Horner criticizes Wolff’s remarks about Verstappen’s F1 future, saying that “his time would be better served focusing on the team.”

Regarding which Formula 1 team Max Verstappen plans to race for in the future, Mercedes CEO Toto Wolff stated that “everyone is waiting for what [Max Verstappen] is going to do.”

Red Bull CEO Christian Horner replied that his rival’s boss’ “time would be better spent perhaps focusing on the team, rather than the driver market.”

The current world champion Verstappen is under contract with Red Bull through at least the end of 2028,

but as he prepares for a future without Lewis Hamilton, who is headed to Ferrari,

Wolff is interested in bringing a driver to the Silver Arrows who he missed out on signing over ten years ago.

Speaking on Sunday night in Shanghai following his team’s sixth and ninth place finishes in the race that Red Bull and Verstappen dominated, Wolff stated:

“There are a lot of variables that go into a driver joining.”

The most logical perspective would undoubtedly state, “Well, that’s the fastest car in the hands of the fastest driver.”

However, I don’t believe that this is the primary factor in your decision to remain put.

For the sake of simplicity, let’s pretend that’s the only reason you decide to stay in the automobile.

However, I believe Max has more depth than most people because he takes other variables into account as well.

Are we successful in persuading him? Max is the ultimate authority in motor racing, so I don’t think it comes down to persuasion.

He will make the choices he believes are best for him.

“I believe there are a number things at play, but he is the one who will set off additional domino effects, and everyone is waiting to see what he does.”

Verstappen stated earlier this weekend, “I signed a long term with the team [beyond 2021],” in reference to his future.

We want a calm, serene atmosphere, and that’s all I’ve said since the beginning.

We’ve been talking about the automobile lately, and I’m already really thrilled about that.

I’ve never had a cause to leave the team as long as I’m happy with them.

Horner responded, “I don’t know how many more times he needs to say it, he’s said it multiple times,” to the question of whether Verstappen should be more definite about continuing with Red Bull for the remainder of his contract.

It’s sometimes, in my opinion, merely done to make noise.

“Today, we made progress toward the races Mercedes has won in the contemporary period. Which team in the form would you wish to leave, and why?

“As Mercedes now trails both McLaren and Aston Martin in the standings, I believe it would be more beneficial for Wolff to devote his attention to the team and less to the driver market.”

“I can guarantee you there is no doubt about where Max Verstappen will be next year,” he continued.