Mercedes team principal Toto Wolff has once again addressed the fierce rivalry that defined his fiery relationship with Christian Horner, describing the former Red Bull boss as both a nemesis and one of Formula 1’s defining figures.
Horner was removed from his role as team principal and CEO of Red Bull after the British Grand Prix, bringing an end to his 20-year leadership of the team.
Over that span, he transformed the Milton Keynes outfit from grid newcomers in 2005 into serial title winners, securing eight drivers’ crowns and six constructors’ championships.
Speaking to Formula.hu during the Hungarian Grand Prix weekend, Wolff did not shy away from his blunt assessment of Horner’s time in F1.
“He behaved like an asshole”
The rivalry between Wolff and Horner reached its peak during the 2021 season, when Red Bull’s Max Verstappen and Mercedes’ Lewis Hamilton battled for the drivers’ championship in one of Formula 1’s most dramatic title fights.
The season’s contentious conclusion in Abu Dhabi, coupled with blazing exchanges between the two team bosses, cemented their animosity.
From public accusations to heated radio exchanges with then-race director Michael Masi, their clashes spilled over into memorable moments, including a heated argument at the 2022 Canadian Grand Prix captured by Netflix’s Drive to Survive.
“Those years, but especially 2021, weren’t just about Max and Lewis, but also about Christian and me,” Wolff said. “What’s more, it was really difficult at times, and that’s in all the history books and will remain there.”
Wolff didn’t hold back on his feelings about Horner’s conduct over the years.
“What do I think? Well, that he has behaved like an asshole quite often over the last 12-15 years,” he said.
“He operates according to completely different values, but even the greatest enemy has a best friend.”
The Mercedes boss even recalled Horner’s own words about their rivalry: “You know, he always said that I loved to hate him. So who should I hate now? It looks like I’ll have to find someone else…”
Horner’s Legacy and F1’s Changing Landscape
Despite their personal clashes, Wolff was quick to recognize Horner’s monumental impact on Formula 1.
Under Horner’s leadership, Red Bull racked up 124 race wins, ranking the Briton as the second-most successful team principal in F1 history behind McLaren's Ron Dennis.
“On the other hand, he was extremely successful in what he did,” Wolff admitted. “Now that he’s gone, at least for a while, a real personality has left the sport.”
©RedBull
Wolff also reflected on the evolving nature of team leadership in F1, noting that Horner’s departure marks the end of an era for the sport’s “old-school” figures.
“Looking at it purely from an F1 perspective, I don’t think there are many old-style team boss dinosaurs left here,” he joked.
“Maybe just me. Maybe Fred [Vasseur] is a bit of a dinosaur too.”
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Horner’s exit leaves a noticeable void in the paddock, as Wolff acknowledged.
“He was controversial and divisive, but he was one of the main characters here. We can safely say that he was as significant as one of a driver.”
As Formula 1 moves forward, Wolff’s comments underscore the complex legacy of a rivalry that fueled one of the sport’s most thrilling eras.
While the personal tensions between the two men were undeniable, Horner’s departure has left Wolff without his fiercest adversary – at least for now.
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