Bernie Ecclestone rejects Christian Horner Alpine purchase rumours with Lewis Hamilton title dig

Former Formula 1 CEO Bernie Ecclestone shut down speculation that he might join forces with Christian Horner to purchase a share in Alpine, claiming that there is “more chance of Lewis winning his eighth title than that happening.”

The energy drink giant announced on 9 July that Horner had been replaced in his role as Red Bull Racing CEO and team principal by Laurent Mekies with immediate effect. Although the reason for his replacement has not formally been confirmed, it is thought that the decline in performance this season and the multiple exits of key personnel were contributing factors in the decision.

Ecclestone felt that the move was a “bit ruthless”. 

“This is how it was dealt with. I had made it known to our friends there that maybe it was a little bit ruthless, perhaps, to do it in the way they did it, but they didn’t have much choice,” he explained to Sky Sports F1 ahead of the Hungarian Grand Prix.

“They decided this is what they were going to do and that’s it. They had to get on and do it.”

It is not clear what Horner may do in the future and whether he will return to F1. There had been speculation that he might join forces with Ecclestone to purchase a share in Alpine, but the former F1 CEO quickly shot that down.

Bernie Ecclestone

Photo by: Vince Mignott / MB Media / Getty Images

“I think there is more chance of Lewis winning his eighth title than that happening,” he responded.

He added: “I think Lewis has done a fantastic job. He’s still super talented. I think maybe he ought to sort of move over a little bit. It’d be terrible if something happened to him now. That’s what’s bad.”

When asked if he thinks Horner will return to the championship, Ecclestone was unsure.

“I don’t know how and where or whether he wants to. Probably doesn’t want to. Because the position he really wanted at Red Bull was to own part of the team. Unless he gets somebody to put the money up to buy a team, I can’t see it happening.”

Photos from Hungarian GP – Race