Mercedes team principal Toto Wolff has confessed he’s in “two minds” about Christian Horner’s potential return to the F1 paddock, warning his long-time rival has “broken a lot of glass” in the sport.

Horner, who was sacked as Red Bull team principal in July last year, has been seeking part-ownership in an F1 team alongside a group of investors; he has been connected to a 24 per cent minority stake in Alpine, shares previously owned by private investment firm Otro Capital.

Fox Sports, available on Kayo Sports, is the only place to watch every practice, qualifying session and race in the 2026 FIA Formula One World Championship™ LIVE in 4K. New to Kayo? Join now and get your first month for just $1 >

But earlier this month, it was revealed that Wolff was also eyeing the same stake to form a potential feeder team for Mercedes, reviving a bitter rivalry that dominated the sport for a decade.

However, in an interview with Press Association, Wolff denied claims it was ploy to block Horner from an F1 comeback.

“Us looking at that stake is in no connection with Christian,” Wolff said.

“The idea that there is a rivalry between Christian and me around who buys an Alpine stake is made up. It would be quite sad if that was a consideration of doing such an investment or not.

“We are looking at it from different angles, and we haven’t come to any conclusions. We want to know whether it makes sense.”

COULD OSCAR PIASTRI HAVE WON IN JAPAN? + MAX VERSTAPPEN’S QUIT THREAT EXPLAINED | PIT TALK

Meanwhile, Wolff sat on the fence when asked about the prospect of Horner returning to the F1 paddock.

“He (Horner) has broken quite a lot of glass, and these things have repercussions in our microcosm,” Wolff said.

“I am in two minds about it. The sport is missing personalities. And his personality was clearly very controversial and that is good for the sport.

“Would I consider that he could ever be an ally or someone that shares objectives? I don’t think so.

“But even when I had the biggest frustration, and anger with him, you need to remind yourself that even your worst enemy has a best friend so there must be some goodness.

“If there wasn’t that competitive rivalry over so many years, and if there was more water down the river, I am sure I could have had hung with him over dinner and a had a laugh.

“Over those years it was just too intense, too fierce, and things happened which even today I cannot comprehend why he has done them.

“I don’t know if he is finding his way back, and in which function. I certainly don’t wish him bad. And we need to give each other credit. There are not many team principals who have done what he has done.

“I see a situation that whatever happens, whatever outcomes there may be, whether he comes back to Formula 1 or not, I am at ease with it.”

Antonelli becomes youngest F1 leader | 01:25

‘NOW HOW IT SHOULD BE’: LANDO SLAMS YO-YO RACING

McLaren’s Lando Norris has joined Max Verstappen in launching a fresh attack on F1’s new power unit regulations.

The current F1 season has been plagued by criticism of the new regulations, headlined by hybrid engines that split between internal combustion and electrical power. The “boost” and “overtake” modes, which provide extra energy to help drivers pass rivals, has created a “yo-yo” style of racing where drivers are vulnerable to being overtaken while charging their batteries.

Four-time world champion Verstappen has been an outspoken critic, with Norris echoing his concerns after the Japanese Grand Prix, where he crossed fifth.

“Honestly some of the racing, I didn’t even want to overtake Lewis (Hamilton). It’s just that my battery deploys, I don’t want it to deploy, but I can’t control it,” Norris told Motorsport.com.

“So, I overtake him, and then I have no battery left, so he just flies past. This is not racing, this is yo-yoing. Even though he says it’s not, it is yo-yoing.”

He added: “When you’re just at the mercy of whatever the power unit delivers, the driver should be in control of it at least, and we’re not.

“That’s just not how it should be.”