Wolff snaps back at Red Bull CEO: 'Don't know what this guy is reacting to'

Mercedes team principal Toto Wolff has responded to comments made by Red Bull CEO Oliver Mintzlaff surrounding his supposed interest in Max Verstappen, and has stressed that he "don't know what this guy is reacting to".

Verstappen's future has been an increasingly talked about topic in the F1 paddock, following the recent behind-the-scenes action at Red Bull and, most recently, the confirmed exit of chief technical officer Adrian Newey.

Wolff is an avid admirer of the reigning world champion and seemingly very much wants to sign the 26-year-old to replace Lewis Hamilton.

However, Wolff is encountering resistance from the energy drink company. Red Bull's advisor Dr Helmut Marko and Mintzlaff in particular have stressed that Verstappen is going nowhere.

Mintzlaff went a step further in his response to Wolff's interest in Verstappen, and fired back at the Mercedes boss to focus on his team's current setbacks.

"I understand the pressure Toto Wolff and perhaps other teams are under after years of being behind," Mintzlaff told BILD.

"But I think Wolff should focus on his own problems. He has enough of those. And it also has something to do with respect when you keep talking about other teams' personnel. That's not appropriate."

Mintzlaff comments 'not relevant to me'

Mintzlaff's comments were put forward to Wolff following Sunday's Miami Grand Prix, where neither Red Bull nor Mercedes claimed victory – Lando Norris claimed a maiden win.

Wolff was surprised to hear what Red Bull's CEO had to say, and told select media including RacingNews365: "I don't know what this guy is reacting to. It's not relevant to me."

Mercedes' reported interested in Verstappen includes rumours of a meeting between Wolff and Verstappen on Monday; however, the Silver Arrows leader has categorically denied that a meeting it scheduled.

"I can't comment too much on it, but there will be no meeting on Monday," confirmed Wolff. "Max is a target for all teams. I have said before that I don't think he should leave in 2025.

"He is the top driver at the moment and has to make a decision. Perhaps there is not even a decision to make and things will stay as they are. But that is no guide for us."