Wolff reveals how Verstappen and Horner reacted to his congratulations

Toto Wolff does not always agree with Red Bull Racing chiefs Christian Horner and Helmut Marko, to say the least. Yet the Mercedes team boss managed to pull himself together after the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix by congratulating his rivals and withdrawing the proposed appeal against the FIA a few days later.

The events of the final laps of the race have been very divisive. Red Bull Racing advisor Helmut Marko therefore believes that the rules need to be simpler and clearer for everyone, a sentiment that has surfaced with regularity from various parties throughout the 2021 season.

"For once we are in complete agreement," Wolff responded in conversation with Bild to his rival's statements. "The rules must be watertight so that something like this doesn't happen again, and the right people must be held responsible." With that he seems to be referring to race director Michael Masi, with whom he does not want to speak at the moment.

Despite his vehement reaction to the denouement of the race, and with it the championship, the Mercedes team boss has congratulated both Verstappen and Horner via text message. Asked about the Dutchman's reaction, he reveals that: "Thank you very much. It was a tough battle, I'm looking forward to next year", was Verstappen's reply.

Red Bull team boss Christian Horner could also count on a congratulations. "It has to be done", stated Wolff. He also reveals the reaction of his rival: "He wrote that it was a good duel and that we must not forget that we are eight times constructors' champions", Wolff said.