Wolff has an ambiguous attitude towards Horner's return.

      Toto Wolff acknowledged that the prospect of Christian Horner returning to Formula 1 does not particularly excite him, although it does not concern him much either.

      Horner led Red Bull Racing for two decades, and from 2011 to 2023, the team won the Constructors' Championship six times. One of the characteristics of the Brit, who turned 52 last autumn, was his tendency for political games and open debates with rivals, which he conducted in a rather sharp manner. Many remember that at press conferences he often sparred with Toto Wolff.

      In the middle of last season, Horner was removed from all positions, but it is possible that he may return to the paddock and is currently actively seeking ways to do so.

      When Wolff was asked how he feels about such a prospect, the Mercedes team principal made it clear that he does not have a definitive answer.

      "I have mixed feelings about it," Wolff told the Press Association. "On one hand, the sport lacks bright personalities. And Horner is quite a controversial figure, which is good for our sport. I once told Frederic Vasseur that Formula 1 needs 'good, bad, and ugly' people. And now there are only 'good and ugly' left because the 'bad' is no longer around.

      (Of course, this refers to the classic Sergio Leone western 'The Good, the Bad and the Ugly' starring Clint Eastwood, released in 1966).

      Would I consider a scenario where Horner could someday become my ally or someone with whom I share common goals? I don't think so. But even when he upset or angered me greatly, I had to remind myself that even your main enemy has a best friend, so some virtues must also be inherent in him.

      In the past, the rivalry between our teams was too sharp, too fierce, and sometimes things happened that I still can't wrap my head around. Why did he act that way then?

      I don't know if he is currently trying to find a way back, and if so, in what capacity. Of course, I wish him no harm, and it must be acknowledged that we are worth each other. There are not many team principals who have achieved what he has.

      I view this situation like this: no matter how this story develops, whatever it ends with, whether he returns to Formula 1 or not, it does not concern me."