07 March 2023 , 07:57
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Former F1 supremo Bernie Ecclestone has backed Red Bull boss Christian Horner to become a pivotal figure in the sport.
Horner, 49, is currently overseeing a spell of dominance from his team, with Max Verstappen having claimed the last two world titles. The Dutchman and teammate Sergio Perez also led Red Bull to the Constructors' title last season, their first since the 2013 campaign.
And there is little sign of them easing up in 2023. Verstappen again took the chequered flag in the season opener in Bahrain last Sunday, with Perez second, with their searing pace leading Mercedes rival George Russell to predict the pair to win every Grand Prix between then this year.
But Ecclestone, 92, would like to see Horner higher up in F1, and has backed his English compatriot to take the CEO role he one made his own: “If you had to pick anyone today, I’d say he would be as good as there is," he told The Telegraph. "He listens well. He sorts out what’s rubbish from what isn’t."
The position is currently filled by Stefano Domenicali, who replaced Chase Carey ahead of the 2021 campaign. But he has since endured a bumpy ride in charge, with his maiden season in charge culminating in the notorious Abu Dhabi Grand Prix which continues to divide debate.
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The Italian had previously served as director of Ferrari, overseeing their last Constructors' title win in 2008. He eventually resigned in 2014 amid team struggles, and Ecclestone clearly doesn't believe he's well suited to a position of authority.
Bernie Ecclestone, has backed Christian Horner“Stefano has never been any closer to things beyond the fact that he once worked for Ferrari," he continued. "Apart from that, he didn’t know what happened behind the scenes. I never had somebody beside me. I wasn’t a teacher. I didn’t ever intend to be.”
Ecclestone, who later this year will stand trial for tax fraud, has been as vociferous as ever about F1 despite no longer directly being involved with the authorities. In the build-up to Bahrain, he reignited his feud with Lewis Hamilton over his displeasure at political statements from drivers being barred.
“People don’t go to a Formula One race to have a lecture,” Ecclestone said. “Definitely drivers should have free speech, but it’s a case of when and how they use it. It’s wrong. It’s all completely wrong. I’m 100 percent against it.”