Abu Dhabi Grand Prix tensions heat up as Wolff and Horner exchange barbs
In the heated run-up to Sunday's Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, Mercedes team principal Toto Wolff didn't hold back, referring to his Red Bull counterpart Christian Horner as a "yapping little terrier". This fiery comment was in defense of George Russell, a Mercedes driver caught in an escalating dispute with Red Bull's Max Verstappen.
The drama unfolded during an unforgettable media day at the Yas Marina circuit, where George Russell informed selected reporters about a threatening remark from Verstappen. The reigning World Champion allegedly warned Russell he would "put me on my f---ing head in the wall". This was in response to a grid penalty Verstappen received last Sunday, a consequence he attributed to Russell's influence, which cost him a pole position.
Christian Horner, the Team Principal for Red Bull, publically criticized Russell in a post-Qatar race media session, accrediting the penalty to "hysterics from George, who has been quite hysterical this weekend."
Toto Wolff came forward to counter Horner's remarks in a show of solidarity with his young driver. In an unexpected move, Wolff attended Russell's media session, even opting to speak up with a microphone in hand to defend Russell against both Verstappen and Horner.
"It's just weak," Wolff expressed. "At the end, why does he feel entitled to comment about my driver?"
Wolff continued, emphasizing the importance of nuance and perspective in understanding situations rather than viewing them in absolutes. He criticized the lack of such understanding in Horner's approach, suggesting that team principals need to serve as thoughtful sparring partners who present all sides of a story.
The Mercedes team principal explained his unusual presence at Russell's media session as a necessity, given Horner's comments which he deemed as crossing a line. Wolff was particularly offended by Horner calling Russell "hysterical," calling into question Horner's respect and professionalism. "How dare you comment on the state of mind of my driver," Wolff stated, firmly standing in his driver's corner.
Read next ❯ Ferrari to reveal Hamilton's debut F1 car on February 19 at MaranelloIn an effort to clear any confusion, Mercedes later affirmed that Wolff's remarks were aimed squarely at Christian Horner, not at Max Verstappen.
As tensions flare between these two racing behemoths, all eyes will be on the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, not just for the on-track action but for the off-track drama that continues to unfold.
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