Mercedes Boss Toto Wolff Reflects on Christian Horner’s Departure from Red Bull
Mercedes boss Toto Wolff has shared his thoughts on Christian Horner’s departure from Red Bull, citing a “sense of entitlement” as a key factor in his exit. Wolff and Horner had a long-standing rivalry, with their teams frequently clashing on and off the track. One of the most notable incidents occurred in 2021, when Max Verstappen controversially won the championship ahead of Lewis Hamilton.
The 2021 Abu Dhabi Grand Prix finale was marred by controversy, with FIA race director Michael Masi incorrectly applying the rules, allowing Verstappen to overtake Hamilton on the final lap and secure the championship win. Wolff still reflects on the incident, stating, “I think about it every day and so does Lewis.” He believes that both drivers were deserving champions, but the incorrect call by the referee, to use a football analogy, cannot be reversed.
Horner’s Personality Traits and Departure from Red Bull
Wolff believes that Horner’s inability to admit the injustice of the 2021 Abu Dhabi Grand Prix was a significant factor in his departure from Red Bull. He stated, “Christian was never able to admit the same — that if it was the other way round and had happened to them that day, it would have been catastrophic, and he would have come up with all kinds of insults.” Wolff thinks that Horner’s lack of introspection and compassion was a “total gap in his personality.”
Wolff attributes Horner’s departure from Red Bull to his “sense of entitlement,” which ultimately led to his downfall. He said, “It’s the sense of entitlement he has, and that bit him in the end, because he felt entitled to all the power, and Red Bull didn’t want to give him that power.” Horner’s 20-year tenure at Red Bull came to an end in June, marking a significant change in the team’s leadership.
For more information on the latest developments in Formula 1, including Gianpiero Lambiase’s departure from Red Bull and Helmut Marko’s decision to step down, stay tuned for further updates and analysis.
