Bernie Ecclestone Slams Ousted Red Bull Boss Horner as ‘Idiot 50-Year-Old Acting 20’ Over Sexting Scandal
Bernie Ecclestone Slams Christian Horner as "An Idiot" Following Red Bull Exit
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[Image: Bernie Ecclestone (right) and Christian Horner (left) at a Formula 1 event. Caption: Ecclestone criticized Horner after his Red Bull dismissal.]
Former Formula 1 chief Bernie Ecclestone has labeled Christian Horner “an idiot” following the Red Bull team principal’s abrupt dismissal this week. Horner, 51, was ousted after 20 years leading the team, during which he oversaw six Constructors’ Championships and six Drivers’ titles.
Scandal and Fallout
Horner’s tenure unraveled in February 2023 amid allegations of sexual harassment and coercive behavior by a female employee, including leaked explicit messages. Despite being cleared twice—first via an internal investigation and later when the employee’s appeal was dismissed—the scandal overshadowed his legacy. Horner, married to Spice Girl Geri Halliwell, denies all claims.
[Image: Christian Horner and Geri Halliwell at a public event. Caption: Horner and Halliwell faced intense media scrutiny during the scandal.]
Ecclestone, 94, a longtime friend of Horner, didn’t hold back in his critique: “He was a 50-year-old who thought he was 20, thought he was one of the boys. This other business he got involved with 18 months ago—he was just an idiot.” The pair share a decades-long bond, attending each other’s weddings and vacationing together.
Power Struggles at Red Bull
Ecclestone suggested Horner’s downfall stemmed from consolidating too much power. “People thought he was acting as if it was the Christian Horner Ring, not the Red Bull Ring,” he said, referencing the team’s Austrian headquarters. He added that Red Bull’s late co-owner Dietrich Mateschitz, a Horner ally who died in 2022, might have resolved tensions differently.
Red Bull GmbH, the team’s parent company, reportedly purged staff linked to Horner to streamline operations under new leadership. Sources claim the moves allow incoming team principal Laurent Mekies—formerly of sister team Racing Bulls—to implement his “own vision.”
[Image: Christian Horner addressing Red Bull staff. Caption: Horner gave an emotional farewell speech at Red Bull’s HQ.]
Horner’s Emotional Farewell
In a tearful address to staff, Horner expressed gratitude but acknowledged his shock: “I was informed I’d no longer be involved operationally… The baton is being handed over.” Reflecting on his legacy, he said: “Building this team into a powerhouse has been the greatest privilege of my life.”
Ecclestone, once seen as Horner’s mentor, hinted that success shielded him temporarily: “When you stop delivering, people start looking. Others think they can do better.”
Legacy and Lessons
Horner’s exit marks the end of an era for Red Bull, with Ecclestone’s blunt critique underscoring the perils of ego in high-stakes sports. As Mekies steps in, the team aims to rebuild, leaving Horner’s controversies—and storied career—in the rearview.
[Image: Red Bull Racing team celebrating a podium finish. Caption: Horner’s tenure brought Red Bull decades of success.]
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