Horner on relationship with Wolf: "A friend? Wouldn't describe him as that"

F1 News

4 July 2021 at 13:31
Last update 4 July 2021 at 13:55
  • GPblog.com

The battle between Mercedes and Red Bull this year is spicier than ever. Not only on the track, where Lewis Hamilton and Max Verstappen battle for the title, but also outside of it. Mercedes tries to attack Red Bull, especially outside the field. Red Bull team boss Christian Horner notices this as well.

Does it affect the relationship between Horner and Toto Wolf? To Olaf Mol and ZiggoSport he says he sees him mainly as a colleague. "As a friend? I wouldn't describe him like that. I respect Toto Wolf and what he has done in Formula 1, but would I spend Christmas with him? No."

The Briton does have a lot of respect for the Austrian. "Toto is fantastic to work with and compete against. He has done a fantastic job at Mercedes, but we are in competition both off and on the field."

Changes at Mercedes after Lauda's passing?

At least that's what Horner suspects. It might also explain why Mercedes is so skin deep off the track this year. "Things have changed at Mercedes. Niki Lauda was an important part of their team. Unfortunately, he is no longer with us and I think that has changed some things at Mercedes." Still, Horner is also happy with the competition that exists now.

"It's fantastic competition, especially this year. It's good for the fans. Still, we are mainly concerned with ourselves and how we can get better." The battle between the two teams will continue in Austria this afternoon.