Former Red Bull team principal Christian Horner believes that Mercedes team boss Toto Wolff is going through a “very easy” phase at the moment.
Horner (52 years old) officially left the Red Bull Racing team in September last year, after being relieved of “operational duties” following the British Grand Prix. This put an end to a 20-year career with the team, during which he won 8 drivers’ titles and 6 constructors’ titles.
The past decade witnessed intense competition between Horner and Wolff in light of the conflict between the Red Bull and Mercedes teams, rivals in the Formula 1 world championship.
In the current season, Horner's former team occupies fourth place in the overall standings of the constructors' category, achieving 11 podium finishes and two victories, both of which went to Dutchman Max Verstappen, during the Bahraini and Singaporean Grand Prix, which were held this month.
The Mercedes team leads the manufacturers' standings, while its Italian driver Kimi Antonelli is at the top of the drivers' standings after winning 8 races so far.
The possibility of Horner returning to Formula 1 racing is still a hot topic. In an interview conducted earlier this year, Wolff indicated that Horner would have to “break a lot of glass” in order to return.
In an interview with the British newspaper The Guardian, Horner said: “He (Wolf) also said that this Red Bull engine would be very bad and disastrous.”
He added, in his statements, which were reported by the British news agency “PA Media”: “Toto is in a very comfortable situation at the present time. “As for Zak Brown (McLaren team principal), he is restricted because he uses the Toto engine, so he cannot cause trouble or anger the other party.”
Horner stressed, saying: “All sports need to have a rivalry, whether it is between (Alex) Ferguson and (Arsene) Wenger, or (Jose) Mourinho and (Pep) Guardiola. This raises enthusiasm and creates a state of polarization. “I used this to motivate good talents to confront Mercedes.”
Horner also revealed, in the interview, that he suffered from panic attacks, and worked to learn how to recognize their symptoms, as he said: “I did not know what it was. “You suddenly feel dizzy and become very aware of your breathing, and you think something strange is happening.”
He continued: “At first, I attributed the matter to drinking too much coffee on a stifling, humid day accompanied by thunderstorms, and then it happened again.”
He revealed: “I underwent an examination and there was no physical problem. They told me: ‘We think you suffer from anxiety, as your breathing is very shallow.’” That was a signal from my body telling me I was pushing myself too hard. Now, I am able to recognize the symptoms, get over it, and breathe deeply.”
Liverpool legend Steven Gerrard believes that Manchester City should be stripped of its titles, or put a mark of distinction next to its achievements. As a penalty for violating the financial rules of the English Premier League.
The former Liverpool captain called for strict sanctions to be imposed on Manchester City, including prohibition of signing new players and deduction of points over several seasons, considering that any measure taken must set a precedent.
An independent committee concluded that Manchester City violated the English Premier League’s regulations regarding “providing accurate financial information” during the period between the 2009-2010 and 2017-2018 seasons.
For its part, Manchester City, which achieved a valuable and well-deserved victory over its host Liverpool, with a score of 3-0, in the English Premier League, on Sunday, at Anfield, held on. The Red Team maintained its innocence, as it filed an appeal against the committee's findings.
Gerrard has never won the English Premier League title, and was part of Liverpool's squad that finished runner-up behind Manchester City in the 2013-2014 season.
Gerrard said in media statements: “I do not want individual players to return the medals or awards they won.”
He added in his statements, which were reported by the British News Agency (PA Media): “I do not think that would be right. Personally, I do not accept anything. I have come to terms with my situation and what I have achieved. But as far as the club is concerned, he should be stripped of the titles he won.”
He explained: “In my opinion, a distinctive mark (or exceptional reference) must be placed in historical records. Like putting a reminder (star) next to his achievements throughout those years.”
He added: “There must be a minimum mark of distinction, then it will not matter whether the titles are withdrawn or not. “Once there is that mark, everyone will know it happened because of what we all know happened.”
Liverpool finished the 2013-2014 season in second place, two points behind Manchester City, which was Gerrard's penultimate season with the club belonging to the Merseyside region.
Gerrard (46 years old) rejected the idea of Manchester City relegating to the “Championship League”, considering that such a step would unfairly harm the clubs competing for promotion from the English Football League.
Instead, Gerrard prefers to impose punishments that extend over several seasons. He said: “I believe that the punishment should include preventing the signing of new players, deducting points over a certain period, and making them suffer as they made everyone else suffer during the nine or 10 years in which they committed these practices.”
