Wolff and Brown state that F1 is 'missing' the removed Horner.

Wolff and Brown state that F1 is 'missing' the removed Horner.

      "It's beneficial for Formula 1 to have divisive figures"

      Two of Christian Horner’s former rivals in the paddock—Toto Wolff and Zak Brown—have both expressed that Formula 1 feels altered in the absence of the former Red Bull chief. Mercedes head Wolff, in an interview with Sport Bild, appeared almost heartfelt about Horner’s departure.

      "He’s certainly absent," Wolff remarked. "The presence of polarizing figures is crucial for Formula 1. This sport requires personalities. It needs a villain. Christian excelled in that area because he embraced the role."

      Wolff noted that Horner’s knack for media engagement also contributed to the drama within the paddock. "He understood how to leverage the cameras to his benefit. That’s somewhat missing now due to the lack of conflicts."

      There are reports suggesting that Wolff is among the few team principals Horner has not reached out to regarding a potential return in 2026. It is believed that Horner is only interested in coming back if he can acquire a stake in a team with part of his reportedly substantial payout from Red Bull.

      "That’s a decision he needs to make for himself," Wolff commented. "I’m not sure if he feels the need to settle any scores and prove himself to others. He has certainly demonstrated that he knows how to achieve victories and titles. His success is undeniable."

      McLaren CEO Zak Brown, once one of Horner’s toughest critics, also stated to Bloomberg that the paddock feels more subdued without him.

      "I think he’s had an exceptional career in Formula 1. His record includes many drivers' and world championships," Brown stated. "While we may not share many cups of tea in England, as the saying goes, the sport requires a variety of characters. That diversity is what makes it thrilling and genuine."

Wolff and Brown state that F1 is 'missing' the removed Horner.

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Wolff and Brown state that F1 is 'missing' the removed Horner.

Formula 1 | Both of Christian Horner's former adversaries in the paddock, Toto Wolff and Zak Brown, have acknowledged that Formula 1 has a different atmosphere without the removed (…)