F1 star looking for new rival after shock firing

Toto Wolff and Christian Horner at F1 Testing — Photo: © IMAGO

Formula 1

F1 star looking for new rival after shock firing

Mercedes F1 boss Toto Wolff appears to miss his former rival

Originally written by Kerry Violet. This version is a translation.

Thursday 21 August 2025 04:00

Mercedes boss Toto Wolff has admitted that the sacking of former Red Bull chief Christian Horner has left a void in F1, for him specifically.

The two went back and forth over the last couple of decades as their teams vied for supremacy, until Horner was abruptly relieved of his position last month.

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In his 20th season at the helm of the energy drink giants' main F1 team, the 51-year-old was replaced with immediate effect by former Racing Bulls boss Laurent Mekies.

The Frenchman has an impressive wealth of experience and is more than capable of replacing Horner as Red Bull F1 team principal, but many have noted the stark contrast in their personalities and Mekies' lack of a fiery nature.

"What's more, it was really difficult at times, and that's in every history book and always will be. You know, he always said that I loved to hate him. So who should I hate now? It looks like I'll have to find someone else."

Toto Wolff's rivalry with Christian Horner has ended now the Red Bull boss has been sacked

F1 paddock reeling from Horner exit

McLaren CEO Zak Brown also noted the impact Horner's exit would have on his garage, but took a rather different approach to Wolff, claiming that F1 would be 'healthier' without Horner and the atmosphere he brought with him.

Horner's shock exit from the sport certainly shook up the paddock and has led many to question what's next for the ex-Red Bull boss.

Could he make a comeback in a role with one of his former rivals, will he sail off into the sunset never to return to the sport, or will he even head up the new Cadillac project and reunite with his former driver Sergio Perez? The F1 rumour mill has gone into full overdrive.

But what is for certain is that Horner's rivals, and the Netflix Drive to Survive cameras no doubt, will miss the competitive nature that Horner brought to the sport.

Rivalries are what drives the championship after all and with McLaren having practically run away with the 2025 constructors' title already, this season is certainly short of them.

NASCAR Red Bull Mercedes Christian Horner Toto Wolff Laurent Mekies