Wolff not surprised by message from former rival Horner after F1 title win
Photo: Race Pictures
Kieran is a freelance Formula 1 journalist for GPblog, covering breaking news, live race blogs and feature content across the F1 calendar. An NQJ-qualified journalist with more than a decade of experience, he has previously written for publications including MailOnline, the Manchester Evening News and the Eastern Daily Press.
Toto Wolff has revealed what Christian Horner told him in a private message after Mercedes completed their championship double.
Mercedes secured both Formula 1 titles this season, with Kimi Antonelli clinching his maiden drivers’ crown with third place at the Mexican Grand Prix. The team then wrapped up its ninth constructors’ championship in Brazil, adding another milestone to Antonelli’s breakthrough campaign.
Among those to congratulate Wolff was former Red Bull team principal Horner, whose fierce rivalry with the Austrian produced some of the paddock’s most memorable exchanges.
Asked in an interview with German publication BILD whether Horner had been in touch, Wolff replied: “Yes, but that didn’t surprise me. Christian and I have a respectful relationship. That was the case back then too.”
Horner praises Wolff’s faith in Antonelli
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Wolff also revealed how Horner praised him for placing faith in Antonelli, praising the Italian's performances this season.
When asked for what Horner said to him in his message, Wolff responded: “Congratulations. Kimi [Antonelli] was incredible this year, and respect to you for backing him at such a young age.”
Wolff and Horner frequently clashed before the latter lost his job at Red Bull Racing last season. Their rivalry reached its peak during the 2021 season, when Max Verstappen and Lewis Hamilton battled for the drivers' championship in a contest that went down to the final lap in Abu Dhabi.
However, despite their numerous public clashes, Wolff's comments suggest that some respect remained beneath the intense public rivalry.
Horner appeared in the paddock during the British Grand Prix weekend, where he broke silence on his future in F1, saying: "I've enjoyed my time out. I did 20 years straight with Red Bull guys. I was obviously doing other stuff before that, so it's the first time I've ever had a bit of time to get off the hamster wheel. But for me, I'd only look at doing the right thing, something that really had an opportunity to win at the end of the day."
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