Mercedes group boss Toto Wolff and Red Bull counterpart Christian Horner have reignited their confrontation over Max Verstappen after the previous as soon as once more hinted at poaching the three-time world champion.
Verstappen’s future at Red Bull was thrown into doubt final month after his father, Jos, mentioned the group was in peril of being “torn apart” if Horner remained its principal.
It got here after allegations in opposition to Horner of inappropriate conduct towards a girl colleague. He denied the claims and an inside investigation cleared him of wrongdoing.
Verstappen has publicly dedicated his future to Red Bull, however following the Dutchman’s dominant victory on the Chinese Grand Prix on Sunday, Mercedes boss Wolff stirred the pot anew.
Wolff instructed reporters in Shanghai that “everyone is waiting to see what he (Verstappen) is going to do.”
“There are so many factors that play a role for a driver joining,” mentioned Wolff, who wants to switch seven-time world champion Lewis Hamilton, who’s leaving for Ferrari subsequent 12 months.
“Clearly, from the most rational point of view, that’s the quickest car in the hands of the quickest driver,” mentioned Wolff.
“But I don’t think this is the only reason you stay where you are.”
Earlier this season Wolff mentioned that he “would love” to signal the reigning world champion Verstappen if he grew to become accessible.
His newest feedback triggered a prickly response from Horner, who mentioned that Wolff ought to give attention to attempting to revitalize Mercedes following a poor begin to the season by their excessive requirements.
“Why would you want to leave this team?” Horner mentioned.
“Mercedes are third behind their clients (McLaren and Aston Martin).
“His time could be higher spent maybe specializing in the group reasonably than the driving force market.
“I can assure you that there is no ambiguity about where Max Verstappen will be next year.”
Source: www.dailysabah.com
