Wolff skeptical about Horner's chances of an F1 return: 'He has broken quite a lot of glass'

Toto Wolff says he doubts whether Christian Horner can return to Formula 1 as “he has broken quite a lot of glass”, but denies there being any rivalry between the pair in their bid for a stake in Alpine.

In January, Alpine confirmed the former Red Bull team principal (main image) was part of a consortium that was interested in buying the 24% stake in the team that is up for sale from private investment firm Otro Capital. Wolff and Mercedes are also looking at purchasing the shares, and the Austrian believes there could be barriers to a return for Horner.

“He has broken quite a lot of glass, and these things have repercussions in our microcosm,” Wolff told the Press Association. “When you say things ... but that is what he has done all his life, and that is what he knows best.

“Us looking at that stake is in no connection with Christian. And the idea that there is a rivalry between Christian and me around who buys an Alpine stake is made up. It would be quite sad if that was a consideration of doing such an investment or not.

“We are looking at it from different angles, and we haven't come to any conclusions. We want to know whether it makes sense.”

Wolff admits he is unsure about whether he would like to see Horner back in the sport as he still struggles with aspects of their previous rivalry, but sees the value of such a character being within the paddock.

“I am in two minds about it [Horner returning to F1],” he said. “The sport is missing personalities. And his personality was clearly very controversial and that is good for the sport. I said to Fred Vasseur that it needs 'the good, the bad, and the ugly.' And it is now only the good and the ugly left. The bad is gone.

“Would I consider that he could ever be an ally, or someone that shares objectives? I don't think so. But even when I had the biggest frustration, and anger with him, you need to remind yourself that even your worst enemy has a best friend so there must be some goodness.

“If there wasn't that competitive rivalry over so many years, and if there was more water down the river, I am sure I could have had hung with him over dinner and a had a laugh.

“Over those years it was just too intense, too fierce, and things happened which even today I cannot comprehend why he has done them.

“I don't know if he is finding his way back, and in which function. I certainly don't wish him bad. And we need to give each other credit. There are not many team principals who have done what he has done.

“I see a situation that whatever happens, whatever outcomes there may be, whether he comes back to Formula 1 or not, I am at ease with it.”