Christian Horner laughed off barbs from Toto Wolff that described the Crimson Bull staff principal as a “yapping little terrier” on the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix.
Wolff made an impromptu look throughout a George Russell press convention on Thursday to defend his driver and criticize Horner for his use of the time period “hysterical” when describing Russell’s conduct at occasions throughout the Qatar Grand Prix weekend. When the feedback had been put to Horner, he remained comparatively reserved, saying there are worse issues to be described as.
“I really like terriers — I believe they’re nice canines!” Horner mentioned. “I’ve had 4! A few airedales, that are the king of the terriers. I had couple of West Highland terriers known as Bernie and Flavio. The nice factor with terriers is that they’re tremendously loyal. Bernie was an aggressive little canine — he’d go for anyone. Flavio was a bit extra chilled out, he perhaps ate an excessive amount of as nicely.
“Look, to be known as a terrier, is that such a foul factor? They don’t seem to be afraid to have a go on the greater canines. I’d somewhat be known as a terrier than a wolf, perhaps.”
Horner says he doesn’t consider the current falling out between Russell and Max Verstappen is re-opening animosity between the highest personnel at Crimson Bull and Mercedes, regardless of Wolff claiming Horner has been “weak” in the best way he has dealt with his driver.
“Toto’s fairly dramatic as everyone knows,” he mentioned. “I wasn’t speaking concerning the psychology of his driver. After I was referring to hysterics, I used to be extra referring to the roasting that he gave his staff once they fitted a set of hards onto the automotive when he’d requested for a set of mediums and expressed his displeasure for the tire alternative that they’d placed on the automotive. I’d get fined if I had been to repeat the language he used on this press convention.
“Quite a bit has been mentioned — we all know Toto likes to speak lots however that’s the best way it’s. For us, we simply need to end the season on a excessive, have an excellent race, see these guys battle it out and hopefully everyone then can have a well-earned break and relaxation after this race.
“Relating to Toto’s different feedback, I’m not going to lift to the bait of that. Everyone manages themselves and their groups in several methods. We’ve received 122 races, we’ve received 14 world championships. I believe we’re doing all proper.”
Horner additionally doesn’t anticipate the scenario to spill out onto the monitor, regardless of Russell’s declare that Verstappen had threatened to deliberately crash into him in Qatar.
“Max is a really straight shooter — he tells you precisely how he sees it,” Horner mentioned. “He tells the reality, precisely what he feels. He had a considerable amount of frustration final weekend with the best way issues performed out. It was a state of affairs we hadn’t seen earlier than, with the following grid penalty. He turned it into motivation and had a blinding begin. He received the grand prix, which was the very best response.
“Clearly lots was manufactured from it yesterday — it’s pantomime season. We’re preparing for Christmas. So there’s perhaps some end-of-term blues there however I don’t suppose it’s going to have any impact on the grand prix itself.”
