Journalist indicates possible reason for rivalry between Wolff and Horner

April 25, 2024 10:31

Toto Wolff and Christian Horner, bosses of Mercedes and Red Bull respectively, seem destined to never be friends. According to Formula 1 journalist and commentator David Croft, the rivalry between them goes beyond the tracks and may have roots in envy.

At the Chinese GP, tension returned to the surface. Croft commented in an interview with the Sky Sports podcast that Wolff is playing a purposeful game. The Mercedes director openly flirts with Red Bull driver Max Verstappen, which irritates Horner.

“Toto is doing everything expected of a rival. If your driver considers coming out publicly, of course you will hug him and tell him he is the most important guy on the planet,” said Croft. “But this pokes Horner and causes instability at Red Bull. It’s part of the game.”

Furthermore, according to Croft, Horner may be jealous of Wolff’s position. The Mercedes manager is a partner in the German team, which gives him autonomy in decision-making. Horner, despite being CEO and team leader at Red Bull Racing, is an employee of the company.

“Christian wants control and power, and Toto has that. I think a lot of animosity on Christian’s part might come from that. But Toto also knows how to irritate him”, concluded Croft.

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