s achievements, including securing the last three Drivers’ Championships with Verstappen and leading the team to victory in the Constructors’ Championships for the past two seasons.
