Wolff, Horner clash anew over Verstappen's Red Bull future

Toto Wolff and Red Bull counterpart Christian Horner have reignited their war of words over Max Verstappen after the Mercedes boss again hinted at poaching the three-time world champion.

Verstappen's future at Red Bull was thrown into doubt last month after his father, Jos, said the team was in danger of being "torn apart" if Horner remained its principal.

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It came after allegations against Horner of inappropriate behaviour towards a woman colleague. He denied the claims and an internal investigation cleared him of wrongdoing.

Verstappen has publicly committed his future to Red Bull, but following the Dutchman's dominant victory at the Chinese Grand Prix on Sunday, Mercedes boss Wolff stirred the pot anew.

Wolff told 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," said Wolff, who needs to replace seven-time world champion Lewis Hamilton, who is leaving for Ferrari next year.

"Clearly, from the most rational point of view, that's the quickest car in the hands of the quickest driver," said Wolff.

"But I don't think this is the only reason you stay where you are."

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1. Max Verstappen (NED/Red Bull) 56 laps in 1hr 40min 52.554sec, 2. Lando Norris (GBR/McLaren) at 13.773, 3. Sergio Perez (MEX/Red Bull) at 19.160, 4. Charles Leclerc (MON/Ferrari) at 23.623, 5. Carlos Sainz (ESP/Ferrari) at 33.983, 6. George Russell (GBR/Mercedes) at 38.724, 7. Fernando Alonso (ESP/Aston Martin) at 43.414, 8. Oscar Piastri (AUS/McLaren) at 59.198, 9. Lewis Hamilton