Toto Wolff has admitted it feels strange not to have his long-time Formula 1 rival Christian Horner around after the latter’s Red Bull exit. The Mercedes boss confessed that Horner’s absence has made the F1 paddock feel quieter, even though their rivalry was often fiery and controversial.
Horner was removed from his position as Red Bull boss after July’s British Grand Prix, ending a two-decade reign filled with both success and controversy. During his time in charge, Horner built rivalries with peers, most notably Wolff, especially during the heated 2021 title battle between Max Verstappen and Lewis Hamilton.
Wolff Reflects on Their Heated Rivalry
Speaking at the Dutch Grand Prix, Wolff said he has already been in touch with Horner since his departure. “He said to me: ‘What are you doing now, because you love to hate me and I’m gone!’,” Wolff revealed.
Wolff admitted the rivalry had shaped their relationship and that he now feels the absence. “It’s a bit ambivalent because, A, his track record is very good – one of the most successful in Formula 1. So, clearly there are things he’s done well. Within the team, I think he was to a certain degree, respected in Milton Keynes. But then we didn’t often have the same opinion or perspective. So, he’s been a wonderful, great enemy over the years. Am I missing him? It’s quite strange to come here and Christian’s not going to be around. I mean, what are you doing with him not around? That’s a bit weird.”
The Shift from Rivalry to Pragmatism
Horner has been replaced by former Racing Bulls team principal Laurent Mekies, who is considered pragmatic and approachable. Wolff admitted the dynamic has shifted.
“And then you have the pragmatism of Laurent Mekies. Suddenly you can have a conversation about the long term. We’re just totally different people, but even your biggest enemy is your best friend.”
The Austrian also stressed the importance of strong personalities in Formula 1. “What I said is that every movie needs the good, the bad and the ugly. Now the bad is gone, it’s only Fred [Vasseur at Ferrari] and I left… It took Fred a while to think about that,” Wolff deadpanned.
He went on to describe Horner as one of those characters who made the sport more compelling. “The sport needs that. In the past we had those massive characters and I hope that some of the new team principals are going to grow into these roles in an authentic way, because you can’t fake it.
Christian was one of those protagonists. He was outspoken, he was controversial, he was an ass, and he loved to play that role. You need an asshole, people need to hate someone.”
Wolff’s reflections underline how even bitter rivalries add spice to Formula 1, and how Christian Horner’s absence is leaving a noticeable void in the paddock.
Stay tuned for all the latest Sports News, follow Todaysmatchprediction on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram
