Following his shock Red Bull sacking last year, Christian Horner has revealed an unexpected exchange of messages he shared with long-time rival and Mercedes F1 boss Toto Wolff.
Horner was integral to Red Bull’s incredible achievements in Formula One over the last two decades. As team principal and CEO, he oversaw a highly successful period that saw the team claim eight Drivers’ Championships and six Constructors’ Championships. But that all came to an end at last year’s British Grand Prix.
The 52-year-old was sacked following internal power struggles at Red Bull, reported clashes with the Verstappen family, and allegations of misconduct against him in 2024.
In the paddock, Horner regularly competed with Wolff, as their respective teams engaged in battle season after season for the Drivers’ and Constructors’ Championships. The rivalry peaked during the 2021 season, spearheaded by Lewis Hamilton and Max Verstappen‘s heated title rivalry that led to the Dutchman winning his first world championship in controversial fashion in Abu Dhabi.
Horner and Wolff traded verbal blows on several occasions during this period and continue to be viewed as bitter rivals in Formula One. However, in a surprising twist, Horner has revealed a somewhat touching message from his long-time foe.
In the new series of Netflix’s Drive to Survive, Horner unpacks the fallout from his Red Bull sacking, and part of this includes a text exhange with Wolff.
“I didn’t know what to say, because on one side you’ve been a real a**hole. But on the other hand, the sport will miss one of its main protagonists,” Wolff wrote. “Who should I fight? And ‘love to hate’, as you always said?”
As is quite often the case, great rivalries drive determination to succeed — and Horner and Wolff are no exception. Prior to Lando Norris‘ 2025 triumph, Horner and Wolff won the previous 15 world championships. Horner won eight, whereas Wolff won seven from 2010 to 2024.
“I’ve loved locking horns with you all these years. So thank you for the rivalry, the competition and the needle. No one else even came close, as the statistics point out,” wrote Horner in response. “I wish you all the best for the future. PS, you need a haircut.”
Despite relentless reports detailing clashes with both Max Verstappen and his father, Jos, Horner has blamed his Red Bull exit on Helmut Marko and Red Bull GmbH managing director Oliver Mintzlaff.
Speaking during the same episode, Horner stated: “It was all rather sudden. I didn’t really get the chance to say a proper goodbye. I never imagined to be in this position. Of course, your immediate reaction when you’re delivered a s*** sandwich like that is to say, ‘F*** them’. I had something taken away from me which wasn’t my choice, which was very precious to me.”
Horner was also quick to deny any involvement from the Verstappens in his dismissal. “His father has never been my biggest fan. He’s been outspoken about me. But I don’t believe the Verstappens were responsible in any way. I think this was a decision made by Oliver Mintzlaff with Helmut Marko advising from the sideline.
“I think ultimately things changed within the business, within the group. The founder died, and after Dietrich [Mateschitz]’s death, I was probably deemed to have maybe too much control.”
Horner has yet to make his return to F1, but he has recently been linked to a consortium looking to purchase a stake in Alpine.
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