Toto Wolff and Christian Horner left FIA president surprised at F1 Commission meeting

Russell excited to get started with Mercedes

We use your sign-up to provide content in ways you’ve consented to and to improve our understanding of you. This may include adverts from us and 3rd parties based on our understanding. You can unsubscribe at any time. More info

FIA president Mohammed Ben Sulayem has admitted he expected “more entertainment” from Toto Wolff and Christian Horner in their first meeting at the F1 Commission on Monday since the dramatic Abu Dhabi Grand Prix. The last time Wolff and Horner were in the same place was at the Yas Marina Circuit where Max Verstappen dramatically stole the World Championship away from Lewis Hamilton on the final lap.

Mercedes were left incensed by decisions made by Michael Masi, immediately lodging two appeals after the race.

Horner, meanwhile, was celebrating with Verstappen long into the night after the FIA rejected Mercedes’ appeals.

Before the season finale, Horner and Wolff shared a brief harmonious exchange to put their bitter feud to one side.

But the 2021 season overall saw both team principals take several barbs at each other in the media.

JUST IN: Hamilton and Verstappen warned about duo who’ll ‘fight for victories’

One such highlight saw Horner describe his rival as a “control freak” with Wolff retaliating by calling the Red Bull chief a “windbag who always wants to be on camera”.

Both admitted to having respect for one another, but there was a clear disdain for each other at nearly every race weekend.

The title battle between Verstappen and Hamilton only intensified those moments between Horner and Wolff.

Abu Dhabi proved to be the tipping point though with both Wolff and Hamilton absent from the FIA Gala prize-giving ceremony in December.

DON’T MISS

The race at Yas Marina Circuit is now under investigation from the FIA and that was a main topic of discussion at Monday’s F1 Commission.

Both Wolff and Horner were among those who attended the four-hour long meeting.

And Ben Sulayem has given an insight into the mood between Wolff and Horner in what was the first time the two rivals were together in the same room for several months.

“They were in line,” Ben Sulayem told Sky Sports. “I think it’s because of Valentine’s Day.

“They were close to each other and they were in a good mood, so that was good.

“I expected more entertainment but it was good to see the harmony between them.”

Ben Sulayem also gave an insight into what was “agreed” in the meeting and confirmed more details will be announced soon.

He added: “We agreed on certain things and the analysis is still going on.

“But it will come soon but it was a good discussion there. So we will see.”

Source: Read Full Article