Broadcaster forced to apologise after Toto Wolff tips Christian Horner for wild new job
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Toto Wolff has continued to curse every time the name Christian Horner comes up - even after his arch-rival was sacked.
The Mercedes boss found himself in hot water for swearing live on TV when discussing Horner's next move following his Red Bull exit.
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Horner, who had been at the helm since the team joined F1 in 2005, was dramatically handed his marching orders earlier this month.
With Red Bull likely to end the season without a championship for the first time in five years, he was replaced by Laurent Mekies.
Before that run, Horner spent much of the previous decade playing second fiddle to Lewis Hamilton's Mercedes dominance under Wolff.
Two of the most successful team principals in F1 history, the pair have won every driver’s title on offer in the last 15 years of the sport.
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The rivalry on track escalated to the pit wall, playing out across various barbs in both the media and on Netflix.
As a result, Wolff cheekily suggested it could spell bad news for Mercedes if Horner lands a role with F1's governing body, the FIA.
"In a way, yes [I will miss him]," the Mercedes boss told Sky Sports F1 after free practice in Belgium.
"He was one of the main cast. I don't think he's gone forever; he could pop up in some other function.
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"I need to be careful. He could be rocking up in the FIA, and then you know I'm really in the s***.
"He was someone that was controversial, polarising, and not soft-washed. That was good from the entertainment factor, and from that perspective, he will be missed. His track record speaks for itself."
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At the end of Wolff's interview, F1 pit lane reporter Natalie Pinkham was forced to issue an apology for the Austrian's X-rated language.
The Mercedes CEO has now replaced Horner as the longest-serving team principal in the paddock following the latter's dismissal.
Horner was dogged by allegations of inappropriate misconduct towards a female employee at the start of 2024, which he denied and was cleared of by two internal investigations.
However, things continued to deteriorate when Verstappen’s father, former F1 driver Jos, publicly called for the Englishman's dismissal.
Horner's sudden sacking came amid heavy speculation linking Verstappen with a blockbuster switch from Red Bull to Mercedes.
Wolff, who publicly confirmed that he was in conversations with the Dutchman's camp, has played down the chances of the reigning four-time world champion joining the Silver Arrows in 2026.
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Timeline of Horner’s misconduct scandal
February 5, 2024: Red Bull respond to allegations and open internal investigation
February 21: Horner joins the team in Bahrain for pre-season testing with investigation still open
February 28: Red Bull clear Horner of ‘inappropriate behaviour’ saying ‘the grievance has been dismissed’
February 29: Rival team principals, including Toto Wolff, ask for more transparency from Red Bull
March 2: Horner and wife Geri celebrate completely dominant season opener, with Verstappen winning by over 22 seconds
March 3: Jos Verstappen says: "There is tension here while he remains in position. The team is in danger of being torn apart. It can't go on the way it is.”
March 3: Report from De Telegraaf claims Max Verstappen rejected request from FIA president Mohammed Ben Sulayem to publicly back Horner
March 7: Verstappen defends father Jos and refuses to rule out Red Bull departure
March 7: Red Bull suspend staff member at the centre of Horner scandal
May 1: F1’s greatest car designer Adrian Newey announces Red Bull departure
August 1: Integral sporting director Jonathan Wheatley announces departure to Sauber
May 12, 2025: Red Bull deny report Horner will be sacked
July 9: Horner sacked
That, in turn, sparked rumours that the billionaire had earlier used Verstappen's situation to apply pressure to Red Bull's hierarchy.
When that theory was put to him, Wolff replied: "No. There is much more in the background that we probably don't know with Red Bull.
"Looking after drivers, in my position as team principal of Mercedes, I need to explore what Max is going to do in the next few years, not only next year."
Red Bull are currently fourth in the constructors' standings, a position they haven't finished lower than since 2008.
But in total, Horner remains one of the most successful executives in the sport's 75-year history.
Under his guidance, the team have achieved eight drivers' titles and six constructors' titles along with 124 race wins.
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Verstappen, who is contracted until 2028, has already conceded hope of winning a fifth straight driver's title due to McLaren's dominance.
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According to ESPN, an escape clause can be triggered in his contract if he is fourth or lower in the championship at the end of the Hungarian Grand Prix this Sunday.
He is currently third in the standings – 18 points ahead of Mercedes’ George Russell, the man whose seat he would likely take if he joined.