Red Bull team principal Christian Horner does not believe Bernie Ecclestone’s Formula One reign is coming to an end despite doubts over his position as chief executive amid a potential takeover of the sport.

Liberty Media are in talks with Formula One’s current stakeholders CVC Capital Partners over a reported $8.5 billion (£6.4bn) buyout. Indeed it has been claimed that a deal could be completed as early as today.

Should Liberty, an American media company which is controlled by billionaire John Malone, complete their takeover of the sport, it is uncertain what role Ecclestone, 85, would have under the regime.

But Horner, who can be regarded as a close ally of Ecclestone, said: “There is a lot of speculation going on.

“I sincerely hope it is not Bernie’s last race and I don’t believe it will be. We will all wait and see what the news is over the next couple of weeks regarding the ownership of F1, and if there is any change or redistribution.

“It is obvious there are discussions going on, but until something is signed and finalised everything is pure conjecture to that point.”

Ecclestone, who turns 86 next month, has been a pivotal figure in Formula One for nearly 40 years.

“Bernie has done an awesome job, and made Formula One what it is,” Mercedes boss Toto Wolff said.

But Wolff claimed that a change in ownership could breathe new life into the sport.

“If there is an investor that wants to buy the shares, it is good news for Formula One,” he added.

“Maybe it is good news that an American media company buys Formula One, but I don’t know what happens in terms of the management.

“There are things we can learn from the American way – particularly in digital areas – but they are going to have a close look and analyse what they think needs to be changed, improved, or what needs to remain.”