Mercedes chief executive Toto Wolff has denied trying to prevent Christian Horner from returning to F1, but said his former rival could face “repercussions” for breaking “quite a lot of glass” while managing Red Bull.
Horner was sacked as Red Bull’s team principal and chief executive in July last year, but has expressed interest in returning to tackle what he described as “unfinished business” in the sport.
The path for Horner to return to the paddock appeared to be open when it was confirmed in January that he was interested in buying the 24% stake in Alpine owned by private investment firm Otro Capital.
However, it has since been confirmed that Wolff and Mercedes are also interested in purchasing a possible stake in Alpine.
Use Chrome Browser for a more accessible video player
Alpine team principal Flavio Briatore discusses speculation regarding potential new investors for the team, including Christian Horner and Mercedes.
“He (Horner) has broken quite a lot of glass, and these things affect our microcosm. When you say something, but that’s what he’s been doing all his life, and that’s what he knows best,” Wolff told the Press Association.
“The reason we’re considering that stock has nothing to do with Christian. And the idea that there’s a rivalry between Christian and I as to who buys Alpine stock is fabricated. It would be very sad if that was a consideration in whether or not to make that investment.”
“We’re looking at it from different angles, but we haven’t come to a conclusion. We want to know if it makes sense.”
Wolff and Horner have become two of the sport’s biggest names, with the rivalry between the teams captivating fans’ imaginations, particularly Lewis Hamilton and Max Verstappen competing for the 2021 drivers’ title.
Use Chrome Browser for a more accessible video player
There was no love lost between Toto Wolff and Christian Horner during the 2021 title fight.
Horner’s recent successes, including Verstappen’s fourth consecutive title win from 2021 to 2024, were clouded by accusations that he controlled the actions of his female colleagues in the final 18 months of his tenure. Mr. Horner was twice cleared of charges.
Aston Martin appears to be backing Jonathan Wheatley, who previously worked under Horner at Red Bull, as its next team boss, but there is currently no clear path to returning him to his desired position.
Wolff continued: “I’m on the fence[about Horner’s return to F1]. The sport lacks personality. And his personality is obviously very controversial, which is good for the sport.”
“I told (Ferrari team principal) Fred Vasseur that we needed ‘the good, the bad and the ugly’. And now only the good and the ugly remain. The bad is gone.”
Use Chrome Browser for a more accessible video player
Wolff and Horner clashed over Red Bull’s protest against George Russell’s 2025 Canadian Grand Prix victory.
“Could he be considered an ally or someone with whom we share a common cause? I don’t think so.
“But even when I feel my greatest frustration and anger towards him, I have to remind myself that even the worst enemy has a best friend, and there must be some goodwill.
“If we hadn’t had all those competitions over the years, and if there had been more water down the river, I’m sure I could have had dinner with him and laughed.
“In those years, it was so intense, so intense that to this day I still don’t understand why he did it.
“I don’t know if he’s finding his way back and what role he’s in. I don’t wish him any misfortune and we need to celebrate each other’s achievements. There aren’t many team principals who have achieved what he has.
“Whatever happens, whatever the outcome, whether he comes back to F1 or not, I’m comfortable with that.”
F1 will resume with the second sprint weekend of the season, the Miami Grand Prix, from May 1-3, which will be broadcast live on Sky Sports F1. Stream Sky Sports now – cancel anytime with no contract
