Mercedes team boss Toto Wolff does not believe that speculation about a potential move by Max Verstappen to Mercedes played a decisive role in the dismissal of Christian Horner. According to the Austrian, there is likely more going on behind the scenes at Red Bull than the public is aware of. Wolff also has an idea of what would make Verstappen, and indeed any driver, switch to the Silver Arrows.
Christian Horner was informed after the British Grand Prix that his home race at Silverstone would be his last Grand Prix as Red Bull team boss. The Brit was dismissed and replaced by Frenchman Laurent Mekies. The news came amidst circulating rumors of a potential move by Max Verstappen to Mercedes. Team boss Toto Wolff has made no secret in the past of his interest in working with the four-time world champion, although Mercedes’ current priority lies with drivers George Russell and Andrea Kimi Antonelli.
Losing Verstappen to the Silver Arrows would have been a huge blow for the struggling Red Bull. Of the current 172 World Championship points, the Austrian racing team owes 165 points to Verstappen. Does Wolff think that the speculation about a potential move played a role in the dismissal of rival Horner? “No,” is the clear answer from the Austrian to Sky Sports F1. “There is much more going on behind the scenes at Red Bull than we probably know.”
Fastest Car
Wolff is then also asked whether Horner’s departure from Red Bull will influence Mercedes’ attempts to bring in Verstappen. “I think drivers will always be looking for the fastest car, that weighs much heavier than financial incentives,” says the team boss. “It’s about the fastest car and analyzing it. That’s what Max and all the others will do.”
