Horner in the running to succeed Ecclestone?

The more years go by, the more the question of Bernie Ecclestone’s succession becomes relevant. The 83-year-old Briton has found himself weakened in recent months by legal troubles that, even if they haven’t put him in real financial danger, have impacted his image and future in the eyes of CVC shareholders, a consortium overseen by the Delta Topco group, which holds the broadcasting rights for Formula 1.

However, Peter Brabeck-Lethmathe, chairman of Delta Topco, holds Bernie Ecclestone in high regard, particularly for his success in expanding Formula 1 into wealthy countries such as Bahrain and Abu Dhabi. But recent corruption allegations that have surfaced in the press and before judges have significantly contributed to envisioning the future of Formula 1 without Ecclestone. And Donald Mackenzie, the chairman of CVC, is also leaning towards this scenario after having long been an unwavering supporter of Ecclestone.

A source close to Delta Topco recently revealed that Christian Horner, current team principal of Red Bull, would be the ideal candidate for this position: “There is no doubt that Christian is part of this project. Bernie is unique. And no one can achieve what he has done so far. It’s as simple as that. We need someone with the Formula 1 experience, someone who can manage TV rights and commercial contracts,” this person told the British daily *The Times*. “The fact that Bernie is training Christian for this position would seem like the right solution for a good number of directors.”

But on his side, Horner doesn’t seem very taken with this idea, as he revealed last week in an interview with Sport Business International: « I have never considered replacing him. My role and commitment are with Red Bull. And I hope Bernie will continue for another twenty years. »