Red Bull chief Horner not too keen to fill Ecclestone’s shoes

London – Red Bull team boss Christian Horner has played down ‘flattering’ comments from Formula One chief Bernie Ecclestone earmarking him as his successor.

The 83-year-old Ecclestone has controlled F1 for 40 years but previously signaled an intention to step down in 2015 and says Horner would be an ‘ideal’ replacement.

However, the BBC reports that Horner said even though he is flattered by Ecclestone’s statement, he is concentrating on his job at Red Bull for the time being, adding that he believes Ecclestone will continue in his post for a long time to come as he is in great shape and is still doing some great deals for the sport.

Horner further said that he cannot see how anyone can replace Ecclestone as he is unique, adding that it will be a sad day for the sport theday Ecclestone decides to step down.

Horner, who has supervised Red Bull’s dominance of the constructors’ championship, is contracted as the side’s team principal until 2017, the report added.