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Rosberg Hints at Personal Animosity Between Mercedes’ Toto Wolff & Red Bull’s Christian Horner

This season, the rivalry between Red Bull and Mercedes is more intense than ever before. After both teams had contrasting weekends in Monaco, Red Bull leapfrogged Mercedes in the constructor’s championship.

In addition, Max Verstappen took a four-point lead on Lewis Hamilton after winning in the Principality. They now lead both the driver’s and constructor’s championship for the first time since 2013. With the rivalry now at fever pitch, former world champion Nico Rosberg chipped in with a few comments. He gave his thoughts on the relationship between Toto Wolff and Christian Horner.

Nico Rosberg believes Toto Wolff does not like Christian Horner

The team principals of the championship contenders this season have a checkered past. Mercedes‘ team principal, Toto Wolff and Red Bull‘s team principal, Christian Horner, have found themselves at loggerheads on more than one occasion in recent times.

Nico Rosberg and Toto Wolff
SHANGHAI, CHINA – APRIL 10: Nico Rosberg of Germany and Mercedes GP speaks with Mercedes GP Executive Director Toto Wolff during practice for the Formula One Grand Prix of China at Shanghai International Circuit on April 10, 2015 in Shanghai, China. (Photo by Mark Thompson/Getty Images)

Rosberg believes comments made by Wolff didn’t rub off well with Horner. The German said, “I think Mercedes team boss Toto Wolff doesn’t like Christian Horner from Red Bull Racing. Because certain statements by Wolff are not very benevolent to Horner.” (Quotes translated from German by Google)

With a potential protest from Mercedes looming, Rosberg is curious to see how Baku plays out. “I’m incredibly curious to see what will happen in Baku. That’s really exciting,” said the German.

READ MORE: Toto Wolff: How Did a Candle Seller Go on to Run the Mercedes F1 Team?

Wolff: Always had respect for Horner as a person

Although this season is one of the most competitive in recent times, Toto Wolff highlights the respect he has for his British adversary. He mentions that the championship fight this season is just what the sport needed.

Mercedes F1 Team Principal Toto Wolff at the presser in Monaco
Formula One F1 – Monaco Grand Prix – Circuit de Monaco, Monte Carlo, Monaco – Mercedes Executive Director Toto Wolff in the FIA Press Conference FIA/Handout via REUTERS

The Austrian said, “We are now in a real world championship fight, which is exactly what the sport needed.

“Over the years, Red Bull Racing has been our strongest opponent. Of course, things are being taken seriously at all levels, including politically, so as not to reveal a single millimeter. But I’ve always had respect for Christian Horner as a person.”

While Verstappen and Hamilton will resume their on-track battle in Baku, Mercedes and Red Bull might move to an off-track battle as well. Should Mercedes protest the “flexi wing”, the implications it could have on this season are enormous. Could Baku be the major turning point in this intense fight for the title?

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