P1racenews AI automatic summary:
Red Bull boss Christian Horner reckons George Russell exposed Max Verstappen’s talks with Mercedes to gain “leverage” in his F1 negotiations with the team.
Red Bull boss Christian Horner believes that George Russell disclosed Max Verstappen’s talks with Mercedes to gain leverage in his Formula 1 negotiations. The speculation surrounding Verstappen potentially moving to Mercedes has resurfaced after Russell made public their active discussions. Mercedes boss Toto Wolff has missed out on signing Verstappen in the past, but remains convinced that they will eventually work together. Russell indicated that Wolff revisiting Verstappen’s situation has stalled contract discussions with him. Horner theorized that Russell may have gone public to influence his own negotiations with Mercedes. Red Bull is not in contact with Russell and Horner expressed surprise that Mercedes has not secured him yet.
