Totowolf, the principal of the Mercedes team, believes Formula 1 will miss his previous opposite numbers in Red Bull, Christian Horner.
Horner (Photo above, Wolff) I removed my responsibility as principal and CEO of the team over two weeks ago. This weekend’s Belgian Grand Prix is the first race in Red Bull history, which does not have a team. Wolf often clashes with Horner as Mercedes and Red Bull got on track, but says his previous rival characters are overlooked.
“In a way, yes (I miss him), he was one of the main cast,” Wolf told Sky Sports. “First of all, I don’t think he’s gone forever. I think he’s going to pop up to some sort of other faction. I need to be careful. He can sway in the FIA and then I really don’t know.
“He was a controversial guy, and it was polarizing…it was good from an entertainment factor. It would obviously be overlooked from that point of view. His track record speaks for himself.
“No (I haven’t contacted him), I’m not yet. I didn’t think it was appropriate for the time being, but I’m sure I’ll do that.”
Wolf also pointed out that discussions with Max Verstappen about potential moves towards Mercedes in the future did not play a role in Horner’s firing, as he pointed out long-term interest in the Dutchman’s stay in Red Bull in 2026.
“No. I think there’s probably more in the background that I don’t know about Red Bull and the entire constellations,” he said. “When I look after the drivers, I need to know in my position as a Mercedes team principal. I need to explore what Max is trying to do not only in the next year but in the next few years.
“I think drivers always want the fastest car. Much more than financial incentives, that’s about getting in the fastest car and analyzing it. That’s what Max and everything else do all the time.”