Bernie Ecclestone denies involvement in Christian Horner investigation

Bernie Ecclestone has denied claims that he got involved in Christian Horner’s Red Bull investigation.

“To clarify reports by newspapers that I had urged or suggested that Christian Horner should step down from his position in Red Bull is entirely UNTRUE,” the ex-F1 supremo posted to social media.

Horner is currently being investigated by an independent lawyer for claims against him of inappropriate behaviour, which he has denied, from a female colleague.

No verdict has been issued on the questioning that Horner faced last Friday.

Ecclestone had reportedly become involved by stories that emerged in the German media. They alleged that Ecclestone advised Horner to resign from his job.

But the 93-year-old has now vehemently shot down those claims.

Horner, meanwhile, is set to be present for Red Bull’s F1 2024 car launch at their Milton Keynes headquarters on Thursday.

He is continuing in his job as team principal and chief executive of Red Bull Racing amid the investigation into his conduct.

He was also present at Silverstone on Tuesday when the RB20 was shaken down for the first time.

There is no official timescale on a verdict for the investigation into Horner, but the start of the F1 season on March 2 will not be a factor.

Red Bull GmBH, the F1 team’s parent company, said last week: “After being made aware of certain recent allegations, the company launched an independent investigation.

“The company takes these matters extremely seriously.”

Horner has said: “I completely deny the claims.”

The F1 team have said: “Having being made aware of certain recent allegations, the company launched an independent investigation. This process is being carried out by an external specialist barrister.

“The investigation will be completed as soon as practically possible. It would not be appropriate to comment further at this time.”