![\"Christian-Horner-2\"](\"https:\/\/www.racinginfocus.com\/rif\/gallery\/f1-2013-rif-images\/f1-2013-persons\/Christian-Horner-2.jpg\")
83-year-old Ecclestone is fighting legal battles on several fronts at present over the Gerhard Gribkowsky bribery scandal.<\/p>\nChristian Horner this week has once again played down reports he is first in line should Bernie Ecclestone step down as F1 supremo.<\/p>\n
83-year-old Ecclestone is fighting legal battles on several fronts at present over the Gerhard Gribkowsky bribery scandal.<\/p>\n
On Wednesday, he amused reporters as he arrived to testify in London’s high court, calling them “lazy bastards” before entering the revolving door and then exiting it on the same side.<\/p>\n
He then tried to enter the building through a conventional glass door that wouldn’t open, shrugging when the reporters asked if he is confident he will prevail in the multi-million dollar lawsuit brought by a German media company.<\/p>\n
While testifying, F1’s inimitable chief executive sounded unconcerned about the outcome of his legal troubles, which could ultimately see his long reign over the sport end.<\/p>\n
“I don’t mind,” Ecclestone told Constantin Medien’s lawyer, “I’ve got plenty of things to do.”<\/p>\n
If the diminutive Briton is forced into retirement, or is jailed, one name constantly mentioned as a potential successor is Christian Horner — Red Bull’s 39-year-old, ultra-successful team boss who is famously allied to Ecclestone.<\/p>\n
British newspapers quoted Horner as saying on Wednesday: “Looking at the health that Bernie’s in, he’s going to outlive all of us!<\/p>\n
“I have no interest in the role that he performs.\u00a0 My focus is in running a team and I think actually to replace Bernie would be impossible, certainly with one person.<\/p>\n
“I’m very happy with what I do here,” Horner insisted.\u00a0 “I’m focused and committed to this team.”<\/p>\n
However, Horner’s attitude might be changed if Red Bull’s current team begins to break up.<\/p>\n
Designer Adrian Newey has been linked with an America’s Cup foray, while Sebastian Vettel is constantly linked with a move to Ferrari.<\/p>\n
Indeed, it has been suggested leaving Red Bull might be the only way the new quadruple world champion is accepted both in terms of popularity and greatness.<\/p>\n
Alain Prost said: “If he (Vettel) wants to he should move, but not to please someone else — only if he wants to do it for himself.”<\/p>\n
Vettel, however, said he is committed to Red Bull.<\/p>\n
“Even if I go to another team, I will still have people who doubt or don’t like who I am and what I do,” said the 26-year-old.<\/p>\n
“At the end of the day you have to be happy with yourself and right now I can assure you I’m very happy with who I am and what I do.”<\/p>\n
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