As the saga unfolds of Mercedes Team Principal, Toto Wolff, and the rumors of the return of Christian Horner in some role at Formula 1 with the FIA, the atmosphere turns heated. Wolff and Horner have battled each other on the F1 stage for years; the tension has been particularly palpable in recent years with the ascent of Max Verstappen to pressure Lewis Hamilton’s status as the reigning King of F1.
With Horner recently and unexpectedly departing Red Bull, Wolff is not quite sure of the potential of his foe returning to the paddock. But it is not all rumor — Wolff even humorously hinted at the perceived risk if something derived from the return of Horner ever unfolded with the FIA.
As he juggles rumors about the future of Red Bull’s star, Wolff is directed to the task ahead with Mercedes team drivers George Russell and Kimi Antonelli while watching closely developments of the driver market. Wolff also is aware of the complexities of the Red Bull driver stable and any changes having ramifications the driver market.
Wolff considers Horner a volatile yet significant force throughout his Red Bull tenure and acknowledges the type of controversy which Horner would generate moving forward. Although the rivalry provides for a more savory-style series, he also respects what Horner brought both in contradiction and regard as a leader of the Milton Keynes-based Red Bull operation with respect to their significance establishing F1 as a spectacle; it is also what sustains and animates the drama of sport.
As F1 continues to evolve and shift in its marketplace, many expect moves underway to again shift the current marketplace in light of some dramatic moves forthcoming. While Wolff is always evaluated as to the controlling factors of status-quo, a Horner return could intensify their historic rivalry and change any notions derived from the past.
