Toto Wolff and Christian Horner have been fierce rivals in Method 1 and the Mercedes group principal was not afraid to name out the then-Crimson Bull boss for his feedback on George Russell
Toto Wolff as soon as accused Christian Horner of “stirring s*** up” after he expressed curiosity in signing George Russell from Mercedes. As Method 1 followers put together for the Singapore Grand Prix this Sunday afternoon, it brings to thoughts a verbal spat that occurred a yr in the past between two of the game’s then-leading figures.
In 2024, Wolff made a daring transfer by responding to the ex-Crimson Bull group principal’s declare that he wish to lure Russell away from his present group on the finish of the season. The Mercedes chief did not take kindly to Horner’s remarks and shortly voiced his personal opinion.
Wolff stated on the time: “He’s at all times stirring s*** up on his half. It is a part of the sport. George is a Mercedes driver, he has been eternally and hopefully will likely be eternally. He has an extended contract with the group.”
Wolff then not directly criticised Horner for attempting to provoke talks exterior his personal F1 group, including: “I do not flirt exterior. I’ve not entertained any discussions with any drivers when giving all of it from the group to make it successful.
“This is the reason all of our focus within the group is on George and Kimi, and that is what I additionally stated. There is no dialogue, there isn’t any second ideas about what we’re doing in 2026, as a result of now it is about 2024 and 2025.”
READ MORE: Alex Dunne near Crimson Bull deal as Helmut Marko offers verdict on Irish F1 hopeful
Since this fiery alternate, Horner has been dismissed by Crimson Bull amid an investigation into alleged inappropriate conduct and inside group tensions.
The British boss was succeeded by Laurent Mekies, with Max Verstappen sitting third within the Drivers’ Championship, while Crimson Bull occupied fourth place within the Constructors’ standings heading to Singapore.
In the meantime, Mercedes sit second solely to the red-hot McLaren outfit within the battle of the groups, with Russell trailing Verstappen by simply 43 factors within the charts.
The 27-year-old has but to place pen to paper on contemporary phrases with the Silver Arrows, making him essentially the most outstanding driver and not using a assured drive for 2026 – although Wolff insists this new settlement is solely “a formality.”
Talking about his potential take care of Mercedes, Russell stated: “I believe for any driver, while you get to a sure level in your profession, issues have be completed proper.
“Each time you renew a contract it is crucial one among of your life, and it needs to be completed with excellent care. There’s nothing to fret about. It can get completed.”
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