Mercedes crew principal Toto Wolff believes System 1 will miss his former reverse quantity at Crimson Bull, Christian Horner, who he described as was “one of many predominant solid” of personalities within the sport.
Horner (pictured at left, above, with Wolff) was eliminated of his duties as crew principal and CEO simply over two weeks in the past, with this weekend’s Belgian Grand Prix the primary race in Crimson Bull’s historical past when he hasn’t been in control of the crew. Wolff typically clashed with Horner as Mercedes and Crimson Bull battled on observe, however says his former rival’s character will likely be missed.
“In a method, sure [I will miss him], he was one of many predominant solid,” Wolff instructed Sky Sports activities. “To start with, I do not assume he is gone perpetually. I believe he is gonna pop up in some form of different faction. I must be cautious. He may very well be rocking up within the FIA after which I am actually within the s**t. You by no means know!
“He was any individual that was controversial, that was polarizing … that was good from the leisure issue, and from that perspective he is clearly going to be missed. His observe document speaks for himself.
“No [I’ve not contacted him], not but. I didn’t discover it acceptable in the interim, however I actually will.”
Wolff additionally famous that his discussions with Max Verstappen over a possible transfer to Mercedes sooner or later didn’t play a job in Horner’s dismissal, as he pointed to longer-term curiosity even when the Dutchman stays with Crimson Bull for 2026.
“No. I believe there may be far more within the background that we in all probability don’t know with Crimson Bull the mothership and the entire constellation,” he stated. “Taking care of drivers, in my place as crew principal of Mercedes I would like to seek out out, I must discover what Max goes to do within the subsequent few years – not solely subsequent yr.
“I believe drivers will at all times search the quickest automobile. Way more than any financial incentives, it’s about being within the quickest automobile and analyzing that. It’s what Max and all of the others will at all times do.”
