Christian Horner responds to Toto Wolff’s ‘optimism’ over signing Max Verstappen

Toto Wolff has great faith in his convincing skills as he believes he can acquire Max Verstappen at Mercedes in the coming season.


Christian Horner responds to Toto Wolff’s ‘optimism’ over signing Max Verstappen

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

Lewis Hamilton‘s shocking switch to Ferrari opened up a vacancy for Mercedes. Multiple capable drivers are highly eager to acquire the coveted seat in Formula 1. Amidst the sea of available drivers, Max Verstappen was considered a prime candidate. However, Christian Horner has since responded to Toto Wolff‘s comments regarding acquiring the three-time world champion.

Toto Wolff did not refuse the possibility of acquiring Max Verstappen in the Silver Arrows from 2025 onwards. However, the Dutchman reassured his loyalty to Red Bull in terms of driving for the constructor. Verstappen had previously mentioned that even ‘$250 Million’ wouldn’t convince him to make a switch to the German carmaker. But, Wolff had recently claimed that he was optimistic about successfully acquiring the 26-year-old.

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Christian Horner was not mincing his words while talking against the chances of Verstappen to Mercedes. Horner reckoned that Wolff can continue to fight to acquire the reigning world champion. Notably, the Red Bull boss highlighted that he was sure of who his drivers were for the coming season onwards at Milton Keynes.

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Toto (Wolff) can continue to fight to convince him… I am sure who my drivers will be next year.
Christian Horner said, as reported by formu1a.uno.

Christian Horner deemed Max Verstappen’s victory at Spanish GP as ‘satisfying’

Max Verstappen did not have the fastest challenger around the Spanish circuit for the race. Regardless, the Dutchman brought home the victory after a close call with Lando Norris for the top spot. As a result, Horner labeled the victory as ‘satisfying’ rather than winning a race with over 40s lead. Additionally, the 50-year-old reckoned that the Dutchman showcased a great good race and did a great job.

It is more satisfying to win like this, but it is more beautiful when you have a 40 second lead. It was a good race, very strong from Max who did a great job.
Christian Horner added.
Max Verstappen, elmut Marko and Christian Horner
Max Verstappen, Helmut Marko and Christian Horner (Via: Imago)

Apart from this, the team principal also applauded Red Bull’s decisions and strategy at the Spanish GP. Horner pointed out that Verstappen managed to overtake Norris at the right time and kept him at bay later on. Hence, the team not committing any mistakes further helped the 26-year-old score an impressive race victory in Spain.

We got all the decisions right, then he brought the job home on the track. He overtook at the right time, kept Lando at bay at the start and then managed the tires. We knew that we would get close with Norris in the end and that we shouldn't have made mistakes and the team didn't commit any.
Christian Horner concluded.

Red Bull’s struggling pace was not a breaking point for Verstappen as he continues to dominate the playing field. Milton Keynes has started to improve in performance soon after losing multiple races. Hence, the Austrian constructor will continue to implement further in-season upgrades to improve their pace.

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