Mercedes boss Toto Wolff has cautioned Christian Horner, the former Red Bull team principal, about the implications of a potential return to Formula 1.
Wolff critically stated that Horner had «caused quite a bit of havoc» and such actions «have repercussions on our microcosm.» He noted that Horner had made such statements «his whole life» and that this was his forte.
Last summer, Horner was reportedly relieved of his duties as Red Bull team principal mid-season. While the team did not state specific reasons, there had been prior reports of the then 52-year-old’s inappropriate conduct towards a female employee.
This situation reportedly led to a publicly unfolding power struggle within the Red Bull team, with even the departure of superstar Max Verstappen being a temporary consideration. Ultimately, the Thai shareholders reportedly withdrew their support for Horner, and the Frenchman Laurent Mekies became his successor.
Meanwhile, rumors are circulating about Horner’s potential return to Formula 1. He himself had stated that he was not yet done with motorsport and had «unfinished business.» An engagement with Alpine is considered the most probable option, although Mercedes and Wolff also show interest in acquiring a stake in the French team, which is currently for sale.
Wolff clarified that Mercedes’ interest in an Alpine stake «has nothing to do with Christian.» He dismissed the idea of a rivalry between him and Horner over the Alpine stake as «unfounded» and stressed it would be «quite sad» if that were an investment criterion. Wolff explained that they are examining the matter from various angles and have not yet reached a conclusion, aiming to determine if it makes sense.
Toto Wolff on Horner’s Potential Return: «Of Two Minds»
Wolff and Horner share a long-standing rivalry as team principals of Mercedes and Red Bull, with the intense 2021 championship battle between Lewis Hamilton and Max Verstappen particularly fueling tensions. When asked about their current relationship, Wolff explained that under different circumstances, without years of competition, he might have been able to sit down with Horner and laugh about the past. He added that over the years, the rivalry was «simply too intense, too fierce,» and there were actions by Horner that he still couldn’t understand.
Fundamentally, however, the 54-year-old Wolff believes that a comeback by Horner would not necessarily be bad for Formula 1. He stated he was «of two minds,» as the sport lacks personalities, and Horner’s controversial personality was «good for the sport.» Wolff emphasized that he wished Horner nothing bad and that they should acknowledge each other’s achievements, as few team principals could boast what Horner has accomplished.