Christian Horner alleges poaching of 220 Mercedes staff in spat with Toto Wolff

Red Bull team principal Christian Horner has launched allegations of “poaching” by claiming his team employed 220 staff from rival Mercedes. The exchange of barbs between Horner and Mercedes team principal Toto Wolff highlights the growing tensions between the two Formula 1 powerhouses.

Red Bull, which has been dominant in the series, has faced recent turmoil over allegations of misconduct against Horner towards a female employee, of which he was acquitted. Additionally, the announced departure of renowned designer Adrian Newey in 2025 has added an extra layer of uncertainty to the team’s future.

Horner’s comments came in response to Wolff’s insinuations about the possible departure of Red Bull employees. Wolff has moved to lure Red Bull’s three-time world champion Max Verstappen to Mercedes following confirmation that Lewis Hamilton will join Ferrari.

In an interview after the Miami Grand Prix, Horner disputed suggestions that his team was shedding staff, pointing out that Red Bull had hired 220 people from Mercedes’ HPP (High Performance Powertrains) engine division.

The battle between the two teams is not only limited to the track, but also behind the scenes, where talent scouting and personnel recruitment play a crucial role in a team’s success.

Meanwhile, Red Bull is moving forward with its ambitious plans for the future. They are building their power unit for 2026 in preparation for a major change in engine regulations in Formula 1. The expansion of their Milton Keynes facility is a reflection of the team’s commitment to maintaining its position at the forefront of category.

However, Horner’s claims about the hiring of Mercedes staff shed light on the intensity of the rivalry between the two teams and raise questions about the impact these moves will have on the balance of power in Formula 1.

As the season progresses and disputes between the teams continue, it remains to be seen how these behind-the-scenes developments will affect the competitive landscape of Formula 1 and whether tensions between Red Bull and Mercedes will intensify further.