Christian Horner intensifies efforts to attract a key competitor from Red Bull’s rivals, making an audacious move to secure a potential successor for Max Verstappen. This indicates a possible significant change in the team’s dynamics and future driver line-up strategy.
Max Verstappen’s departure from Red Bull could spell disaster for Christian Horner, who would be confronted with countless questions, particularly regarding his successor.
Red Bull is a team that has consistently favored internal promotions. When Mark Webber retired at the end of 2013, fellow Australian Daniel Ricciardo was promoted from Toro Rosso to fill his spot.
When Sebastian Vettel joined Ferrari the following year, Horner once more turned to the sister team for Daniil Kvyat. Could they replicate that success in this situation?
Yuki Tsunoda, Verstappen’s teammate, is reaching the end of his contract this season and hasn’t made a strong impression since taking over from Liam Lawson. Isack Hadjar is being considered for a promotion to Red Bull; however, he himself has expressed uncertainty about whether he’s ready to join the team at Milton Keynes.
Helmut Marko considers Arvid Lindblad as a potential long-term successor to Verstappen, but the young driver must first demonstrate his capabilities at Racing Bulls. In summary, if their star team member departs, Red Bull might need to look for an experienced race-winner from outside the organization.
According to a report from Auto Motor und Sport, Horner thinks he might “need” to sign George Russell. This would be somewhat surprising due to his recent tensions with Verstappen.
At the end of last year, Russell sharply criticized Verstappen for his aggressive behavior during a dispute over a grid penalty in Qatar. In Canada last weekend, the Mercedes driver humorously remarked about taking advantage of his rival’s precarious position with penalty points as he nears the risk of receiving a race ban.
After Russell secured victory in the race, Red Bull filed a contentious protest, claiming unsportsmanlike conduct behind the safety car. This situation could potentially reignite tensions between the two teams; however, Toto Wolff and Horner have reasons to maintain their relationship.
Photograph captured by Arturo Holmes for WireImage
It’s notable that Wolff refrains from criticizing Verstappen, even after the Dutchman’s widely condemned collision with Russell in Spain. He is looking to pave the way for the four-time champion to potentially join Mercedes in the future.
Similarly, journalist Michael Schmidt observes that Horner frequently lauds Russell. He understands the importance of maintaining a good relationship as he might consider making a move for the former Williams driver in the future.
At the Singapore GP last autumn, Horner stated that Red Bull had shown interest in Russell. He mentioned it would be “foolish” to overlook a driver of such high calibre.
Although technically available on the market as his Mercedes contract nears its end, Russell is anticipated to sign a new agreement soon.
Nonetheless, his previous contract lasted just two years, and renewing it under similar terms would leave the possibility open for Red Bull. Horner has engaged in ‘informal discussions’ with Russell as both sides share updates with each other.
The expected extension for Russell will move Verstappen one step closer to remaining with Red Bull. However, this situation might continue into the following year.
After signing with Mercedes in 2022, Russell has achieved four wins, six pole positions, and secured a spot on the podium 20 times within his first 138 races.
