BREAKING NEWS: Toto Wolff hits back at Christian Horner with brutal response after George Russell…read more.
Toto Wolff hits back at Christian Horner with brutal response after George Russell…read more.
Toto Wolff has fired back at Christian Horner, accusing the Red Bull team principal of “stirring the pot” after Horner mentioned George Russell as a potential option for Red Bull’s 2025 driver lineup. The remark came during discussions about Red Bull’s future drivers, with Horner suggesting that Russell, who is reportedly out of contract with Mercedes at the end of the 2024 season, could be on their radar.
Rumors surrounding the driver market have intensified as both Red Bull and Mercedes navigate uncertainties in their lineups. Red Bull’s dominant driver, Max Verstappen, has been linked to several teams, and although Red Bull is keen to keep him, his status in the paddock has generated interest across the grid. Meanwhile, Verstappen’s teammate Sergio Perez has struggled to maintain his form, leading to speculation about his future with the team. With Perez’s contract up in 2024 and the team looking to the future, Horner hinted that they might consider options outside their usual driver pool.
When asked about potential candidates for Red Bull’s 2026 lineup, Horner pointed to Russell as one of the names to watch. “We’re looking at all options and we’re not afraid to think outside the box,” Horner told Sky Sports F1 during an interview in Singapore. “George Russell’s contract with Mercedes is up at the end of next year. It would be silly not to consider him. There are other talented drivers who may also become available.”
Horner’s comments quickly stirred the pot, prompting a sharp response from Mercedes boss Toto Wolff. Wolff, who has overseen Russell’s rise at Mercedes since the young Briton joined the team in 2022, dismissed Horner’s remarks as typical gamesmanship. “Christian is always trying to stir s*** up,” Wolff said bluntly when asked about Horner’s statements. “It’s part of the game, but we’re focused on our drivers and our future.”
Wolff’s retort underscores the fierce rivalry between Mercedes and Red Bull, which has only grown more intense in recent seasons. The two teams have battled for supremacy both on and off the track, with frequent verbal exchanges between Wolff and Horner. Russell’s potential departure from Mercedes adds another layer of intrigue to their competition, as both teams eye strategic moves in the driver market.
George Russell, currently partnered with seven-time world champion Lewis Hamilton at Mercedes, has been seen as a future leader of the Silver Arrows. However, with Verstappen’s dominance at Red Bull and the possibility of a seat opening up if Perez’s struggles continue, it’s no surprise that Red Bull might be interested in poaching the young Briton. Despite Horner’s comments, it remains unclear if Russell would even entertain a move to Red Bull, given his current position at Mercedes and the team’s plans for him.
Wolff has made it clear in recent months that Mercedes is committed to Russell for the long term, but the team has also been linked to ambitious moves, including a potential pursuit of Verstappen. If Verstappen were to leave Red Bull in the future, it would trigger a seismic shift in the F1 landscape, leaving teams scrambling to adjust their lineups. Such a move could create a ripple effect, with drivers like Russell facing significant decisions about their futures.
For now, Russell remains focused on his performance at Mercedes, but the speculation about his future has undoubtedly added pressure. The 26-year-old has shown great promise since stepping up to a full-time Mercedes seat, and his stock is high within the paddock. Whether he stays at Mercedes or explores other opportunities, the 2025 driver market is shaping up to be one of the most exciting in years.
As for the ongoing rivalry between Wolff and Horner, the exchange over Russell is just the latest chapter in their long-running feud. Both team principals are known for their sharp words and competitive nature, and as the battle between Mercedes and Red Bull continues to evolve, so too will their off-track skirmishes.
With Russell’s contract situation in the spotlight, the F1 driver market remains in flux, and the next season could see significant changes in lineups. While it’s too early to predict where everyone will land, one thing is certain – the rivalry between Red Bull and Mercedes will continue to fuel the drama both on and off the track.
About The Author
