Horner approached Russell over Red Bull move before exit

Summarised from 2 outlets · Updated 21 Oct, 16:32 · Archive

Christian Horner approached George Russell's management about joining Red Bull in his final act as team principal.

Christian Horner has revealed in his autobiography that one of his final acts as Red Bull team principal was to approach George Russell's management about joining the team. The move came in response to Mercedes' efforts to recruit Max Verstappen, which Horner said he countered by deciding to 'fight fire with fire'.

The approach to Russell took place during the 2025 British Grand Prix weekend at Silverstone, which was Horner's last race in charge before his dismissal a few days later. At the same time, Horner held private discussions with Verstappen about his future and met with Carlos Sainz to discuss the possibility of him driving for Red Bull.

Mercedes had shown interest in Verstappen due to uncertainty around Red Bull's competitiveness and speculation that a clause in his contract could allow him to leave during the summer break if he was not in the top three in the drivers' championship. Horner wrote that Toto Wolff was attempting to lure Verstappen to Mercedes, and that Flavio Briatore had told him Wolff was convinced Verstappen would be a Mercedes driver in 2026.

When Horner spoke directly to Verstappen ahead of the British Grand Prix, Verstappen reportedly said: 'I want to win. But I don't want to have to leave to do it.' Horner noted that Russell, as a Mercedes driver, 'must have been bemused at the situation'.

How it is being reported

• Christian Horner reveals final act before £67m shock Red Bull exitChristian Horner has revealed that one of his final acts as Red Bull team principal was to approach George Russell's management about a potential move to the team.Oxford Mail · 21 Oct, 16:00
• Christian Horner reveals final act before £67m shock Red Bull exitChristian Horner has revealed that one of his final acts as Red Bull team principal was to approach George Russell's management about a potential move to the team.Oxfordshire Guardian · 21 Oct, 16:00

In this story: Christian Horner · George Russell · Max Verstappen · Toto Wolff · Carlos Sainz · Flavio Briatore · Red Bull · Mercedes

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