Toto Wolff has said that Christian Horner will face difficulties in returning to Formula 1.
The former Mercedes rival believes Horner has “broken quite a lot of glass”.
Horner’s Departure and Wolff’s Reaction
Horner’s exit from Red Bull in July, after two decades as team principal, followed a period of declining performance and internal conflict. He had been accused of sexual harassment and coercive, controlling behaviour by a female employee.
Although Horner was twice cleared of the claims, firstly after an internal investigation conducted by a lawyer, then by another lawyer who dismissed the complainant’s appeal, Wolff believes the situation has lasting repercussions.
Wolff told the Press Association that “these things have repercussions in our microcosm”.
Rivalry and Potential for Reconciliation
Wolff acknowledged the intense rivalry he shared with Horner, who led Red Bull to eight drivers’ titles and six constructors’ championships. He also suggested that a future alliance or shared objectives were unlikely.
“Would I consider that he could ever be an ally or someone that shares objectives? I don’t think so.”
Despite the animosity, Wolff admitted that Horner’s controversial personality was “good for the sport”.
“I said to [Ferrari team principal] Fred Vasseur that it needs the good, the bad, and the ugly. And it is now only the good and the ugly left. The bad is gone.”
Wolff added that there was still some good in Horner, saying that “even your worst enemy has a best friend, so there must be some goodness”.
Horner’s Future in F1
Wolff addressed speculation about Horner’s next steps, while stating he didn’t wish him ill. He acknowledged Horner’s accomplishments as a team principal.
“I don’t know if he is finding his way back, and in which function. I certainly don’t wish him bad. And we need to give each other credit. There are not many team principals who have done what he has done.”
Horner, who has stated he has “unfinished business” in F1, was reportedly considered for a role at Aston Martin last year.
Alpine Investment and Horner’s Involvement
In January, Alpine stated that Horner was among “multiple interested parties” who had discussed investment with the team.
Wolff and Mercedes are also considering purchasing Otro Capital’s 24% stake in Alpine. Wolff clarified that there is “no connection” between his interest in Alpine and Horner’s potential involvement. He added that it would be “quite sad” if that was a consideration.
Reflecting on their past conflicts, Wolff said, “Over those years it was just too intense, too fierce, and things happened which even today I cannot comprehend why he has done them.”
Red Bull’s Max Verstappen won four consecutive drivers’ titles from 2021 to 2024.