Horner's Post-Red Bull Exit Text to Toto Wolff: 'You'll Be Lost Without Me'

Christian Horner, following his sacking from Red Bull, sent a text message to Toto Wolff joking that the Mercedes boss would be lost without him. Wolff admitted it feels 'quite strange' without Horner in the F1 paddock.

Why it matters

Horner's departure marks the end of an era for Red Bull and shifts the dynamic among F1's top leadership. The exchange with Wolff highlights the complex, often contentious, but undeniably significant rivalry between two of the sport's most successful team principals.

The Details

• Horner was sacked by Red Bull after the British Grand Prix, ending over 20 years with the team. Laurent Mekies, the Racing Bulls boss, has been installed as his replacement.
• He led Red Bull to six Constructors' titles and eight Drivers' championships, shared between Sebastian Vettel and Max Verstappen, since 2005.
• The rivalry between Horner and Wolff intensified during the 2021 season, culminating in Max Verstappen's controversial title win over Lewis Hamilton.

Wolff's Perspective

Wolff revealed Horner's text quipped, 'What are you doing now, because you love to hate me and I’m gone!' He acknowledged Horner as a 'wonderful, great enemy' since he joined Mercedes in 2013.

• On Horner's legacy: Wolff noted Horner's 'very good' track record, calling him 'one of the most successful in Formula 1'.
• On the void: He admitted, 'It’s quite strange to come here and Christian’s not going to be around. What are you doing with him not around? That’s a bit weird.'
• On F1 needing strong characters: Despite previously branding Horner an 'a**hole', Wolff later clarified that F1 needs 'massive characters' like him. 'Every movie needs the good, the bad and the ugly,' he stated, positioning Horner as the 'bad' character who helped make the sport engaging.

What's Next for Horner

Horner's return to the F1 paddock is widely anticipated, likely in a team-ownership style role, similar to Wolff's stake in Mercedes.

• Alpine rumors: He has been linked with the Alpine team, but former F1 supremo Bernie Ecclestone recently dismissed the suggestion of a joint purchase.
• Wolff's quip: At the Dutch Grand Prix, Wolff joked that a partnership between Horner, Ecclestone, and Flavio Briatore would be 'the mafia reunited'.