Wolff admits he misses 'great enemy' Horner

Mercedes Boss Toto Wolff Reflects on Christian Horner’s Exit from Red Bull

ZANDVOORT, Netherlands -- Mercedes team principal Toto Wolff recently opened up about the void left in the Formula 1 paddock by Christian Horner’s surprising dismissal from Red Bull Racing. Horner, who spent two decades as team principal, was let go in July, leaving behind a legacy as one of the most influential and controversial figures in motorsport.

Horner’s outspoken and polarizing personality played a pivotal role in modern Formula 1, especially during the epic rivalry between Red Bull’s Max Verstappen and Mercedes’ Lewis Hamilton in the unforgettable 2021 championship. The rivalry between Horner and Wolff, often fiery and public, became as central to Formula 1’s drama as the battles on the track.

Speaking during the Dutch Grand Prix weekend in Zandvoort, Wolff acknowledged the impact of Horner’s departure on the sport. “He said to me: ‘What are you doing now, because you love to hate me and I’m gone!’” Wolff shared, adding a hint of humor.

"It’s a bit ambivalent because, on one hand, his track record is undeniably strong -- he’s one of the most successful team principals in Formula 1 history. Red Bull under his leadership was formidable, and within Milton Keynes, I think he earned respect," Wolff continued.

While Wolff admitted their philosophies often clashed, he described their rivalry as integral to his own experience in Formula 1. “On the other hand, we didn’t often see eye to eye. He was a wonderful, great enemy over the years. Am I missing him? It’s quite strange to come here and not have Christian around. It feels weird, almost surreal,” Wolff said.

Since Horner’s departure, he has been replaced by Laurent Mekies, a move that Wolff says has shifted the tone of discussions between the two teams. “Suddenly, it’s pragmatic. You can have a discussion about the long term. We’re just totally different people. But even your biggest enemy can feel like your best friend in a peculiar way,” he said.

Christian Horner's Role as Formula 1's Villain

Christian Horner often embodied the role of Formula 1’s villain, a persona that Wolff believes the sport thrived on. Reflecting on Horner’s contribution to the sport’s narrative, Wolff remarked, “What I said is that every movie needs the good, the bad, and the ugly. Now the bad is gone; it’s only Fred [Ferrari boss Fred Vasseur] and I left ... it took Fred a while to think about that.”

Wolff went on to explain that compelling personalities like Horner’s are indispensable for Formula 1’s continued success. “The sport thrives on personality. In the past, we had these massive characters, and I hope some of the newer team principals grow into those roles authentically, because you can’t fake that kind of presence. Christian played his role perfectly -- he was outspoken, polarizing, and, frankly, an ass. People loved to hate him, and the sport needs figures like that,” Wolff concluded.

What’s Next for Christian Horner?

Since his departure from the Red Bull Racing team, speculation about Horner’s next move has been widespread. Earlier rumors linking him to Cadillac’s highly anticipated Formula 1 project have been dismissed outright by the team. However, recent whispers in the paddock suggest Horner may be gearing up for a role at Alpine, a team struggling with performance issues and internal disarray.

Sources, though, have indicated that Horner is unlikely to return to the sport as a traditional team principal. Regardless of what path Horner takes, his absence is already being felt in Formula 1, with even Wolff acknowledging the void left by his former adversary.

As Formula 1 evolves and fresh faces take on leadership roles, Horner’s larger-than-life personality serves as a reminder of the impact such characters have on the sport’s energy, intrigue, and rivalries.

Up Next