Mercedes team boss Toto Wolff has paid tribute to long-time rival Christian Horner following the Briton’s sudden departure from Red Bull.
Horner, 51, had been at the helm of Red Bull for almost the entirety of its Formula One history, taking charge in 2005 and serving as team principal for two decades.
Under his stewardship, the Milton Keynes-based outfit claimed six constructors’ championships and eight drivers’ titles, establishing itself as one of the sport’s dominant forces.
Speaking after the announcement, Wolff described Horner as “one of the main casts” in Formula One and admitted he would be missed despite their often fierce rivalry.
Asked if he will miss the rivalry with Horner, Wolff said: “In a way yes [I will miss him]. He was one of the main casts. I don’t think he’s gone forever, he could pop up in some other function.
“He was someone that was controversial, polarising and not soft-washed. That was good from the entertainment factor and from that perspective he will be missed. His track record speaks for itself.”
Horner’s exit follows a turbulent period for Red Bull, marked by internal struggles in the wake of team owner Dietrich Mateschitz’s passing.
The instability ultimately culminated in one of the most significant leadership changes in modern F1 history.
