Nico Rosberg claims Christian Horner trying to ‘destabilize’ Toto Wolff by showing interest in George Russell

Ex-F1 champion Nico Rosberg asserted that Christian Horner wants to pressurize Toto Wolff by declaring interest in George Russell for 2026.

Nico Rosberg claims Christian Horner trying to ‘destabilize’ Toto Wolff by showing interest in George Russell

Nico Rosberg, Toto Wolff, Christian Horner, and George Russell (images via IMAGO)

Red Bull and Mercedes are fierce rivals in Formula 1. As such, the two teams are often engaged in a war of words. Recently, Red Bull Team Principal Christian Horner expressed his interest in potentially considering George Russell as an option for 2026. Now, 2016 F1 champion Nico Rosberg has reckoned that this could be Horner’s way of distracting Toto Wolff.

After Christian Horner’s remarks on Russell, Mercedes’ Toto Wolff hit back and claimed that Horner was trying to ‘stir s**t up.’ Rosberg insisted that the comments made by the Red Bull boss were just meant to destabilize Wolff as part of politics within the paddock.

It is politics and strategy, because he wants to destabilize Toto.

Nico Rosberg told Sky Sports F1
YouTube video

Moreover, Nico Rosberg highlighted that Horner’s comments might force Mercedes to secure Russell’s contract beyond 2025. This could then leave Wolff with no vacancy left for Max Verstappen, someone who he wants to have in his team in 2026.

FS Video

And if Toto suddenly hears Horner talking about Russell and Russell has no contract, Toto might be thinking, ‘Oh damn, should I try to secure an option with George or what?’

Nico Rosberg explained
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Nico Rosberg asserts Toto Wolff under ‘more pressure’ due to Christian Horner’s comments

The 2016 world champion admitted that it was unclear if George Russell would even want to join Red Bull. However, Nico Rosberg insisted that it still makes the situation more difficult for Toto Wolff as the Austrian billionaire faces added pressure over his driver line-up for the long-term.

Toto Wolff
Toto Wolff (via IMAGO)

I don’t know if George would even be interested, but such a comment certainly increases the pressure on Toto.

Nico Rosberg noted

Certainly, Toto Wolff could consider locking-in George Russell for 2026 soon. However, it is no secret that Mercedes wants to sign Max Verstappen and as such would wait to see if the Dutchman decides to leave Red Bull after next season. Fans could expect more such comments to be made in the paddock in the coming months.

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