Bernie Ecclestone reacts to Horner’s shock dismissal from Red Bull

Former Formula 1 front man Bernie Ecclestone was visibly surprised to learn that Christian Horner had suddenly lost his position at Red Bull. The news of the cancellation came suddenly, just days after the race at Silverstone, where the team competed in the British Grand Prix.

The emotional 51-year-old gave his farewell speech at the team's headquarters in Milton Keynes, telling staff that the past twenty years leading the team had been "the greatest privilege of my life".

The unexpected decision caused doubts

Ecclestone, who has been Formula 1's commercial rights man for years, revealed that he had spoken to Horner just the day before. According to him, there was no indication that such an outcome would occur.

"I spoke to him the day before and he didn't know anything. Well, maybe he did, but he didn't tell me," the British billionaire told Dutch portal RacingNews365. He added that the conversation was quite normal and that they were talking about Max Verstappen. "There were no signals. If there had been, you would have told me."

What particularly worries Ecclestone is the way the dismissal was announced. "All I know is what was said to the whole world - that he was fired with immediate effect," he said. "I don't understand that term – with immediate effect. Why immediately? It's like he killed someone."

He continued by explaining that, in case of dissatisfaction, it would be logical to reach an agreement, a statement, a joint statement - and not like this. "You're fired—immediately! That means he did something serious, something that couldn't be ignored."

Finally, he added: "If the problem was the results, it would be a very different story. But this - this carries a lot more mystery."

The situation within Red Bull seems quite chaotic, but the slightly worse results forced the leaders of the Austrian team to withdraw concrete decisions. We will see how it will be reflected on the team that for years had the main say on the F1 scene.