Mercedes team principal Toto Wolff believes that Formula One has lost something since the departure of former Red Bull boss Christian Horner. "He's definitely missed," Wolff told the Sports Bild weekly in an interview published on Wednesday.
Mercedes team principal Toto Wolff believes that Formula One has lost something since the departure of former Red Bull boss Christian Horner.
"He's definitely missed," Wolff told the Sports Bild weekly in an interview published on Wednesday.
"It's good for Formula 1 to have polarizing protagonists. We need personalities in this sport. It needs a villain. Christian was always good at that because he felt comfortable in that role," he said.
Wolff added that Horner was good in front of the cameras and knew "how to use them to his advantage. That's missing a little bit because there's no friction at the moment."
Horner was dismissed by Red Bull in July after 20 years with the team. Earlier this month, his contract was officially terminated after he agreed to a £80 million ($107.24 million) settlement.
He oversaw a period of great success at Red Bull, winning eight drivers’ and six constructors’ titles.
But the last 18 months of his reign as team principal and CEO were overshadowed by allegations of "inappropriate behaviour" from a female colleague. He has always denied the claims and was exonerated twice.
Horner has been plotting his return to F1 and has been in contact with "pretty much every team owner," according to Aston Martin chief Andy Cowell.
Wolff, who often had heated arguments with Horner, was cautious when asked whether he would advise his former rival to return.
"That's something he has to decide for himself. I don't know if he feels he has unfinished business and wants to prove himself to everyone.
"In any case, he has shown that he knows how to win races and titles. You can't deny his success," Wolff said.
Category: General Sports
