Mercedes Formula 1 boss Toto Wolff has contended that Christian Horner was attempting to “stir the shit up” with his claim that Red Bull might court George Russell.
Red Bull’s second driver conundrum has fallen under the spotlight again this season as Sergio Perez‘s issues have seen it squander a points advantage over McLaren.
The Mexican’s struggles prompted Red Bull’s management to discuss his place over the summer break, but Perez, who has a deal through 2026, was given a reprieve.
Daniel Ricciardo‘s results not being enough to warrant a desired return to the senior Red Bull team has prompted rumours that he’s conducted his final outing with RB.
Ricciardo is expected to relinquish his drive at RB to Red Bull reserve driver Liam Lawson, who thrived when he deputised during the Australian’s absence last season.
Horner has admitted Ricciardo was Red Bull’s insurance choice in case it opted to drop Perez, but he has hinted that Lawson will have the chance to assume that role.
Asked whether there was a contractual obligation to grant Lawson a drive in 2024, he told Sky Sports F1: “I’m not going to go into the ins and outs of driver contracts.
“There’s privacy between the company and individuals. Liam, the job he did for us last year in the VCARB car was very impressive.
“Now, we took experience over that because Daniel was our banker if Sergio [Perez] was to drop the ball. Daniel has had a reasonable season but it hasn’t been a stellar year.
“The question is how good is Liam and sometimes difficult decisions have to be made in order to get those answers.
“We’ll sit down with all of those options available to us during this next three-week gap.”
Red Bull willing to look outside its own stable
Horner addressed that Red Bull “does demand results” as he underlined that it has proven it is prepared to search outside its development programme to sign drivers.
He then proceeded to namedrop Russell, who is contracted to Mercedes until 2025, as a response to the rumours linking Max Verstappen with a move to the marque.
“We’re not afraid to go out of the pool,” Horner added. “George Russell is out of contract at the end of next year.
“It would be foolish to not take that into consideration. There are other talented drivers that could well be out of contract as well.”
Mercedes dismiss Red Bull interest in Russell
But Wolff, who has been vocal about his wish to bring Verstappen to Mercedes, is adamant that Russell will be remaining in his current seat and not going to Red Bull.
“Christian is always trying to stir the shit up,” Wolff told media including Motorsport Week.
“I think he’s just always stirring the shit up.
“His part. 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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