The Mercedes driver’s lineup looks more settled than Red Bull. Although the Milton Keynes-based outfit is far ahead in terms of performance, recent turbulence has derailed its momentum. Meanwhile, the Brackley-based outfit is having a mixed season. After a huge blow in Lewis Hamilton’s departure, the Silver Arrows have managed to somehow contain the chaos. The team decided to sign Italian prodigy Kimi Antonelli as Hamilton’s replacement.
While Toto Wolff is betting on the Russell-Antonelli partnership for the coming years, Horner has other plans. The astute Red Bull boss has his sight set on George Russell. Nonetheless, this curiosity spike erupted in a new episode in the Horner-Wolff verbal spat saga. Thus, the two F1 leaders are once again ready for a “statement” face-off.
Wolff Accuses Horner Of Always “Stirring The Pot”
So, a recent statement from Christian Horner has got all the Mercedes’s heads turned. The Briton was discussing the RBR’s future prospects and the abundance of talent in the stable. However, Horner claimed the team is ready to look beyond its talent pool. Further, the RBR chief hinted towards approaching George Russell, who will be out of contract in the upcoming season. This comment was equivalent to Wolff talking about Max Verstappen, thus infuriating the Mercedes chief. Wolff considers Russell a crucial Mercedes prospect, especially for the forthcoming regulatory revamp. Thus, the Austrian was unhappy with Horner’s comment and returned a verbal jab.
In a recent interview with Sky Sports, Wolff accused Horner of “stirring up the trouble.” Although the Austrian executive remained calm throughout the interaction, he jokingly expressed dissatisfaction with his RBR counterpart’s remark. Moreover, Wolff understands such statements are a part of the “mind games” in the intense F1 environment. Furthermore, the 52-year-old executive assured the Mercedes fans, confirming George Russell’s future is with the German Marque. Ultimately, despite Russell’s contract ending in the next season, Wolff affirmed he has a long-term deal with the squad. Thus, it proves Mercedes is in no mood to give away Russell.
However, the RBR talent pool is full of talented young racers. Helmut Marko has lauded drivers like Liam Lawson, Isack Hadjar, and Arvid Lindblad. Despite abundant talent, the Bulls are clueless about their second-seat options. Sergio Perez’s underwhelming run has put the management under scrutiny. Thus, the Austrian squad is actively looking for a replacement. But could the Bulls snatch Russell from Wolff? Only time will tell.
Red Bull Aims For Russell Amid Mercedes “Verstappen” Pursuit
Like Horner, who showed interest in Russell, Wolff admired Max Verstappen. Although Wolff affirmed George Russell as an integral part of the team, he kept the doors open for the Dutchman. With Kimi Antonelli joining the team and Wolff pursuing Verstappen, Russell will be in a state of uncertainty. Thus, the Mercedes chief will be tasked with picking one name if Verstappen decides to switch sides.