Max Verstappen: Christian Horner tells Mercedes’ Toto Wolff he could sign Jos Verstappen for 2025 instead
Red Bull boss Christian Horner accuses Mercedes of “distraction tactics” over their interest in Max Verstappen; Verstappen said on Thursday he was staying at Red Bull for 2025; watch the Austrian GP Sprint race start at 11am on Saturday on Sky Sports F1
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With Toto Wolff touting a move for Max Verstappen, Red Bull boss Christian Horner joked that the Mercedes boss could move for ex-driver Jos Verstappen instead.
Red Bull boss Christian Horner has mischievously suggested that Toto Wolff could instead try to sign Jos Verstappen after accusing Mercedes of “distraction tactics” over their pursuit of Max.
A day after Max Verstappen confirmed after being pressed by the media ahead of the Austrian GP that he would be staying at Red Bull for 2025, where he has a contract for another four seasons, Horner was asked in his appearance in Friday’s FIA press conference why he thought Wolff has continued to speak about his interest in F1’s world champion.
“That’s a question you would have to ask Toto,” replied Horner.
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“Max was pretty resolute in what he said in this conference [on Thursday].
“He’s always been absolutely consistent with that with the team. I think it’s purely a tactic of distraction.
“If he does want a Verstappen for next year then I guess Jos is potentially available.”
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Max Verstappen dismissed rumours he’d leave Red Bull anytime soon saying he’s focused on next year.
With Lewis Hamilton leaving Mercedes at the end of this season for Ferrari, Wolff’s team have a seat open for 2025 next to George Russell.
Wolff said in April that Max Verstappen was his top target, although also stressed that Mercedes first needed to focus on improving their own car amid a disappointing start to their season.
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Martin Brundle and Naomi Schiff discuss Max Verstappen’s next moves in Formula One.
The Mercedes team principal said after last Sunday’s Spanish GP that there were no talks ongoing with the world champion “because I think we need to look at ourselves and on improving the car”. Italian rising star Andrea Kimi Antonelli, who is already the team’s junior driver, has been considered the front-runner to replace Hamilton should Mercedes not succeed in luring Verstappen.
Image: Horner and Verstappen in discussion on Friday at the Red Bull Ring
Asked what he made of Max Verstappen’s remarks on Thursday publicly committing his future to the team for 2025, Horner said: “It only reaffirms everything we already know.
“Max is an important part of our team; he’s had all of his victories and podiums in Red Bull Racing cars and three world championships so far. He’s a crucial member of the team, he enjoys being part of the team, he’s got a tremendous group around him, and we know what the future looks like.
Image: Christian Horner and Jos Verstappen in conversation at the season-opening Bahrain GP back in March
“Obviously a lot of noise has been made about him going elsewhere and sometimes one just thinks that’s a distraction tactic that’s thrown in because you have to question what are the motives behind that? The driver that has created all the movement in the market [Hamilton] had all the information about the engines and 2026 regulations and so on, and chose to leave and left a vacancy at Mercedes.
“That’s why there has been a bit of speculation about who will fill that seat, but it won’t be Max Verstappen.”
Sunday June 30
7.25am: F3 Feature Race
8.55am: F2 Feature Race
12:30pm: Grand Prix Sunday: Austrian GP build-up*
2pm: The AUSTRIAN GRAND PRIX*
4pm: Chequered Flag: Austrian GP reaction*
5pm: Ted’s Notebook
*also live on Sky Sports Main Event
F1’s triple-header continues at the Austrian Grand Prix with the Sprint format at the Red Bull Ring. Watch every session live on Sky Sports F1, with Sunday’s big race at 2pm. Stream every F1 race and more with a NOW Sports Month Membership – No contract, cancel anytime
Sourse: skysports.com