P1racenews AI automatic summary:
Toto Wolff referred to Christian Horner as a “yapping little terrier” who’d been too “weak” to properly control Verstappen
The heated feud between Max Verstappen and George Russell escalated to involve their team principals, drawing comparisons to the 2021 rivalry between Red Bull and Mercedes. Toto Wolff criticized Christian Horner for not properly managing Verstappen, referring to him as a “yapping little terrier”. Russell, backed by Wolff, openly criticized Verstappen in a wider press conference at the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix paddock. Wolff emphasized the importance of nuanced communication with drivers as a team principal and denounced absolute statements. Wolff also condemned Horner’s remarks about Russell as crossing a line and questioned his authority to comment on his driver’s state of mind. Horner’s response is anticipated at the upcoming FIA team principals’ press conference.
