Toto Wolff revealed ahead of the Dutch Grand Prix that Christian Horner sent him a light-hearted text, poking fun at their long-running rivalry now that Horner is no longer in the paddock as regularly as before. The former Red Bull boss’s chances of returning to the grid with Cadillac were shut down earlier in the week, and hopes of him joining Alpine have also been dashed.
Horner spent two decades at Red Bull Racing, guiding the team to 14 World Championship titles and becoming the sport’s most enduring team principal at the time of his departure. His exit effectively ends one of Formula One’s most storied rivalries, pitting Mercedes against Red Bull in a different era of the championship.
Ahead of the race in the Netherlands, Wolff shared the text exchange, recalling Horner’s message: “What are you doing now, because you love to hate me and I’m gone!” He added that while Horner’s track record is exceptionally strong and widely respected within Milton Keynes, their opinions and perspectives often diverged. “He’s been a wonderful enemy over the years,” Wolff noted, describing the relationship as a mix of rivalry and occasional camaraderie now that Horner isn’t around.
As for a return to the paddock, the path remains uncertain. The practical avenues that might have brought Horner back—Cadillac and Alpine—look unlikely in 2026. Dan Towriss, the head of TWG Motorsports which runs Cadillac, formally rejected the rumors of Horner returning, and Alpine chief Flavio Briatore also ruled out any immediate move, stating Horner isn’t in Formula One at the moment and isn’t on Alpine’s radar for the near future.
This latest chapter underscores how swiftly the landscape of Formula One can shift. With Horner’s absence, a key pillar of a perennial rivalry has shifted, potentially opening future competitive dynamics as new leadership and fresh faces reshape the paddock.
Additional context and value:
– The Cadillacs’ and Alpine’s current distance from a Horner-led return highlights how corporate and team-level changes continue to influence driver and personnel movements in the sport.
– Wolff’s comments illustrate how former rivals can acknowledge each other’s achievements while maintaining a competitive edge, a dynamic that often fuels ongoing drama and interest in F1.
– Looking ahead, the landscape remains wide open for new rivalries and strategic shifts among teams as they plan for the 2026 season and beyond.
Summary: Toto Wolff confirmed a playful exchange with Horner ahead of the Dutch Grand Prix, while Horner’s possible returns to F1 appear unlikely in the near term. Cadillac and Alpine have closed the door on a Horner-managed comeback for 2026, signaling a shift in the sport’s power dynamics and the opportunity for new chapters in Formula One rivalries.
Positive takeaway: The shift could spur renewed energy and fresh leadership across teams, potentially leading to more unpredictable and exciting competition on the grid.