Wolff says F1 will miss ‘one of the main cast’ in Horner

Mercedes team principal Toto Wolff believes Formula 1 will miss his former opposite number at Red Bull, Christian Horner, who he described as was “one of the main cast” of personalities in the sport.

Horner (pictured at left, above, with Wolff) was removed of his responsibilities as team principal and CEO just over two weeks ago, with this weekend’s Belgian Grand Prix the first race in Red Bull’s history when he hasn’t been in charge of the team. Wolff often clashed with Horner as Mercedes and Red Bull battled on track, but says his former rival’s character will be missed.

“In a way, yes [I will miss him], he was one of the main cast,” Wolff told Sky Sports. “First of all, I don't think he's gone forever. I think he's gonna pop up in some kind of other faction. I need to be careful. He could be rocking up in the FIA and then I'm really in the s**t. You never know!

“He was somebody that was controversial, that was polarizing ... that was good from the entertainment factor, and from that perspective he's clearly going to be missed. His track record speaks for himself.

“No [I’ve not contacted him], not yet. I didn’t find it appropriate for the time being, but I certainly will.”

Wolff also noted that his discussions with Max Verstappen over a potential move to Mercedes in the future did not play a role in Horner’s dismissal, as he pointed to longer-term interest even if the Dutchman stays with Red Bull for 2026.

“No. I think there is much more in the background that we probably don’t know with Red Bull the mothership and the whole constellation," he said. "Looking after drivers, in my position as team principal of Mercedes I need to find out, I need to explore what Max is going to do in the next few years – not only next year.

“I think drivers will always seek the quickest car. Much more than any monetary incentives, it’s about being in the quickest car and analyzing that. It’s what Max and all the others will always do.”