Christian Horner takes a dig at Toto Wolff’s efforts to lure Max Verstappen after Mercedes’ POOR performance in Zandvoort

Christian Horner berated Mercedes performance at Dutch GP amidst the team's persistent efforts to acquire Max Verstappen in their arsenal.

Christian Horner takes a dig at Toto Wolff’s efforts to lure Max Verstappen after Mercedes’ POOR performance in Zandvoort

Toto Wolff, Christian Horner and Max Verstappen (via IMAGO)

The empty seat at Mercedes after Lewis Hamilton‘s exit has continued to be highly contested among multiple drivers. Max Verstappen remained the prime candidate in Toto Wolff‘s mind for the seat in the coming season. However, the Dutchman has continued to comment against a move to Mercedes as Christian Horner put forth his piece of mind.

Max Verstappen to Mercedes seemed possible amidst Red Bull’s struggling pace. Toto Wolff continued to dream of a Verstappen move despite repeated refusals from the Dutchman. Following a mediocre performance from Mercedes at the Dutch GP, Christian Horner made a snarky remark about it. Horner initially pointed at Verstappen’s contract until the end of 2028 and berated Mercedes’ performance.

Well, it’s down to us to deliver. We have an agreement until 2028. I didn’t see Toto’s car performing that well today.
Christian Horner said, as reported by motorsportweek.com
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In addition to this, the Red Bull boss believed that the 2028 season was far away. Hence, it was up to Milton Keynes to provide Verstappen with a championship-worthy challenger. Horner also admitted that every contract had a performance element in it which would make Verstappen consider to stay.

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Look, ’28 is a long way away. It’s down to us to provide a race-winning car. Will you be here in ’28? You know. 2025… every contract has a performance element in it.
Christian Horner added

Christian Horner claimed Red Bull ‘aware of the situation’ of Max Verstappen leaving Red Bull

Red Bull has continued to attempt to revive performance mid-way through the 2024 season after the massive slump. Christian Horner noted that he didn’t want to dive deep into the elements that would make Max Verstappen stay on the team. However, as long as Milton Keynes continued to provide a competitive challenger to the Dutchman, the more Verstappen is likely to stay.

We’re not going to talk about what those elements are, but as long as we provide a competitive car, we know what the situation is.
Christian Horner noted
Christian Horner and Max Verstappen
Christian Horner and Max Verstappen (Via: Imago)

Verstappen has continued his streak of impressive performances despite the struggles. Red Bull will have to upgrade their package to provide better prospects to the three-time world champion in the coming seasons. Only then would the Dutchman consider continuing racing with the Austrian constructor.

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