Wolff takes swipe at Horner in fresh assessment of ex-Red Bull boss

Speaking to The Telegraph, the Mercedes team principal said that Horner was overreaching for power, suggesting his desire for greater control ultimately contributed to his downfall at Red Bull.

“It’s the sense of entitlement he has, 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,” Wolff said.

Horner witnessed his two-decade-long spell at Red Bull come to an unceremonious end in July, with the team’s hierarchy announcing his sacking days after the British Grand Prix.

Despite Wolff’s criticism of the 52-year-old, he admitted Formula 1 needs a divisive, controversial personality like Horner’s.

“Formula One needs personalities that are controversial and polarising,” he says. “It’s almost like a movie. It needs the good, the bad and the ugly – do you know that film?” he said.

“I said to Fred [Vasseur], now that Christian is gone, there’s only the good and the ugly left. Fred didn’t appreciate that,” Wolff concluded.

Both motorsport chiefs shared the spotlight in F1 for several years, with the climax of their rivalry being the 2021 Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, where a decision from race director Michael Masi influenced the outcome of the Drivers’ Championship.

Earlier during the Belgian Grand Prix, Wolff aimed a playful dig at Horner in his assessment of their relationship following the dismissal of the Brit.

The 53-year-old described the former Red Bull team boss with expletives before highlighting the impact of Horner in F1.

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