Horner: I'd be more worried about other issues if I was Russell

Tensions between Russell and Max Verstappen escalated throughout the 2024 season, culminating in a series of public and on-track clashes. Russell fueled the rivalry further late last year by alleging that "twenty-five percent of the Red Bull team had sent their CVs to Mercedes, McLaren, and Aston Martin."

Responding to Russell’s comments, Horner told selected media outlets including GRANDPRIX247: “I’d be more worried about other issues if I was George. I don’t know where he’s thinking or who he believes they’re offering their services to, but all the key people have committed to the company for the long term.

“If you look at people like Gianpiero Lambiase and the key members of the engineering team, they’re all on long-term contracts," explained Horner, who also emphasised that Red Bull’s leadership and technical team remain firmly in place, countering Russell's insinuation of internal instability.

The Red Bull team boss also characterised Russell’s remarks as part of the competitive posturing that defines Formula 1: “One of the less pleasant aspects of the business is the effort made to try and profit from other problems at other teams. You have to remember that we came off a season where we didn’t just dominate, but we annihilated the opposition in 2023, winning 22 of 23 races.

“I’ve said it before, but the higher up you go, the sharper the knives are. In 2024, they got quite sharp in some areas. When the stakes are so high, other teams will use whatever means they have to try and destabilise a hugely successful team," Horner added.

The ongoing friction between Russell and Verstappen, and now between Mercedes and Red Bull, signals that the intense rivalry will continue into the new season. With Horner brushing off any notion of Red Bull losing its edge, the stage is set for another dramatic year in Formula 1.