P1racenews AI automatic summary:
The long-simmering hostility between Mercedes team principal Toto Wolff and Christian Horner was kicked up a notch when Wolff referred to his his Red Bull counterpart as a “yapping little terrier” …
The tension between Mercedes team principal Toto Wolff and Red Bull’s Christian Horner escalated with Wolff calling Horner a “yapping little terrier” before the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix. Horner criticized Max Verstappen’s penalty at the Qatar Grand Prix as being influenced by George Russell’s “hysterics.”
Verstappen expressed his loss of respect for Russell due to his lobbying for a penalty, claiming Verstappen threatened to crash into him. Wolff joined in by accusing Horner of enabling Verstappen’s behavior during a press conference in Abu Dhabi.
Wolff emphasized the importance of team principals being a sparring partner for drivers and encouraging nuanced perspectives. He criticized Horner for his one-sided comments and interfering in his team’s affairs. Ultimately, Wolff stood up for his driver and expressed his disapproval of Horner’s actions.
