Toto Wolff renews criticism of Christian Horner's 'sense of entitlement' after Red Bull exit
Mercedes boss Toto Wolff has criticized former Red Bull rival Christian Horner, claiming his "sense of entitlement" led to his ousting and that he would have reacted poorly if the controversial 2021 Abu Dhabi GP had gone against Max Verstappen.
Mercedes team principal Toto Wolff has reignited his long-standing rivalry with former Red Bull boss Christian Horner, claiming Horner's "sense of entitlement" ultimately led to his downfall. Wolff also suggested Horner would have reacted with "all kinds of insults" had the controversial 2021 Abu Dhabi Grand Prix outcome gone against his driver, Max Verstappen.
Why it matters:
The public airing of grievances between two of F1's most prominent and successful team bosses highlights the deep, personal nature of their rivalry, which peaked during the intense 2021 title fight. Wolff's comments offer a rare, pointed critique of a competitor's character and management style, framing Horner's Red Bull exit as a consequence of his own personality rather than just corporate politics.
The details:
- Wolff, in an interview with The Telegraph, conceded that Verstappen was the more deserving 2021 champion based on the season's overall balance, despite the controversial finale.
- He criticized Horner for never admitting the Abu Dhabi outcome was wrong, stating, "Christian was never able to admit the same – that if it was the other way round... it would have been catastrophic and he would have come up with all kinds of insults."
- Wolff identified a "total gap" in Horner's personality, citing a lack of introspection and compassion. He directly linked this to Horner's July 2025 dismissal: "It’s the sense of entitlement he has. And that bit him in the end, because he felt entitled to all the power and Red Bull didn’t want to give him that power."
- The rivalry stems from the 2021 season, where their drivers, Lewis Hamilton and Max Verstappen, battled for the title in a contest decided by a race director error during a late safety car period in Abu Dhabi.
The big picture:
Horner's departure from Red Bull after more than 20 years and six constructors' titles marked a seismic shift in the F1 landscape. Reports indicate he reached a substantial settlement with Red Bull and is expected to be free to return to the sport in a team ownership or executive role by the 2026 season, with teams like Aston Martin and Alpine rumored as potential destinations. Wolff's comments underscore how the personal dynamics between top team principals can be as fiercely competitive as the action on track, with grudges from pivotal moments lasting for years.
What's next:
All eyes are on Horner's next move. With a reported $100 million settlement and a non-compete clause expiring in time for the 2026 season, his expected return could significantly alter another team's trajectory. Whether he seeks a role mirroring Wolff's at Mercedes—combining shareholding with executive leadership—remains a key question for the driver market and technical regulations shake-up on the horizon.