Horner takes NEW dig at Wolff in Hamilton Ferrari verdict.........

Horner takes NEW dig at Wolff in Hamilton Ferrari verdict………read more

Christian Horner, the team principal of Red Bull Racing, has once again taken a subtle jab at his Mercedes counterpart, Toto Wolff, in the latest round of their ongoing rivalry. This feud between the two has been a constant presence in Formula 1, especially since Mercedes’ rise to dominance in 2014. The tension between them intensified further during the dramatic 2021 season, when Max Verstappen and Lewis Hamilton fought fiercely for the World Championship.

However, recent events have added new layers to this rivalry. Hamilton, the seven-time world champion, made a surprising move away from Mercedes, opting to join Ferrari for the 2025 season. This decision marks a significant shift in the F1 landscape, with Hamilton leaving behind an underperforming Mercedes team in favor of the Scuderia. Mercedes’ decline, coupled with Red Bull’s continuing dominance, has made the sport’s competitive landscape more complex, with new teams like McLaren and Ferrari rising to challenge the established order.

Horner’s comments suggest that Mercedes’ loss could be Ferrari’s gain. He believes that Ferrari’s team principal, Fred Vasseur, who took over from Mattia Binotto at the start of the 2023 season, might be able to extract the best from Hamilton. While Hamilton’s form has dipped in recent years, Horner sees potential for a resurgence under Vasseur’s leadership. The French team principal, according to Horner, has a more direct and no-nonsense approach compared to Wolff, which may work better with a driver like Hamilton, who has faced challenges in the last few seasons.

Vasseur, Horner noted, comes from a racing background similar to his own. He describes Vasseur as “more of a racer,” someone who can handle the high-pressure environment of Ferrari without succumbing to the excesses of the sport. The Red Bull principal contrasted Vasseur’s straightforwardness with the more flamboyant style that has often been associated with Wolff. Horner’s comments imply that Vasseur’s approach could be more conducive to Hamilton’s success, especially as Ferrari aims to end its long wait for a title, with their last championship coming back in 2008.

Despite Hamilton’s move to Ferrari, Horner also acknowledged that Mercedes is not without hope. Wolff is still working on a plan to return his team to championship contention, and with the pairing of George Russell and 18-year-old prodigy Kimi Antonelli, Mercedes could be well-equipped to make a comeback. However, the future remains uncertain, with the 2025 season promising a more competitive F1 environment. The rise of Ferrari and McLaren as serious championship contenders has created a much more unpredictable atmosphere for the upcoming seasons.

Horner’s remarks highlight the shifting dynamics in Formula 1, where teams and drivers are constantly adapting to stay ahead of the competition. With Verstappen still dominating the sport, securing his fourth world championship in 2024, Red Bull faces the challenge of maintaining its supremacy, especially as other teams like Ferrari and McLaren close the gap. For now, it remains to be seen if Hamilton can find success with Ferrari, or if Wolff and Mercedes can bounce back from their current slump. Regardless, the stage is set for an exciting 2025 season with numerous factors contributing to what could be one of the most competitive periods in recent F1 history.