Toto Wolff accuses Horner of “stirring the s**t” regarding a potential transfer of George Russell
Christian Horner mentioned George Russell's name as a possibility for Red Bull in 2026. Toto Wolff doesn't see it that way, hoping to be able to count on the British driver for many more years at Mercedes.
Sergio Perez renewed his contract with Red Bull last June, which binds him to the Austrian firm until the end of 2026. But the Mexican does not seem untouchable and his leaders could be tempted to make changes. In difficulty for several months, Perez is no longer satisfying. If he still has the confidence of the Red Bull team at the moment, this confidence could erode without significant results in the coming months.
Used to having many young drivers in its ranks, the Red Bull academy, along with its sister team Racing Bulls, is reluctant to promote its young talents lately. The latest example: the return of Ricciardo (at 34 years old) to RB in 2023 after the dismissal of Nyck de Vries.
Liam Lawson should finish the 2024 season well in place of the Australian – <a href="/f1/actualite/34841-adieux-deguises-polemique-tour-rapide-limbroglio-ricciardo-dans-clan-red-bull.html" title="Disguised farewells, controversy over fast lap… The Ricciardo imbroglio in the Red Bull clan
"Ricciardo seemed to say his goodbyes to Formula 1 this weekend in Singapore. But the 22-year-old New Zealander, just like his teammate Yuki Tsunoda, is not currently in Red Bull's plans in the event of Sergio Perez's replacement. Same goes for young F2 talents like Ayumu Iwasa or the French Isak Hadjar."
Wolff sees far with Russell.
Christian Horner, the boss of Red Bull, therefore remains attentive to the situation of the other drivers on the grid. « We are not afraid to explore [unusual options] » acknowledged the Austrian speaking to Sky Sports. « George Russell’s contract is up at the end of next year. It would be foolish not to take that into account. »
A comment that may not have pleased Toto Wolff, his counterpart at Mercedes. The latter did not take long to react, considering that Horner was just stirring the s*** by mentioning the name of his driver as a future Red Bull option. “I think he is always stirring the s***, it’s part of the game,” posted Wolff. “George is a Mercedes driver, he always has been and I hope he always will be. We have a long contract with him.”
George Russell’s role will evolve next season with Lewis Hamilton’s departure to Ferrari. He will indeed have to support Andrea Kimi Antonelli for his debut with the Silver Arrows. The current contract of the British driver ends in 2025, but Toto Wolff had indicated during the presentation of the Italian that it was even more complex: “We have contracts with George and Kimi that last much longer, which are very complicated in terms of options.”
