Horner tabs clever Russell plan as driver ‘nonetheless – Sports News
Christian Horner suspects that George Russell’s remarks about Max Verstappen’s Mercedes discussions have been a calculated strategy to gain ‘leverage’ in contract talks. The Red Bull group boss additionally expressed his shock that the British driver was nonetheless ‘on the market’ for the 2026 season.
Both Russell and Mercedes teammate Kimi Antonelli are at present with out offers for 2026 and past, making them prime targets for rival outfits. This uncertainty stems from Verstappen, who has claimed the final 4 Drivers’ Championship crowns, doubtlessly strolling away from his Red Bull deal early as the group faces present challenges.
Verstappen’s negotiations had remained purely speculative till the Austrian Grand Prix weekend, when Russell revealed that discussions have been going down between the Dutchman’s representatives and Toto Wolff’s outfit.
According to Horner, this revelation could have been a strategic maneuver by the 27-year-old. “With any driver’s contract, there is an element of a performance mechanism,” the Red Bull chief acknowledged.
“And of course, that exists within Max’s contract. His absolute intention is that he will be there and driving for us in 2026. It’s inevitable that he’s of huge interest to any other team in the pitlane. Actually, probably George triggered all this speculation probably trying to leverage his own situation and force clarity.”
“You can understand [that] because he’s driven a very good season as well this year. Inevitably, there will always be speculation. I think the most important thing is the clarity that exists between Max and the team, and that’s very clear.”
If Verstappen have been to change to Mercedes, Russell is seen as the natural successor for Horner’s Red Bull squad. Yet, the 51-year-old insists no talks have been initiated with the four-time Grand Prix victor.
“It’s remarkable that George is still on the market,” Horner remarked. “We haven’t engaged in any discussion with George, so he’s obviously pretty confident that he’s going to get to retain where he is. But, look, we’ve got a strength and depth within our team.
“2026 is set to be a revolutionary yr. It’s probably the most important rule change in Formula One, most likely within the final 50 years, with each chassis and energy items being launched concurrently.
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“Nobody with hand or heart can know what the pecking order is going to be. It could be either one of these gentlemen sat either side of me (McLaren or Aston Martin), it could be Ferrari, it could be Mercedes, it could be anyone.
“So I feel there’s an terrible lot of subjectiveness to 2026, and it will solely be actually this time subsequent yr that you will have a clear indication of what that pecking order is. So there are no ensures that leaping into a Mercedes car would robotically be a higher proposition.”
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