When Toto Wolff responded to Christian Horner’s remarks in Singapore, he didn’t hold back.
When the Red Bull team principal mentioned George Russell’s name in a list of possible choices for his team in the 2025 driver market, Toto Wolff accused Christian Horner of “stirring s*** up.”
Russell is expected to leave Mercedes at the end of the next season, and since Wolff wants to bring Max Verstappen to Brackley, the 26-year-old is getting ready for a matchup with Kimi Antonelli, his new teammate, should Red Bull’s top driver decide to join the team.
Given the lackluster performance of Sergio Perez and the considerable interest Verstappen is attracting, Red Bull is probably going to add at least one new driver to their 2026 driver lineup.
In response to a question concerning his team’s lineup in Singapore, Horner mentioned an unexpected player.
He told Sky Sports F1 that “we’re not afraid to go out of the pool—we just want to take some time to think through what those options look like for the future.”
“George Russell’s contract expires at the end of the following year. Ignoring that would be foolish on our part. There exist additional skilled drivers who might also be unemployed.”
The Austrian CEO of Mercedes, Wolff, didn’t hold back when asked these questions. “Christian is constantly attempting to cause trouble. It’s included in the game.
George drives a Mercedes; that is who he has been and hopefully always will be. He and I are bound by a lengthy contract.”
Russell has done enough in his three seasons as Lewis Hamilton’s teammate to suggest that he can lead Mercedes forward when the seven-time world champion leaves for Ferrari next year, even though 2024 hasn’t been the best year for the two-time Grand Prix winner.
If Wolff is successful in enticing Verstappen to Brackley, the Britishman is also unafraid to take on the Dutchman. Earlier this year, Russell stated, “I’d be all for it.”
“You know, it was a big task for anybody to jump into a team where Lewis has been for such a long time, especially coming into Mercedes in 2022 off the back of his legendary years and victories.”
“I feel that having Lewis as my teammate for the past three years has helped me believe in myself. You need to go up against the best in the same machinery and show what you have. He’s been an incredible driver and teammate.
“I think it’s fair to say that we push each other every single week, so I’ll welcome Max because I want to compete with the best. Everyone is eager to demonstrate their abilities, so let’s make it happen.”
Leave a Reply