Ex-boss profited

Horner, Perez and a “curious” bet winner

Christian Horner (right) and Sergio Perez.(Bild: AFP/GETTY IMAGES/Dan Mullan)

On the sidelines of the race weekend in Japan, controversial Red Bull team boss Christian Horner tried to motivate his driver Sergio Perez with a bet. The Mexican eventually emerged as the winner, but had to give up his winnings straight away. 

Horner approached Perez before qualifying in Suzuka with an interesting bet. If the Mexican made it to the front row of the grid for the first time in Japan, he would receive an undisclosed sum. "Until then, the best he had managed at Suzuka was fourth on the grid," explained Horner, wanting to give his driver additional motivation.

Perez ultimately managed to finish second behind teammate Max Verstappen and win the bet. Horner had to settle his betting debts. The joy of the victory and the strong result in qualifying remained, but the money changed hands again in an instant.

Ecclestone as a profiteer
"When he won the bet, he told me that he owed Bernie Ecclestone exactly the same amount. That's why he passed the money on directly to Bernie. So Bernie was the big beneficiary of Perez making it onto the front row of the grid," said Horner, outlining the subsequent developments after the race weekend.

The two Brits have had a close relationship for years. "Good old Bernie is still making money, even though he's no longer there," joked Horner once, and he was proved right. Otherwise, there is still not much to laugh about for the 50-year-old. He continues to struggle with the accusations against him. In addition, a power struggle is raging behind the scenes that could become a crucial test for the racing team.