Photo: Red Bull Content Pool

Horner makes clear why a 'nicey-nicey' bond with Wolff will never happen

17:59, 01 Feb

byTobia Elia

Christian Horner has once again spoken about his relationship with Toto Wolff, a rivalry that has lit up the Formula 1 paddock over the past decade.

The former Red Bull CEO and team principal has largely stepped out of the public spotlight since last July, when he handed over the reins to Laurent Mekies. And yet, his presence continues to loom large, with his name repeatedly resurfacing amid growing anticipation over a potential return to the grid.

That should hardly come as a surprise. Figures of that stature inevitably remain newsworthy — someone capable of building an empire like Red Bull and guiding it to an extraordinary trophy haul over the past two decades is never easily forgotten.

A trophy cabinet just as impressive as that of his number-one rival — sportingly speaking — Toto Wolff, with Red Bull and Mercedes having dominated the Formula 1 landscape over the past fifteen years.

Photo: Race Pictures

Speaking publicly for the first time at the European Motor Show in Dublin, the Briton also took the opportunity to revisit the rivalry — and his relationship — with the Austrian: "A lot of people made a lot out of the rivalry I had with him. I have a huge amount of respect for him.

“He has been tremendously successful. He has won a huge amount. He is very bright. We are just different people, equally competitive, just different. And sport is boring if everybody is friendly and loves each other.

He finally added: “You have got to have a rivalry that will create a real interest. The worst thing is if everyone is too nicey-nicey and chummy."

Horner speaks out for first time since Red Bull departure

Beyond addressing his relationship with Wolff, Horner also stepped back into the media spotlight at the same event, revealing that he still feels he has unfinished business in Formula 1.

“I don’t want to go back in the paddock unless I have something to do,” he said. “I miss the sport, I miss the people, I miss the team that I built. I had 21 incredible years in Formula One. I had a great run, won a lot of races, championships and worked with some amazing drivers, engineers and partners. I don’t need to go back. I could stop my career now.”

Read the full story here.

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