MERCEDES chief Toto Wolff has claimed it will be difficult for ex-Red Bull team principal Christian Horner to make a Formula One return.
The 54-year-old says his former rival has “broken quite a lot of glass” in the sport.
Horner was dismissed by Red Bull after 20 years in his role last July amid a drop in form on track and a number of internal disputes behind the scenes.
The Brit had been under intense scrutiny following allegations of “inappropriate behaviour” in 2024 – despite being cleared twice following two investigations.
But Wolff believes he already has too much negative history in the sport.
The Mercedes principal told the Press Association: “He has broken quite a lot of glass, and these things have repercussions in our microcosm.”
Wolff and Horner developed a fierce rivalry during their time competing against each other.
It escalated in 2021 after Red Bull driver Max Verstappen won his first world title against Mercedes legend Lewis Hamilton in a controversial season finale.
Wolff went on to admit that he is conflicted about the prospect of his old rival making a comeback, suggesting the sport needs “the bad” as well as the good.
He continued: “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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“I said to Fred Vasseur (Ferrari team principal) 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.”
On the rivalry, he concluded: “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.”
In January, it was announced that Horner was among “multiple parties” to consider investing in F1 team Alpine.
Wolff and Mercedes are also looking to invest by purchasing the 24 per cent shares of private investment firm Otro Capital.
However, he insisted there is “no connection” with Horner.
