CHRISTIAN HORNER has put his rivalry with Mercedes boss Toto Wolff to one side and praised him for opening up about his mental health battle.
The Red Bull team principal, who has had a long-standing feud with Wolff, hailed his Austrian counterpart’s decision to speak out about his recent struggles.
Horner (right) admires Wolff (left) for speaking about his mental health issues
It comes after Wolff said: “I think I’ve had more than 500 hours [of therapy], I have suffered mentally, I still do. Getting help is a way of overcoming my problems, and it has helped me to access untapped potential.
“I’ve never had any problem with the stigma. Some of the most successful people are very, very sensitive and very, very sensitive means very, very vulnerable.”
And Horner responded to the comments by praising Wolff.
The Brit told Sky Sports: “I think all credit to Toto for having the courage to talk out about his issues with mental health.
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“It is something that there is much more of a spotlight on these days, and I think that it is something in this business we are acutely aware of and something that we’re looking to be proactive on.
“I’m fortunate that I haven’t had issues personally, but I’ve had… friends that I know who have suffered as a result of mental health issues. So, of course, it is an important topic and I think it is very good to highlight it.
“I think to be able to talk out about it is a positive thing.
“As I say, all credit to Toto for having the confidence to talk out about his own personal issues.”
Meanwhile on the track, Horner and Red Bull looked set to leave the season opener in Bahrain with more points than Mercedes until a nightmare final few laps.
Reigning world champion Max Verstappen suffered engine problems and was forced to retire when he looked set for second place.
And his team-mate Sergio Perez was then also forced to retire with a similar issue on the final lap while defending third place from the fast-finishing Lewis Hamilton.
Ferrari made a statement by securing a one-two finish courtesy of Charles Leclerc and Carlos Sainz, while Hamilton rounded out the podium places.
