Christian Horner Accuses Mercedes of “Distraction Tactic” in Pursuit of Max Verstappen
Christian Horner, Red Bull’s Team Principal, has accused Mercedes of employing a “distraction tactic” in their public pursuit of Max Verstappen, aiming to destabilize the reigning Formula 1 champions. With Lewis Hamilton’s impending move to Ferrari, Mercedes is looking to fill the vacant seat alongside George Russell for the 2025 season, and Verstappen has been identified as their top target.
Mercedes CEO Ola Kallenius recently claimed that Verstappen would “look good in silver,” intensifying the speculation surrounding the Dutch driver’s future. However, Verstappen seemed to quash the rumors earlier this week, reaffirming his commitment to Red Bull for the 2025 season. Undeterred, Mercedes boss Toto Wolff continues to chase Verstappen, but Horner remains adamant that the Dutch driver will not be leaving Red Bull.
“Well, it only reaffirms everything that we already know. Max is an important part of our team. He enjoys being part of the team. He’s got a tremendous group around him. And we know what the future looks like.”
Horner suspects that Mercedes’ interest in Verstappen is not genuine, and instead, is a ploy to unsettle Red Bull as the battle at the top of the Formula 1 standings tightens. Horner also questioned the motives behind Mercedes’ pursuit, suggesting that it may be a diversion tactic to distract from their own issues.
“And the driver [Hamilton] that’s created all the movement in the market had all the information about the engines and 2026 regulations and so on and chose to leave and left the vacancy at Mercedes, which is why there has now been obviously a little bit of speculation as to who will fill that seat. But it won’t be Max Verstappen.”
In a lighthearted jab, Horner even joked that Verstappen’s father, Jos, could be available to Mercedes for the 2025 season, reigniting their public spat. When asked about Wolff’s persistent claims that Verstappen could exit Red Bull, Horner retorted, “I think it’s purely a tactic of distraction. Of course, if he does want a Verstappen for next year, then I guess Jos is potentially available!”
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