Horner spoke to Wolff, who was tempting Verstappen

The mood at Red Bull seems to have calmed down compared to the beginning of the year, but the speculation about the possible departure of Max Verstappen is still not over. That this is so, the people involved also have a role to play. During the Chinese weekend, Verstappen himself, as well as Helmut Marko, spoke to several media on the subject, and their answers keep the loophole open. Both the competitor and his boss insist that there is no reason to change, because Red Bull’s is the winning car, but both also emphasize that Verstappen needs a calm and peaceful environment.

Whether this is possible is still questionable in light of the power struggles taking place at Red Bull. And as long as it stays that way, Mercedes, which is competing for the three-time world champion, will also hit the iron.

Wolff: It’s not just the car that matters…

Two weeks ago, Toto Wolff almost gave up on the possibility of Verstappen, but now he indicated that he still hasn’t given up on the Dutchman, and emphasized that the car’s competitiveness and success are not the only determining factors for him.

“There are so many factors involved in the arrival of a competitor. Clearly, from the most rational point of view, you can say that this is the fastest car in the hands of the fastest driver. But I don’t think that’s the only reason you’re staying where you are.”

“Let’s just say, for simple minds, that might be the only reason, and that’s it. But perhaps there is a greater depth than this, and there are those who take other factors into account. And I think Max is like that.”

He added that they are not trying to convince Verstappen. “How can we win him over? I wouldn’t think it would depend on persuasion. Max knows car racing better than anyone and will make the decision he feels is right. I think several aspects play a role. He is one of the people who set the dominoes in motion. Everyone is waiting to see what he will do.”

“If I were Max, I would stay at Red Bull for 2025. But I’m not Max. It’s the fastest car, but there are other factors” he explained.

Toto Wolff (Photo: XPB)

Horner: Why the hell would you leave for Mercedes?

While Christian Horner has so far not commented on Wolff’s open flirtations and insinuations, the team boss, who has somewhat receded into the background due to the scandal surrounding him, did not leave his rival’s words unspoken.

“I think carefully about what I say. Have you talked to Max about this? Only because when they talk to Max, it’s not about a piece of paper – we know he has a contract until the end of 2028 – but about how he feels about the team, what his relationship with the team is like, how he performs.”

“I don’t think that Toto’s problem is the competitors. Maybe you should focus on other things than those competitors who are not available…”

he said.

Horner was asked if he wouldn’t be happy if his competitor clearly ruled out the possibility of him leaving. “I don’t know how many more times you have to say it. He has already said it many times. I don’t want to get into that… Many times they do this to cause confusion” he responded.

In response to the comment that Verstappen has never once stated beyond a shadow of a doubt that he will not be leaving, Horner said:

“I can assure everyone that there is nothing ambiguous about where Max Verstappen will race next year.”

As for the car and the success factor, the Red Bull boss did not forget to note that Red Bull has already surpassed Mercedes, with their 117th victory, while the stars have 116 since 2010. “Today we overtook Mercedes in the number of wins in the modern era. We are in shape as a team. Why on earth would you want to leave this team? Mercedes is currently the third team behind its partners, so I think (Wolff)’s time would be better spent focusing on his team and not on the racing market.”

2026 election campaign speeches…

Wolff cited other factors. One such could be the new rules of 2026. Mercedes will enter this period as an established engine manufacturer, while Red Bull will be a newcomer on the engine front, and according to rumors, the uncertainty of their project could be a factor that could encourage Verstappen to switch.

The boss of Mercedes claims that they are in a great position for 2026.

“I don’t think anyone can sell anything to Max, Jos (Verstappen’s father) and Raymond (Vermeulen’s manager), together they know a lot about motorsport, so whatever I say doesn’t change anything. I think it’s more about what they feel is best for their future, and they take a lot of factors into consideration.”

“I think we are in a very good position for 2026. We have set ambitious goals for ourselves with the powertrain, the battery, the fuel, and I think if you pair that with a strong body, we have a valuable offering. But who knows…” – said Wolff, and then noted that their 2014 engine supremacy is no guarantee that history will repeat itself in 2026.

Horner, on the other hand, interrupted the question about 2026 and directed the word to Mercedes.

“Did we hear that George Russell is out of contract at the end of 2025? I mean, maybe he doesn’t want to stay that long for 2026… The market is in motion”

Horner poked at the stars.

“As for 2026, we don’t even have a regulation for the body yet. If I had to choose which team does the body work well, we have a very good pedigree. With the engines, we started the new project, we have exceptional people working for us, we have an incredible facility. It’s very bold, brave, really goofy, that’s for sure. Red Bull would not have won 117 races if it had not made brave decisions. We believe it will pay off” – sounded his campaign speech.