Christian Horner laughed off barbs from Toto Wolff that described the Purple 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 stated. “I’ve had 4! A few airedales, that are the king of the terriers. I had couple of West Highland terriers referred to 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 properly.
“Look, to be referred to as a terrier, is that such a foul factor? They aren’t afraid to have a go on the larger canines. I’d quite be referred to as a terrier than a wolf, perhaps.”
Horner says he doesn’t imagine the latest falling out between Russell and Max Verstappen is re-opening animosity between the highest personnel at Purple Bull and Mercedes, regardless of Wolff claiming Horner has been “weak” in the way in which he has dealt with his driver.
“Toto’s fairly dramatic as everyone knows,” he stated. “I wasn’t speaking in regards to the psychology of his driver. Once I was referring to hysterics, I used to be extra referring to the roasting that he gave his staff after they fitted a set of hards onto the automobile when he’d requested for a set of mediums and expressed his displeasure for the tire selection that they’d placed on the automobile. I’d get fined if I had been to repeat the language he used on this press convention.
“Loads has been stated — we all know Toto likes to speak loads however that’s the way in which it’s. For us, we simply need to end the season on a excessive, have an important race, see these guys battle it out and hopefully all people then can have a well-earned break and relaxation after this race.
“Concerning Toto’s different feedback, I’m not going to lift to the bait of that. Everyone manages themselves and their groups in numerous methods. We’ve gained 122 races, we’ve gained 14 world championships. I believe we’re doing all proper.”
Horner additionally doesn’t count on 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 stated. “He tells the reality, precisely what he feels. He had a considerable amount of frustration final weekend with the way in which issues performed out. It was a state of affairs we hadn’t seen earlier than, with the next grid penalty. He turned it into motivation and had a blinding begin. He gained the grand prix, which was the absolute best response.
“Clearly loads was product of 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 should have any impact on the grand prix itself.”
