Red Bull boss Christian Horner believes it is only a matter of time before his rivalry with Toto Wolff can continue.
Aside from the on-track F1 drivers, the off-track rivalry between Red Bull team boss Christian Horner and Mercedes’ Toto Wolff is almost equally entertaining and fierce, with the two clashing throughout the year. 2021 as their pilots fight. on the title.
Since then, the game has cooled over the two seasons, with only minor controversies here and there as Mercedes have been in turmoil while Red Bull have fought their way to back-to-back championships. construction in 2022 and ’23.
Christian Horner:
Toto Wolff will have a lot to say!
Appearing on the ESPN Unlapped podcast, Christian Horner was asked about the current state of his relationship with Wolff, with Red Bull edging closer to winning both titles this year with Max Verstappen likely potential to win a third consecutive championship in Qatar. “I haven’t seen him much lately,” Horner laughed.
“So of course there is competition and needles. But there’s also respect, and that’s important.
However, predicting further convergence of teams like Mercedes will return to them in 2024 as ground effect regulations continue to mature, Horner said Mercedes’ return to contention titles are just a matter of time.
“It’s a great team,” he said.
“They are a great team, they have achieved record [form] in many areas. We don’t underestimate them, they will definitely return at some point. I’m sure Toto will have a lot to say then!
Christian Horner:
I sleep much better than in 2021
Reflecting on how dramatically his life, and that of Red Bull, has changed since returning to the top of F1 in 2021, Horner said he has to pinch himself about where the team is. His was achieved less than two years later.
“We are only about 19 months away from 2021!” he say.
“It’s surprising how things changed because in 2121 we were the challenger, we were up against Goliath Mercedes and we were David.
“They have been under pressure for the previous seven years in this sport and so we are the challenger, we have nothing to lose, we have pulled out all the stops and we have come up and we were successful. In 2022, ’23, suddenly we make a great car and we start winning – series wins – and then at that point you become a target and everyone tries Arrest your employees or sponsors or try to cause problems elsewhere with whatever politics they can play.
“Yeah, it’s a lonely place when you’re at the top. But I think the way the team responded was amazing. The results we got in 2022 were crazy. The fact that we could even match or beat that in ’23 is crazy.
With 2021 a clear example of how fierce the title battle can be between two rivals, both between drivers and teams, Horner said the campaign against Mercedes has been mentally draining. exhausted and exhausted. “I’m sleeping better now than in 2021. I’d rather have 250 points in my pocket than two! » he replied when asked if he would rather be the hunter or the hunted.