Wolff acknowledges that the paddock feels 'strange' without Horner.

      "We often held differing opinions and viewpoints."

      Toto Wolff expresses that Formula 1 feels slightly lacking without his long-time competitor Christian Horner. The Mercedes team principal has not hesitated to voice his thoughts on the recently dismissed Red Bull leader, labeling him as an "asshole" and a "jerk" in recent times. However, he acknowledges that he has even traded friendly messages with his former rival since then. "He asked, 'What are you doing now? Do you miss hating me since I'm not around anymore?'" Wolff chuckled, as reported by Mundo Deportivo.

      "We generally did not share the same views. Thus, he has been an exceptional and formidable opponent throughout the years. Do I miss him? It feels quite odd to be here without Christian. I mean, what do you do in his absence? It’s somewhat strange."

      With Horner's abrupt departure, Wolff now interacts with Laurent Mekies further up the pitlane. "And then there’s Laurent Mekies' straightforwardness," he remarked with a smile. "Suddenly, there's room for discussions about the long term. We’re completely different individuals, but even your fiercest foe can become your best ally."

      As he reflects on the possibility of Horner's return to F1—potentially through a buyout of Alpine with Flavio Briatore and Bernie Ecclestone—Wolff likens the Briton to a cinematic villain. "What I mentioned was that every film requires its heroes, villains, and flawed characters," he clarified. "Now that the antagonist is gone, it’s just Fred Vasseur and me."

      "We’ve seen charismatic figures in the past, and I hope some of the new team principals can authentically step into these roles, because authenticity cannot be fabricated. Christian Horner was one such leading character. He was candid, contentious, and enjoyed embracing that persona. F1 needs a controversial figure—people require someone to direct their disdain toward."