ZANDVOORT, Netherlands — The head of the Mercedes team, Toto Wolff, has stated that he feels the absence of his “great rival” Christian Horner in the Formula 1 setting, in light of Horner’s departure from Red Bull after two decades at the helm.
Throughout much of their shared time in the sport, Wolff and Horner maintained a notably bitter rivalry, which contributed a compelling element to the memorable 2021 championship battle between their respective teams, as well as drivers Max Verstappen and Lewis Hamilton.
This week, Wolff disclosed that he and Horner have been in touch via text message since Horner’s departure in July.
“He communicated to me, inquiring: ‘What are you currently occupied with, considering your fondness for disliking me, and my departure?’,” Wolff mentioned to Dutch media present at Zandvoort.
“It presents a somewhat mixed feeling because, A: his previous accomplishments are considerable — ranking among the most prosperous in Formula 1. Hence, it’s evident that he executed certain aspects effectively within the team. I believe he garnered a degree of respect within Milton Keynes.
“Nonetheless, our opinions or viewpoints frequently diverged. As such, he has constituted a remarkable and formidable adversary over the years. Do I find myself missing him? It feels rather peculiar to arrive here with Christian absent. I mean, what does one do without his presence? It’s a somewhat unusual situation.
“Following this is the practical approach of [Horner’s replacement] Laurent Mekies. Abruptly, the possibility of discussing the long-term arises. We simply possess fundamentally differing personalities, yet even one’s greatest adversary can also serve as their closest companion.”
The outspoken Horner has been among the more divisive personalities within the modern era of Formula 1.
In a playful remark concerning the physical appearance of Ferrari team principal Fred Vasseur, Wolff commented that the sport necessitates the presence of antagonists to sustain its appeal.
“My statement was that every cinematic production necessitates the presence of the virtuous, the malevolent, and the unsightly. With the malevolent figure now absent, only Fred and I remain … It took Fred a moment to comprehend the implication,” Wolff explained.
“The sport thrives on such dynamics. Historically, we’ve witnessed such prominent figures, and I harbor hope that certain new team leaders will organically evolve into these roles, given that authenticity cannot be fabricated.
“Christian undeniably stood as one of these leading figures. He exhibited outspokenness, sparked controversy, possessed a provocative nature, and embraced that persona. One requires a provocative individual; individuals require someone to direct their animosity toward.”
Speculation has been rife concerning Horner’s subsequent endeavors.
The incoming Formula 1 team for Cadillac have already refuted reports that the British national will be involved in their undertaking in the future — sources have confided in ESPN that this prospect is not under consideration.
More recent accounts have linked him to a role, in some form, with Alpine’s struggling team, though it is improbable that Horner would again assume a conventional team leadership position.
