Toto Wolff attributes Horner’s Red Bull exit to entitlement issues
Toto Wolff has attributed Christian Horner’s dismissal from Red Bull to an overinflated sense of self-importance that ultimately proved his undoing, reports BritPanorama.
The Mercedes team principal offered his assessment following Horner’s departure, which concluded two decades at the Milton Keynes outfit. Wolff highlighted Horner’s “sense of entitlement” as a significant factor leading to his exit, suggesting it hampered his decision-making process within the organization.
“It’s the sense of entitlement he has,” Wolff told The Telegraph. “And that bit him in the end, because he felt entitled to all the power, and Red Bull didn’t want to give him that power.”
The rivalry between Wolff and Horner intensified greatly during the fierce 2021 championship battle, a period characterized by heated exchanges as their respective drivers competed for the title.
Wolff admitted that the aftermath of the controversial 2021 Abu Dhabi Grand Prix still lingers for both himself and Lewis Hamilton. “I talked to Lewis about it yesterday,” he revealed. “I think about it every day and so does he.”
The dramatic climax of that season saw Max Verstappen overtake Hamilton in the final lap after a contentious safety car period, which Wolff described as a “bad call” by race director Michael Masi. He emphasized that both drivers were deserving champions but lamented the impact of the decision.
Frustration with Horner’s unwillingness to acknowledge the issues stemming from the Abu Dhabi race remains a point of contention. “Christian was never able to admit the same – that if it was the other way round and had happened to them that day, it would have been catastrophic, and he would have come up with all kinds of insults,” he stated.
Despite their history, Wolff recognized that Red Bull had its own grievances throughout the 2021 season. “I think that the ability to be introspective or be able to see the other side with some compassion is a total gap in his personality,” he noted.
Horner left Red Bull in July, reportedly with an £80 million severance package, amid a scandal earlier in the season. His dismissal did not come with a detailed explanation, and Laurent Mekies was appointed as his successor.
Horner is expected to return to the Formula One paddock in April of next year, weighing his future options following a contentious exit. Interestingly, Wolff expressed a sense of nostalgia regarding their longstanding rivalry, admitting, “In a way, I do miss it. Him and I, we’ve been fighting for 12 years.”
As the turbulent chapter of Horner’s tenure closes, it serves as a reminder of the high-stakes nature of Formula One and the personal dynamics that can unfold behind the scenes. The sport, often marked by fierce competition, continues to evolve with each surprising twist.
