Undoubtedly, F1 is a very competitive sport; the level of competition is usually ferocious. However, when talking about Mercedes and Red Bull, they have a different segment in the book of rivalry set for them. In the 2021 season, the teams reached an epitome of rivalry between them, to where Wolff was seen smashing his headphone while Horner fought his battles with the media.

Admittedly, F1 is all about winning. It’s about being the best in the business. To win, one has to perform at their best as well as keep an eye on the primary competitor. In that spirit, Silver Arrows boss Toto Wolff and his counterpart Christian Horner don’t leave each other an inch when it comes to this.

At Mercedes, the work ethic is very strict, and rivalry in the sport is taken very seriously. According to reports, the employees at the Mercedes F1 team get a photo of their direct rivals in other teams.

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In a report published by Motorsports-Total.com, Toto Wolff stated on this, “For many years I have encouraged employees to seek out who is the immediate person doing the same work in the other team.”

“Picking this photo either in the calendar or on the desk… and every time there is a little lack of motivation, you look at the person.”

“With the people I work with, I see a photo popping out again and again. That’s good. It’s called Enemy Building, and it’s a strong psychological weapon.”, concluded the Mercedes team principal.

So, would that mean Toto Wolff walks into his office to a picture of his Red Bull nemesis? Highly probable. It is a wonder if Newey and Hanna Schmitz receive similar treatment at the Silver Arrows.

Mercedes – Red Bull and Toto Wolff – Christian Horner

Wolff and Horner have been the perfect men to lead their team into the battlefield. Over the years, the two have battled each other out as much as possible over every aspect of the sport.

Despite their intense 2021 rivalry being over last season, their enmity has boiled over to this year as well. Not being direct rivals, the two now find the regulations to bicker over. Porpoising has been a major issue for Mercedes, while Red Bull seems to have found a loophole in the rulebook.

What Wolff and Horner go through every season, it’s not possible for any normal human being to comply with that. David Richards, former owner of the BAR F1 team, stated on this, “If you’re in a normal job you just cannot imagine what’s going on in the pressure of a Formula One team.”

While the two have continued their attacks on each other via media interviews, things got heated at a recent FIA meeting. Reports suggest Wolff “lost his sh*t” at his rival, who claimed that the solution to the problem only favors one team.

Nonetheless, Wolff and Horner have been at the top of their game. Both immensely successful team principals leading their teams to championships. Undoubtedly, the root of their differences lies in one similarity- an intense drive for greatness.