Former F1 driver David Coulthard has echoed Mercedes boss Toto Wolff’s claim that the sport is missing a divisive figure in the paddock – a character fans “love to hate” who adds spice to the competition both on and off the track.
The departure in July of long-time Red Bull team principal Christian Horner, often at the heart of political squabbles and verbal sparring, has left a void in F1’s off-track drama. Gone are the days of heated barbs and media mind games that once amplified the on-track battles, turning F1 into a global soap opera.
Wolff recently said that Formula 1 needs “an asshole” in the room to keep fans engaged, a role Horner relished during his tenure.
“They’ve now lost the baddie”
Coulthard, speaking at the More Than Equal event in Zandvoort last month, agreed with the Austrian’s view, suggesting that the current era of cordial team bosses makes the sport less compelling.
“I’ve said exactly the same before: because Fred [Vasseur] and Toto are friends. Zak and those guys get along. They’ve now lost the baddie amongst the team principals in their eyes,” commented the 13-time Grand Prix winner, quoted by Motorsport.com.
For Coulthard, Formula 1 thrives when personalities clash – a dynamic that has been amplified in recent years through Netflix’s popular Drive to Survive docu-series.
“And part of the Netflix show is about creating these characters and personalities. No one is interested in two boxers going in the ring holding hands, kissing and hugging,” he added.
F1 as “show business as well as sport”
Reflecting on the history of the sport, Coulthard pointed out that F1 teams have endured seismic leadership changes before – and often emerged stronger. But he emphasized that controversy and rivalries remain central to the entertainment value of the series.
“That’s not what combat is about. We are where we are. Many people thought McLaren wouldn’t function without Ron Dennis. He was a big personality,” he explained.
“They’re about to win both championships this year. So nothing is dependent on one person. But we are show business as well as sport.”
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With Red Bull dominant on track and team bosses like Fred Vasseur, Zak Brown, and Toto Wolff enjoying relatively cordial relations, Coulthard suggested F1 risks losing a crucial piece of its theatre: a larger-than-life antagonist who stirs emotions and captures the spotlight.
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