Ecclestone Playfully Connects Horner to Ferrari Amid Chaos Speculation
Former F1 chief Bernie Ecclestone playfully suggested Christian Horner could move to Ferrari, citing "chaos" within the Italian team and President John Elkann's critical remarks about his drivers. This follows Horner's departure from Red Bull after 20 years of success, with the F1 world keenly watching his next career move.
Bernie Ecclestone, the former F1 supremo, playfully suggested that Christian Horner 'wouldn't be ruled out' for a potential move to Ferrari, following recent comments made by Ferrari president John Elkann. This speculation arises amidst a backdrop of perceived 'chaos' within the Maranello team.
Why it matters:
Christian Horner's potential future in Formula 1 remains a hot topic, especially after his departure from Red Bull Racing, where he led the team to unparalleled success over two decades. Ecclestone's comments, while seemingly lighthearted, tap into ongoing discussions about leadership changes and strategic directions for top F1 teams. A move by a figure of Horner's stature could significantly impact a team like Ferrari, which is constantly striving to return to championship glory.
The Details:
- Ecclestone's Remarks: Speaking to Blick, Ecclestone reacted to a photo of himself and Horner in Aston Martin gear, quipping, "Another team that I should buy with Horner." He then questioned Adrian Newey's departure from Red Bull, suggesting it was due to not wanting to work with Horner.
- Ferrari Speculation: When pressed about Horner's next possible destination, Ecclestone pointed directly to Ferrari, stating, "I wouldn't rule out Ferrari! There is only chaos there. And boss Elkann is now even insulting his two drivers." This highlights Ecclestone's perception of turmoil within the Scuderia.
- Horner's Departure from Red Bull: After a highly successful 20-year tenure that included 14 drivers' and constructors' titles, Horner left the Milton Keynes team last July. Laurent Mekies, promoted from Racing Bulls, took over his role.
- Post-Red Bull Period: Since his departure, Horner has maintained a low public profile, making no official statements about his future. Meanwhile, Mekies has reportedly revitalized the Red Bull team, positioning Max Verstappen back in title contention after a challenging start to the season.
- Sebastian Vettel's Reaction: Four-time world champion Sebastian Vettel, who made a return to the paddock in Brazil, expressed surprise at the news of Horner's departure. Vettel notably secured Red Bull's first-ever title under Horner's leadership in 2010.
The Big Picture:
Ecclestone's playful yet pointed remarks underscore the constant high-stakes environment of Formula 1, where leadership dynamics and team stability are crucial. Ferrari's ongoing quest for a championship and the perceived internal struggles make it a natural focal point for such speculation. The F1 paddock is a small world, and the movements of influential figures like Horner are always under scrutiny, with every comment, however light, carrying weight.
What's next:
While Christian Horner has remained silent on his future, the F1 world will continue to watch for any indications of his next move. Ecclestone's comments, though not concrete, add an intriguing layer to the ongoing narrative of team leadership and the persistent pursuit of success in Formula 1. Whether Ferrari, or another team, would indeed consider Horner remains to be seen, but the rumor mill will undoubtedly keep turning.