Bernie Ecclestone tells Christian Horner what he did that ‘annoyed’ his Red Bull staff before sacking

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Bernie Ecclestone knows better than anyone what it takes to be successful in Formula 1.

Although Bernie Ecclestone’s racing career in Formula 1 consisted of one entry in 1958 when he failed to qualify for the Monaco Grand Prix, his time away from the track was transformational for the sport.

Ecclestone went from team boss to founder and CEO of the Formula One Group, running F1 until 2017 when he sold his business to Liberty Media.

Formula 1 has seen a boom in popularity in that time, but some of the characters who were in the paddock during Ecclestone’s time are still playing key roles in the sport today.

The likes of Toto Wolff and Fred Vasseur have been in the paddock for a long time, while Fernando Alonso and Lewis Hamilton are still racing at the highest level.

Ecclestone has since urged Hamilton to retire this season, but one stalwart of the sport who was dismissed this year was Christian Horner.

Horner was replaced by Laurent Mekies at Red Bull earlier this year, and thus far, he hasn’t found a new landing spot in Formula 1.

The former F1 supremo has now hypothesised why Horner might have lost his position as Red Bull team principal, and what he might have done that ‘annoyed’ some of his former staff.

READ MORE: All to know on sacked Red Bull team principal Christian Horner with net worth

Bernie Ecclestone explains why he thinks Christian Horner lost his Red Bull position

Ecclestone was speaking to ORF ahead of the Sao Paulo Grand Prix, and was asked about Horner’s exit. He said: “Perhaps he took on too much responsibility within the team.

“He was a lone wolf, and the new generation couldn’t live with that.

“The people at Red Bull were annoyed because he acted as if he owned the team. He could do and say whatever he wanted, so it’s understandable that people were annoyed.

“On the other hand, any company would be happy to have a chairman who acts as if the company belongs to him.

“It depends on how you look at it. Did his employees get enough attention? Maybe not. I don’t think Christian even thought about that.”

READ MORE: Bernie Ecclestone says Lando Norris winning title over Oscar Piastri would be ‘better for McLaren’

Sebastian Vettel reacts to Red Bull’s sacking of Christian Horner

Two drivers are synonymous with the success that Red Bull enjoyed under Horner during his two decades in charge of the team.

Max Verstappen is chasing his fifth consecutive drivers’ championship, although Lando Norris put a serious dent in his hopes at Interlagos on Sunday.

The other driver was Sebastian Vettel, who won four titles between 2010 and 2013 before leaving to race for Ferrari and Aston Martin before retiring in 2022.

Vettel admitted he was surprised by Horner’s Red Bull exit, considering the success he delivered for the team during his time at the helm.

Horner and Ecclestone have been linked with buying a stake in a rival F1 team, although the former F1 boss has since dismissed those claims.

It would be a surprise if Horner didn’t end up back in the paddock sooner rather than later, although it’s believed he wants a more important role than just team principal with whichever manufacturer he ends up with next.