Toto Wolff ‘in two minds’ about Christian Horner F1 return with honest verdict

Mercedes boss Toto Wolff has given his honest verdict on Christian Horner’s potential return to Formula 1

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Toto Wolff has spoken about a potential return of Christian Horner to F1(Image: Sam Bloxham, LAT Imagesvia Getty Images)

Mercedes boss Toto Wolff has admitted he is in ‘two minds’ about the prospect of Christian Horner making a comeback to F1. Horner is seeking to return to the sport following his exit as Red Bull team principal in July.

He was linked with a switch to Aston Martin, but they have chosen to appoint Jonathan Wheatley instead. Horner has also been linked with the potential acquisition of a 24 percent stake in Alpine as part of an investor consortium.

However, it appears he will once again be competing against Wolff and Mercedes. The team are considering purchasing private investment firm Otoro Capital’s shareholding in Alpine.

Speaking to the Press Association, Wolff expressed reservations over Horner’s return to the sport and provided an update on the potential investment. He said: “He (Horner) has broken quite a lot of glass, and these things have repercussions in our microcosm. When you say things… but that is what he has done all his life, and that is what he knows best.

“Us looking at that stake is in no connection with Christian. And the idea that there is a rivalry between Christian and me around who buys an Alpine stake is made up. It would be quite sad if that was a consideration of doing such an investment or not.

“We are looking at it from different angles, and we haven’t come to any conclusions. We want to know whether it makes sense.”

Delving further into his reservations about Horner, Wolff has shared his candid thoughts on a potential return to the paddock. He added: “I am in two minds about it (Horner returning to F1).

“The sport is missing personalities. And his personality was clearly very controversial and that is good for the sport.

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Christian Horner left Red Bull in September last year(Image: PA)

“I said to (Ferrari team principal) Fred Vasseur that it needs ‘the good, the bad, and the ugly’. And it is now only the good and the ugly left. The bad is gone.

“Would I consider that he could ever be an ally or someone that shares objectives? I don’t think so.

“But even when I had the biggest frustration, and anger with him, you need to remind yourself that even your worst enemy has a best friend so there must be some goodness. If there wasn’t that competitive rivalry over so many years, and if there was more water down the river, I am sure I could have had hung with him over dinner and a had a laugh.

“Over those years it was just too intense, too fierce, and things happened which even today I cannot comprehend why he has done them. I don’t know if he is finding his way back, and in which function.

“I certainly don’t wish him bad. And we need to give each other credit. There are not many team principals who have done what he has done.

“I see a situation that whatever happens, whatever outcomes there may be, whether he comes back to Formula One or not, I am at ease with it.”