The two kings
Together as team principals between 2010 and 2025 they won 29 World titles out of the 32 available between Drivers and Constructors. Too bad that together, Christian Horner and Toto Wolff, they never were. Always fiercely opposed, very different interpreters of the same role, the Formula 1 team principal, both capable of bringing their own philosophy to the top and opening legendary cycles of success, both however forced to drink the bitter cup of defeat more than once. The pair of irreducible opponents who dominated F1 for three lustrums broke up last summer, when Christian Horner was removed from the role he had held for 20 years within the Red Bull team.
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Since then, the British manager has aspired to return to the Circus, but only with a role that is once again that of the absolute protagonist. Waiting for that day, his counterpart at Mercedes, Toto Wolff, has in turn returned to winning given that at the start of this 2026 season the reference team for the entire grid is once again – after four years of ‘purgatory’ – Mercedes itself. In an interview given to the Press Association Wolff also returned to talk about his controversial relationship with Horner, reiterating the great differences that divide him from the former Milton Keynes team principal, but also recognizing the sporting and media value of his opponent.
Someone like Horner is missing from the Circus
“He (Horner) caused quite a stir, and these things have repercussions in our microcosm – said Wolff – personally I am undecided about it. This sport lacks personalities. And his personality was clearly very controversial, which is good for the sport. Do I think he could ever be an ally of mine or someone to share goals with? I don’t think so. But even when I felt the utmost frustration and anger towards him, you have to remind yourself that even the worst enemy has a best friend, so there must be something good.”
“If there hadn’t been that competitive rivalry for so many years, and if more time had passed, I’m sure I could have spent some time with him at dinner and had a laugh – the Mercedes team principal added – in those years [the relationship] was simply too intense, too fierce, and things happened that even today I can’t understand why he did them. I don’t know if he is finding his way back and in what role. I certainly don’t wish him any harm. And we must recognize each other’s merits. There aren’t many team principals who have done what he has done. I see a situation where, whatever happens, whatever the results, whether he returns to Formula 1 or not, I’m fine with it”, he concluded.
