Christian Horner and Toto Wolff in conversation — Photo: © LAT Images

Red Bull - Mercedes

Wolff "has had it far too easy for the last seven years" - Horner

Horner is relishing finally giving Wolff some "aggravation"

Ian Parkes

Monday 31 May 2021 18:10

Red Bull team principal Christian Horner believes Mercedes counterpart Toto Wolff has "had it far too easy for the last seven years" in F1.

Following a significant Monaco Grand Prix weekend, Red Bull leads the constructors' championship for the first time since the end of its final title-winning year in 2013.

The season has so far been a nip-and-tuck battle between the two teams, with lead drivers Max Verstappen and Lewis Hamilton split by a single point in the Dutchman's favour.

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Horner is now enjoying giving Mercedes and Wolff the kind of championship fight that has long been missing from F1.

In an interview with myself for The New York Times, Horner said: "He [Wolff] has had it far too easy for the last seven years. It's about time he had something to do.

"You can't just turn up for the races and not expect some aggravation. It's good for him to have some competition, it's healthy for Formula 1. It adds another dimension."

Horner taking personal delight

Horner has had to wait eight long years to be in a position where his team is challenging for the championship again.

Asked as to what that meant to him from a personal perspective, rather than from a general team point of view, he was candid in his response.

"It's much more enjoyable going to races knowing you've got a chance," added Horner.

"We've worked hard as a team to get ourselves back into this position, and we've made some big decisions along the way in order to get there.

"This team has a racing spirit, a racing DNA. That's what it's all about so, of course, it's a much more enjoyable experience when you go to a track knowing you've got a chance rather than just being a participant."