The Mercedes CEO’s repeated hints about stealing the three-time world champion have rekindled the rivalry between Toto Wolff and Christian Horner of Red Bull regarding Max Verstappen.

Max Verstappen and Red Bull teammate Christian Horner have resumed their verbal sparring as Mercedes’s CEO once again made suggestions about stealing the three-time world champion.

Last month, Verstappen’s father, Jos, expressed concern that Red Bull would be “ripped apart” if Horner remained the team’s principal, casting doubt on Verstappen’s future there.

It followed claims that Horner had acted inappropriately toward a female coworker.

He refuted the allegations, and an internal probe found no evidence of his wrongdoing.

Verstappen has openly pledged his future to Red Bull, but Mercedes CEO Wolff stirred things up again after the Dutchman’s commanding victory at the Chinese Grand Prix on Sunday.

“Everyone is waiting to see what he (Verstappen) is going to do,” Wolff said to reporters in Shanghai.

Wolff, who must replace seven-time world champion Lewis Hamilton, who is leaving for Ferrari next year, stated, “There are so many aspects that play a part for a driver joining.”

Wolff declared, “That’s the fastest vehicle in the hands of the fastest driver, clearly, from the most rational point of view.”

“But this isn’t the main reason you stay where you are, in my opinion.”

Wolff stated earlier this season that, should Verstappen become available, he “would love” to sign him.

Horner, who felt that Wolff should concentrate on trying to revitalize Mercedes after a subpar start to the season by their high standards, took offense at his most recent remarks.

“What makes you want to quit from this team?” stated Horner.

“McLaren and Aston Martin are Mercedes’s customers; they are in third place.”

Maybe he should devote more of his time to the team and less to the driver market.

“I promise you that Max Verstappen’s whereabouts are clear for the upcoming season.”