'Lost Touch with Reality,' F1 Insider Exposes Christian Horner’s FOMO over Toto Wolff’s Fame

Christian Horner is no longer the Red Bull Racing team principal. After over two decades at the helm of Milton Keynes, he was sacked by the energy drinks giant. Ahead of his exit, there were rumors over a power struggle within the team. Now, F1 insider Peter Hardenacke has revealed Horner’s feelings over lack of public attention compared to his Mercedes counterpart Toto Wolff.

In recent years, Formula 1 personalities have become much more famous. Drive to Survive has made many team principals gain the spotlight, including Christian Horner. So much so, Hardenacke insisted that the Netflix show played a role in making Horner lose touch with the ground reality. As the 51-year-old likely felt that he had become a major figure even outside the F1 paddock.

I think that Drive to Survive also played a part in it, in the sense that he eventually lost touch with reality.

Peter Hardenacke said on Backstage Boxengasse podcast

Notably, Peter Hardenacke recalled an incident when Christian Horner lashed out on Red Bull’s home broadcaster, ServusTV. ServusTV had once created an episode on Mercedes boss Toto Wolff and his journey till Formula 1. When Horner saw this, he was left fuming. The 51-year-old was astonished to see that there had never been talks of such an episode based around him.

There was once an episode of ServusTV — the home broadcaster of Red Bull — about Toto Wolff, the team boss of Mercedes. Christian Horner apparently saw that, and he supposedly astoundingly called demanding why they had never featured him.

Peter Hardenacke explained

There were rumors that in recent years, Horner has tried to gain more influence within Milton Keynes. So much so, that many called Red Bull Racing, ‘Horner Racing.’ Though, Toto Wolff has a different position than what the 51-year-old had at Milton Keynes. Wolff is not only the team principal, but also a shareholder of the team, alongside the Mercedes parent company, and INEOS.

Success went to Christian Horner’s ‘head’

Christian Horner was the longest serving team principal on the grid, having led Red Bull for over 20 years. During this period, Milton Keynes established itself as a dominant force, winning eight drivers’ titles and six constructors’ championships. Horner certainly deserved the credit for this success, as he worked tirelessly behind the scenes.