Toto Wolff has hit back at Christian Horner after the Red Bull team principal hinted at a potential move for Mercedes driver George Russell in 2026.
Horner, 50, suggested that it would be “foolish” for his team not to consider signing Russell, 26, once his contract with Mercedes expires at the end of the 2025 season.
Speaking at the Singapore Grand Prix, Horner noted that while Sergio Perez is signed through 2026, underwhelming performances have left his future uncertain. Red Bull, Horner stated, are open to drivers outside their usual recruitment system, and with Russell potentially on the market, it’s something they’d need to weigh up.
“We just want to take time to consider what those options look like for the future,” Horner told Sky Sports. “And we’re not afraid to go out of the pool (of Red Bull drivers). You know, George Russell is out of contract at the end of next year. It would be foolish not to take that into consideration.”
However, Wolff dismissed the speculation, accusing Horner of trying to create drama.
“Christian is always trying to stir the s— up,” the Mercedes team principal said. “I think he’s just always stirring the s— up.
“It’s part of the game. George is a Mercedes driver, has been forever, and hopefully will be forever. We have a long contract with him.”
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Russell is expected to take on a more prominent role at Mercedes once Lewis Hamilton departs for Ferrari at the end of the season. The 18-year-old Andrea Kimi Antonelli, meanwhile, is to replace Hamilton for next year.
Before Antonelli’s signing, speculation swirled that Wolff might try to entice Max Verstappen away from Red Bull. The three-time world champion is under contract with the team until 2028, but it is understood clauses within his contract would allow him to leave before that point should he wish to do so.
Wolff has previously expressed interest in the 26-year-old but, while saying he’s “open” to future discussions, he seemed to rule out any immediate chance of the Dutchman joining Mercedes anytime soon.
“I don’t flirt outside, I’ve always said it,” Wolff said at the Italian Grand Prix when presenting Antonelli as a Mercedes driver for next year. “I got maybe caught out by the Lewis situation, but I have not entertained any discussions with any drivers. We’re giving all from the team to make it a success, and this is why all of our focus in the team is on George and Kimi. And that’s where I also stand.
“There is no discussion, there is no second thoughts about what we’re doing in 2026, because now it’s about 2024 and 2025. And if flirting outside happens, then they will know it, these guys will know it before me, these guys will know it at the same time, when we have those discussions, I’ve always been open.”
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(Bryn Lennon – Formula 1/Formula 1 via Getty Images)
