Johnny Herbert has called Toto Wolff & Christian Horner's relationship a 'distraction

Former Formula 1 driver Johnny Herbert has said that Toto Wolff and Christian Horner’s niggly relationship is a distraction and has asked that things do not become about the teams in the sport on the back of their rivalry.

Mercedes and Red Bull were locked in a year-long duel in 2021 as Lewis Hamilton and Max Verstappen battled for the title and, at times, things got a little fraught, particularly between their team bosses.

Indeed, both Wolff and Horner exchanged barbs over the course of the season and Herbert feels as though it became a distraction from the main event, which was a titanic championship fight.

Speaking to Betway, the former Stewart, Jaguar and Benetton driver had this to say:

“From my side, it’s a distraction.

“The conversation now always seems to be about the teams, whereas actually it’s not about the team and never has been.

“I think that has become a little bit muddled recently. The teams were so entwined with that finale to last season, in terms of their complaints to the race director and the press, that it has become too much about them.”

Clearly, Herbert would like the rivalry between Wolff and Horner to change a bit so they are making the headlines a little less but whether or not that is going to happen remains to be seen.

The two men are massive characters in the sport and will both defend their respective teams to the hilt, so it’s always the case that they are going to clash and see things different.

Herbert is right, though, it did distract from the championship at times and though it added drama and intrigue, there were points where it seemed to go a little over the line and get a bit sour.

Rivalry is fine, we all want that in F1, but respect is important too and hopefully that can be