Bernie Ecclestone ‘urges Christian Horner to RESIGN to avoid damage to wife Geri Halliwell and his family’, as Red Bull F1 ‘inappropriate behaviour’ allegations hang over him

Bernie Ecclestone has advised Christian Horner to resign as Red Bull team principal amid an investigation into an allegation of “inappropriate behaviour”.

The 50-year-old, husband of former Spice Girl Geri Halliwell, is fighting to save his career after allegations made by a Red Bull employee.

He denies all accusations, but had to present his case to a KC, appointed as internal investigator by the team that is the current world champion.

Horner was questioned by a top lawyer in a meeting that lasted all day on Friday and Red Bull is in a race against time to resolve the dispute before the start of the new Formula One season in Bahrain on March 2.

Now according to F1 InsiderFormer F1 boss Ecclestone urged Horner to resign.

The 93-year-old is said to have “intervened and advised his friend to resign” in a bid to prevent “further harm to him and his family”.

Ecclestone recommended Horner to Red Bull founder Dietrich Mateschitz when the now team principal was making a name for himself as Arden boss in Formula 3000 and looking for an entry into F1.

Ecclestone and Horner quickly became close friends, with Horner acting as best man at Ecclestone’s third wedding.

This duty was reciprocated when Horner passed into a higher realm of fame through his marriage to Mrs. Halliwell.

Mail Sport previously reported how Halliwell is “devastated” by the allegations against her husband but will support him in public.

Horner has not said anything publicly since the hearing. Other informed insiders believe the matter will drag on further in a case of “he says, she says, he says.”

He is determined to continue in his role, which he has held for 19 years, winning 13 world titles, drivers and constructors, in that time.

Horner is expected to return to the famous race track on Thursday when he officially unveils his new RB20 car, according to reports. Telegraaf.

Red Bull enters the 2024 season hoping to win a fourth consecutive drivers’ championship with Max Verstappen and its third consecutive constructors’ title.

The team arrived at a very wet Silverstone track for a day of filming on Tuesday, ahead of the launch of their new car, with Horner in attendance.

The long-awaited Red Bull RB20, the successor to the RB19, the most dominant car in F1 history, will be unveiled at a special launch ceremony in Milton Keynes on Thursday.

Horner is expected to return to the famous race track on Thursday when he officially unveils his new RB20 car, according to reports. Telegraaf.

Teams are allowed two days of secret filming over the course of the season, and Red Bull has opted to use one of its own before conducting three days of pre-season testing.

Images of Verstappen taking to the track for the first time in 2024 circulated online today.

Uncertainty over Horner’s future could also continue for some time; De Telegraaf also reported that a final verdict on his behavior may not be published for weeks.

A spokesperson for Red Bull GmbH said on Monday: “After becoming aware of certain recent allegations, the company launched an independent investigation.”

They added: “The company takes these matters very seriously.”

Responding to the allegations, Horner said: “I completely deny the claims.”

Red Bull has said: “Upon learning of certain recent allegations, the company launched an independent investigation.” This process is carried out by an external specialist lawyer.

‘The investigation will be completed as soon as possible. “It would not be appropriate to comment further at this time.”