Bernie Ecclestone has reportedly advised Christian Horner to 'resign' in the wake of his investigation at Red Bull.
Horner is facing allegations of 'inappropriate behaviour' made by a female Red Bull employee.
The 50-year-old vehemently denies all allegations and is fighting to clear his name.
He was in a meeting with investigators on Friday after Red Bull GmbH, the F1 team's parent company, launched an independent investigation into the situation.
Bernie Ecclestone has advised Christian Horner to 'resign'
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The meeting was originally set to be held at Red Bull's base in Milton Keynes but it was moved to a secret location in London.
The external specialist barrister carried out the meeting on Friday and it's said the first interview lasted more than eight hours.
No decision has seemingly been made, although Horner was spotted at Silverstone as Red Bull took to the track with their new car.
Red Bull had wanted the investigation wrapped up before the official launch of their RB20 on Thursday.
But they're running out of time and it looks increasingly likely the investigation will go on past the car launch.
Pre-season testing begins on February 21 with the first race of 2024 scheduled for March 2.
However, former F1 supremo Ecclestone has reportedly advised Horner to quit over the ordeal.
According to F1 Insider, Ecclestone has 'intervened and advised his friend to resign' in an attempt to stop 'further damage to himself and his family'.
Horner's wife, Geri Halliwell, is said to have been in 'floods of tears' following the allegations against her husband.
She's standing by the Red Bull team principal and is said to be confident he will clear his name.
Bernie Ecclestone is still close to Christian Horner
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David Coulthard doesn't share the same extreme view as Ecclestone in calling for Horner to walk away from his role at Red Bull.
Speaking before Friday's meeting, Coulthard explained how he felt Horner should be given a chance to tell his side of the story.
“I’ve seen all sorts of overreaction on social media, you know, people calling for Christian to resign, and for him to be suspended… all of these sorts of things,” Coulthard said.
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Bernie Ecclestone recommended Christian Horner for the Red Bull job
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“But, as always, everybody deserves their moment to be able to explain their position.
"I believe that will be happening on Friday in Christian’s case.
“I don’t know about the other party involved. So, maybe by next week, we’ll have some clarity on that particular situation.”
