As ever, here are the two main stories from today, February 24.
Russell said: “The Verstappens clearly have a lot of power within that team. They like to manipulate situations, and quite often.
“For whatever reason, they don’t like Horner and are trying to push him out. I wonder if this [the rumours about Verstappen moving to Mercedes, ed.] isn’t some kind of game meant to pressure Red Bull so that he only stays if Christian leaves.”
George Russell accuses Jos Verstappen and Max Verstappen of manipulating Red Bull – Photo: Red Bull Content Pool
Elsewhere in the series, the dismissed Red Bull boss Horner apparently pinpoints who is to blame for his sacking, with all eyes on Red Bull GmbH CEO Oliver Mintzlaff and advisor Helmut Marko instead of the Verstappen camp.
Speaking in the docuseries, Horner says: “I don’t believe the Verstappens were responsible in any way.
“I think this was a decision made by Oliver Mintzlaff, with Helmut Marko advising from the sideline. Ultimately, things changed within the business and the group. The founder died, and after Dietrich [Mateschitz]’s death, I was probably deemed to have maybe too much control.”
Horner also reflected more generally about losing his role at Red Bull after 20 years.
“I feel a real sense of loss and hurt. It was all rather sudden. I didn’t really get the chance to say a proper goodbye.
“I had something taken away from me which wasn’t my choice, and it was very precious to me.“
Photo: Race Pictures