Christian Horner calls out Toto Wolff’s feeble “headphone smashing” team management

Toto Wolff infamously shattered a pair of headphones at the 2021 Saudi Arabian Grand Prix.

Christian Horner calls out Toto Wolff’s feeble “headphone smashing” team management

Toto Wolff (Image credit: F1i.com) and Christian Horner (Image credit: FIA)

The rivalry between Christian Horner and Toto Wolff stands as one of the fiercest in the modern era of Formula 1. However, much of the conflict unfolds off the track rather than through their Red Bull and Mercedes cars on the racing circuit. Toto Wolff has the uncanny ability to erupt with emotions at a high-stakes F1 race. However, Horner is not completely on board with Wolff’s behaviour.

Horner said on the Sky’s Secrets of Success documentary that in any sport, there is a psychological aspect to consider. He remarked that witnessing a team member smashing headphones reveals his pressure-induced state. He noted that if someone is feeling the pressure, it affects those around them. Horner made it clear that he would never resort to such behavior.

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“Any sport is a mind game but when you see a camp part losing it and smashing a set of headphones up you think ‘OK, you’re feeling the pressure’,” Horner said. “If he is feeling the pressure, then everybody else around him is feeling the pressure because pressure permeates from the top,” Horner continued.

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Also read: Helmut Marko takes a dig at Toto Wolff as the Mercedes boss regrets snubbing Max Verstappen for Esteban Ocon

Toto Wolff defends his authenticity amidst Christian Horner’s criticism

Mercedes team principal Toto Wolff (Image credit: F1)

Because Toto Wolff tends to get emotionally upset, cameras are always pointed at him. The Wolff-Horner rivalry throughout the 2021 Formula One season, kept many fans entertained throughout the year. However, instead of getting triggered by Horner’s remarks, Toto doesn’t think too much of it.

In the same show, Wolff stated that he doesn’t pay much attention to what Christian thinks. He mentioned that his intention was simply to be true to himself. Wolff described himself as a highly emotional person who openly displays his emotions. He acknowledged that his emotions have occasionally led him into difficulties, citing instances when his headphones broke.

“I don’t think too much about what he thinks,” was Wolff’s opening reply. “But I’m just trying to be authentic. I’m a very emotional guy and wear my heart on my sleeve,” he said. “My emotions have put me into trouble but it’s just who I am,” Wolff concluded.

Despite their past intense competition, this season has witnessed a lack of on-track battles between Red Bull and Mercedes. Red Bull has exhibited absolute dominance, winning all 8 races so far. While Mercedes has made improvements by abandoning their zero-pod design, they have proven to be no match for their former rivals.

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