Apart from high-speed wheel-to-wheel racing, Formula 1 also consists of off-track rivalries and politics. The 2021 season showcased this side of the pinnacle of motorsport in full display. While the entire world of F1 was focusing on the rivalry between Lewis Hamilton and Max Verstappen, there was separate rivalry brewing in the background.

A rivalry between the team bosses, Christian Horner and Toto Wolff. We saw many instances in 2021 where the two were at each other’s throats. However, the instances have been far and few since 2021. Although, the Red Bull boss jumped at the latest opportunity in Miami to start a war of words with his Mercedes foe.

Currently, Red Bull is facing a problem that Christian Horner believes “every team boss would like to have,” in the championship battle. While fighting for the common goal, both Red Bull men are also fighting for the same title. Wolff faced this “luxury” problem as well in 2016. So the Austrian decided to part some wisdom on his Red Bull counterpart during the Miami GP press conference, as quoted by F1 Maximaal.

“I know from my own experience that it is a very difficult task for Christian (Horner) and his team,” said Wolff. “Both drivers are obviously trying to get an advantage, while also wanting to be sure of equal treatment. You have to make sure that they respect the team’s interest, while at the same time recognizing that they are fighting for the world title among themselves.”

However, the old Red Bull foe jumped on this rare opportunity to start a war of words with a quick jibe. He said, “We actually do everything Toto (Wolff) says, only better.”

Read More: Christian Horner Kicks Lewis Hamilton to the Ground to Rub Salt in Toto Wolff’s Miserable Wounds

The hilarious comments showcase how there is a relentless desire for one-upmanship between the two. Sometimes, that turns into “cheap tricks” and dirty politics as well, which ever so slightly, hamper them as well.

The rivalry between Christian Horner and Toto Wolff is hampering their teams’ growth

Most rule changes or introductions go through a vote which includes the team bosses as well. There are times when the internal politics between two or maybe three teams hampers these votes. This is exactly the case between Wolff and Horner and even experts believe this quarrel might one day result in the sport or the teams losing out on a positive change.

The host of ESPN F1’s Unlapped podcast said, “When you look at the political landscape of Formula 1, you have the real big teams, you know, the Mercedes, Red Bull, and Ferrari. They are so competitive with other I think sometimes they really don’t trust each other. Even if one of them comes up with a good idea, the other one will say no just for the sake of it.”

These rivalries and internal politics also affect the drivers as well. The recent confrontation between George Russell and Max Verstappen is a prime example.

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However, do you think the bosses will keep their differences aside for the greater good of the sport in the future?