Christian Horner says Mercedes and Toto Wolff are finding life in Formula 1 "easier" without the former Red Bull team principal. Horner and Wolff had a fierce rivalry over the last decade, culminating in the controversial 2021 season when Max Verstappen ended Mercedes' run of seven successive drivers' titles.
Red Bull then became constructors' champions in 2022 as Mercedes entered a difficult period, which led to more exchanges between Wolff and Horner before Horner was sacked in July 2025. Mercedes are now set to reclaim both the drivers' and constructors' titles this season, with Kimi Antonelli able to become Formula 1's youngest world champion as early as this weekend at the United States Grand Prix in Austin.
"Sport needs rivalry. Toto and I had some great jousting over the years," Horner told Sky Sports News ahead of the release of his book 'Drive'. "There was never any malice behind it. It was all sporting and he's got it a bit easier at the moment, so he's probably finding life a bit easier without me there." He added: "They've done a great job this year. They'll probably win the championship this weekend or the weekend after."
Horner has been linked to several teams over the last 12 months, including Ferrari, Aston Martin and Alpine, but is in no rush for a return to the sport. He described Ferrari as "the biggest brand in Formula 1" and "the dream", though he said he would only consider a return there without the ownership stake he has been prioritising. Addressing speculation that team principal Frederic Vasseur could be replaced, Horner said he felt "very sorry" for him over the scrutiny it created.
Source: Sky Sports Champions League · Summarized by HeadlinesBriefing