Formula 1 has long been a blend of speed, strategy, and spectacle, but according to Red Bull boss Christian Horner, another factor fuels the sport’s growing fanbase—the drivers’ good looks.
Horner recently revisited his controversial 2022 remarks, where he suggested that young girls were becoming interested in F1 because of attractive drivers like Charles Leclerc. The comment sparked backlash, with many accusing the Red Bull team principal of sexism.
Now, at the 2025 Autosport Awards, Horner addressed the controversy in a lighthearted exchange with a TikTok personality—this time joking that his daughter wants Red Bull to sign Leclerc.
“Well, look, my daughter would love us to sign Charles Leclerc. They all have their charm.”
Leclerc & Verstappen: A Dream Team That Will Never Happen?
Leclerc and Max Verstappen share a great friendship on and off the track, and many fans dream of seeing them as teammates. However, due to Leclerc’s deep ties with Ferrari, such a partnership remains highly unlikely.
Still, Horner’s comments play into the fan speculation, adding fuel to the idea—however improbable—of Leclerc one day donning Red Bull colors.
Horner on F1’s ‘Good-Looking’ Team Principals: No Love for Toto Wolff?
The conversation then took an unexpected turn when Horner was asked about F1 team principals being “attractive” figures in the sport.
With Mercedes boss Toto Wolff often hailed as one of F1’s most charismatic figures, Horner was quick to distance himself from the Wolff fan club.
“I’m not sure. I’m not a member of Toto (Woof) Wolff’s fan club.”
The remark was a cheeky jab at Wolff, continuing the longstanding rivalry between the Red Bull and Mercedes bosses.
F1’s Growing Popularity: More Than Just Fast Cars
Formula 1’s explosive rise in global popularity—fueled by **Netflix’s Drive to Survive, Hollywood cameos, and a greater emphasis on marketing the drivers’ personalities—**has brought in millions of new fans, many of whom are drawn to the sport’s glamor.
Horner’s latest comments, while playful, highlight the increasing fusion of F1 with pop culture, making it clear that modern Formula 1 is as much about entertainment as it is about racing.
The Verdict: Horner Keeps Stirring the Pot
Whether joking about signing Leclerc, addressing his past controversies, or throwing subtle digs at Toto Wolff, Horner continues to be one of the most vocal and polarizing figures in F1.
With the 2025 season around the corner, expect more drama, more rivalries, and—according to Horner—more young fans tuning in, for reasons beyond just racing.
