What Christian Horner has told Bernie Ecclestone about relationship with Geri Halliwell | F1 | Sport

Horner, 50, has continued in his role throughout the controversy, and has frequently denied any wrongdoing. And in the first race following the initial investigation, his partner flew out to Bahrain to be by his side in an apparent show of public unity.

She remained by his side for the Saudi Arabia Grand Prix a week later and Ecclestone, 93, has revealed he’s spoken to Horner about the impact of the saga on his relationship. “Christian informs me everything’s fantastic with Geri,” he told Mail Online.

Ecclestone was best man when the pair got married in 2015, and he backed his close friend to remain at Red Bull long-term once ‘peace’ breaks out. “I don’t see why anyone would want to push Christian out,” he added.

“Certainly not as time acts as a great healer. He is doing a super job, and a few weeks can make a big difference. He has Geri’s support, and the whole team is doing well. There is no logical reason to upset that balance.”

Despite his wife’s apparent support, Horner has faced calls to be removed from his position, least of all from Jos Verstappen, the father of three-time world champion Max. Those comments have led to speculation over the future of the Dutch driver, who has since been tenuously linked with a shock switch to Mercedes.

But Ecclestone also dismissed the idea of him moving from the constructors’ champions: “Max seems likely to stay, and it’s like all wars in so much as people get over things and move on,” he added. 

Regardless, the ongoing speculation hasn’t affected Red Bull’s on-track performance. After his win in Japan last weekend, it’s Verstappen who again leads the drivers’ standings from teammate Sergio Perez.

In the constructors’ race, the pair are 21 points clear of Ferrari. And they will again be expected to set the pace at the Chinese Grand Prix weekend on April 19-21.