Christian Horner, Red Bull’s team principal, has come to the defense of Max Verstappen amidst the escalating feud between the Dutch world champion and Mercedes driver George Russell. The tension between the two drivers, which has been building throughout the season, has taken center stage at the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix weekend.
Verstappen, already crowned the drivers’ champion, has found his achievements overshadowed by his dispute with Russell. The altercation escalated when Russell accused Verstappen of threatening him during a heated exchange. Russell alleged that Verstappen said he would “put [him] on [his] head in the wall,” a claim Verstappen denies. The feud’s origins trace back to the Qatar Grand Prix, where Verstappen accused Russell of attempting to manipulate the outcome of a stewards’ decision over an on-track incident, resulting in a grid penalty for Verstappen.
The fallout from these events has deepened the divide between the drivers. At the annual end-of-season drivers’ dinner, Russell rejected a seat offered by Verstappen, opting instead to sit next to his Mercedes teammate, Lewis Hamilton. This symbolic snub highlights the apparent irreparability of their relationship.
Horner defended Verstappen’s perspective on the Qatar stewards’ meeting and dismissed the feud as part of the sport’s usual end-of-season drama. He described the situation as “pantomime season,” suggesting it has been exaggerated as the season draws to a close. However, he did not directly address Russell’s accusation of a threat.
The FIA has been asked to investigate Russell’s claims, as the governing body evaluates whether Verstappen’s alleged remarks could be seen as bringing the sport into disrepute. The outcome of this investigation could have significant ramifications for Verstappen and his reputation.
The tension between Red Bull and Mercedes has also spilled over into the team principals’ rivalry. Toto Wolff, Mercedes’ principal, criticized Horner during a media session, referring to him as a “yapping little terrier.” Horner responded in kind, turning the insult into a backhanded compliment by praising the loyalty and tenacity of terriers. He also remarked that he would prefer to be a terrier rather than a wolf, in a sharp retort to Wolff’s comments.
Meanwhile, the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix serves as a grand finale for the season, with significant stakes still on the table. McLaren and Ferrari are locked in a battle for the constructors’ championship. McLaren, leading by 21 points, holds the advantage with Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri performing strongly in practice sessions. Ferrari faces an uphill battle, compounded by Charles Leclerc’s 10-place grid penalty for a new battery installation.
For McLaren, a constructors’ title would be a long-awaited triumph, marking the end of a drought that dates back to 1998. A victory would also symbolize a resurgence for the team, which struggled significantly during the mid-2010s. The simplest path to victory involves either Norris or Piastri winning the race or finishing ahead of both Ferraris.
This weekend also marks a poignant moment for Lewis Hamilton, who bids farewell to Mercedes after a historic partnership. Over 12 seasons, Hamilton and Mercedes have redefined the sport, claiming six drivers’ championships, eight constructors’ titles, and setting numerous records. Hamilton’s achievements with the team have solidified his place in Formula One history, surpassing records once thought unbreakable.
Hamilton will join Ferrari next season, adding a layer of emotion to his departure. While he may take satisfaction in McLaren’s success, given his roots with the team, he could also draw optimism from a Ferrari victory as he prepares to embark on the next chapter of his career. Regardless of the outcome, the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix stands as a celebration of both the end of an era and the culmination of a dramatic and eventful season.
