Mansell on Horner axing: Verstappen to Mercedes a good rumour

Mansell, the 1992 Formula 1 World Champion, also offered pointed advice to George Russell if Verstappen does make the highly speculated switch to Mercedes. Indeed, bookmakers are offering odds that if Max does leave Red Bull, Toto Wolff's team will be his destination.

“It’s a good rumour,” Mansell said of Verstappen’s potential move to Brackley. “Well, what I can say to George and Lando and all these drivers - I drove with four world champions. I joined the team when the other men in the car were World Champions: Mario Andretti, Nelson Piquet, Alain Prost and Keke Rosberg.

“When you join a team with a World Champion already there, they are not your best friend, and if you start to go quicker than them, don’t expect them to be your best friend. You’re the No. 2 driver and they hate being beaten; that’s why they are World Champions.

“I had the toughest career in some ways, because I was always the underdog, but as I demonstrated, if you work hard enough, you can beat them and make yourself a name. But it’s definitely not easy," explained Mansell, who went on to praise Russell’s recent form, saying: “George acquitted himself last year and I think he's done a fabulous job.”

Turning to Red Bull’s shock dismissal of Christian Horner, Mansell admitted he was blindsided by the news: “I think just like the racing fans, I didn't know what Red Bull were doing. Yes, t came as quite a shock and surprise. I was with Red Bull and I spoke to Christian last weekend and there was no inference, no problems or anything. A bit of shock and a bit of horror really.”

Mansell refused to speculate on the reasons for Horner’s sacking but made clear that his achievements should not be forgotten: “No one really has the facts and it would not be professional of me to try and make an opinion but all I can say is the magnificent job Christian Horner has done for 20 years is a testament to his skill and his dedication to the sport. That shouldn't be forgotten.”

Mansell warned that the timing of Horner’s exit could hamper Red Bull’s 2025 preparations. “To do this midseason, whatever the reasons are, it's not helpful for the team. The team will miss him, and there will be a transitional period. It will be a struggle for Red Bull to be as competitive as they would've wanted to be for 2025 now.”

“It's very difficult to pass a comment on the inner workings of any team when you don't know the facts. All I'd say is motor racing is difficult enough without having these challenges come along at the time they have. Any team would have a huge challenge. Watch this space, whatever happens is going to be interesting, isn’t it?”

Reflecting on Horner’s legacy and Verstappen’s outlook, Mansell added: “Christian’s got to be remembered for the incredible work he's done over the years and the success he's had with the team. I certainly wish him well for the future, as well as Red Bull and Max.

“Max is an outstanding World Champion and driver and I hope he gets to wherever he wants to get to, which will make him happy," concluded Mansell, who was speaking to the AceOdds media team this week.