The relationship between Mercedes and Red Bull in Formula 1 has significantly improved since Christian Horner’s departure. Toto Wolff, head of the German team, states that the atmosphere with Laurent Mekies, current Red Bull director, is more direct and professional after years of confrontations with the Briton.
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During an interview at the Dutch GP, Wolff praised Mekies’ stance: “They are a challenging brand. I think they still want to see themselves that way. I have a very proper relationship with Laurent Mekies, who is a straightforward guy, no fuss, no lies, and that’s good from the point of view of cooperation in politics and trying to get the regulations right for the benefit of the sport.”
The Austrian also highlighted that both adopt objective communication. “Laurent is not one to be fooled, and neither am I. Therefore, we have a very clear way of working with each other. And ultimately, he is my peer group, or he is the person who does what I do in this team. And that is certainly a more proper relationship between team principals than it was before. As for the rest, shareholders come and go, so that’s not something that affects me closely.”
Wolff’s stance contrasts with the relationship he maintained with Horner. The two were involved in several public confrontations, especially during the 2021 title fight between Max Verstappen and Lewis Hamilton. After Verstappen’s accident at Silverstone, Horner criticized Hamilton, while Wolff considered some of the Briton’s accusations excessive. Subsequently, Horner told Wolff to shut up, and the Mercedes boss responded by calling him a “pussycat”.
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Wolff later admitted regret for the statements, acknowledging that the rivalry had become too personal.
The clashes continued in 2022, during discussions about porpoising and the budget cap. Even when Mercedes stopped directly threatening Red Bull on track, the provocations remained. In early 2023, Wolff called Horner “obsessed” with him, while Horner claimed it was particularly easy to provoke his rival.
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