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Topics: Formula 1, Christian Horner, Mercedes, Max Verstappen, Red Bull Racing
James Taylor
Topics: Formula 1, Christian Horner, Mercedes, Max Verstappen, Red Bull Racing
Toto Wolff joked that he will be 'really in the s***' if Christian Horner returns to F1 in one particular role.
Horner was sacked as Red Bull team principal earlier this month in a move that shocked the Formula 1 world.
With more than 20 years in charge of the team, he led Red Bull to six Constructors' Championships and eight Drivers' Championships, becoming one of the sport's most dominant teams.
But he has now been replaced by Laurent Mekies, who has been promoted from Red Bull's sister team Visa Cash App Racing Bulls.
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But there is speculation about Horner's next move, with links to Ferrari, Alpine and Cadillac.
Now Mercedes team principal Toto Wolff has weighed in.
Speaking to Sky Sports he said: "In a way yes. He was one of the main casts. I don't think he's gone forever, he could pop up in some other function.
"I need to be careful, he could rock up in the FIA then 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."
Despite his dramatic departure, Horner has reportedly been in talks about a return to F1.
He has been linked with Ferrari and Alpine but the latest rumours have connected the Englishman with a move to Cadillac, who will join the grid as the 11th team next year.
As reported by Formula Uno Analisi Tecnica, Cadillac have emerged as the 'likeliest' destination should the Brit look for a return to the sport.
It has been rumoured that 'the two parties are talking' but the team will have to 'rework their operation to find room for a dominant figure like Horner'.
But it remains to be seen whether Horner will return to the paddock so soon after his Red Bull exit.
Verstappen has been linked to Mercedes for more than a year, with Wolff a known admirer of the Dutchman.
Wolff said: "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."
If Mercedes make a move for Verstappen, it is expected that George Russell would be the one to make way.