“Jos might be available”: Red Bull boss takes a savage jibe at Toto Wolff’s recent comments on Max Verstappen’s future

Red Bull boss Christian Horner has fired back at Toto Wolff amid rumors of star driver Max Verstappen moving to Mercedes. Multiple Mercedes personnel including Wolff himself have dropped hints of Verstappen moving to the Silver Arrows in 2025.

Seven-time F1 World Champion Lewis Hamilton shocked the world when he announced his imminent departure from Mercedes at the end of the 2024 season. Now competing in his final season for the German outfit, Hamilton is set to join Ferrari next season, partnering with Charles Leclerc and leaving behind a major void to fill Brackley.

Toto Wolff has been transparent about his ambitions, making it clear that Verstappen is his top target to fill the impending vacancy. The Mercedes boss, along with Mercedes-Benz CEO Ola Kallenius, has been vocal about their admiration for Verstappen’s talent, with Kallenius recently stating that Verstappen “would look good in silver.”

However, his words haven't sat well with Red Bull team principal Christian Horner. Ahead of the team's home race in Austria, Horner spoke to the media where he took shots at Wolff's claims. He said (via PlanetF1):

"I always thought Max was pretty resolute in what he said in his conference yesterday. He’s always been absolutely consistent with that, with the team."

Referring to Max’s father, Jos Verstappen, Horner attempted to dismiss the rumors and reaffirmed Max Verstappen's commitment to Red Bull. He added:

"I think it’s purely a tactic of distraction. Of course if he does want a Verstappen for next year, then I guess Jos is potentially available."

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What did Max Verstappen say about rumors linking him to Mercedes?

Amidst the media frenzy, Max Verstappen himself addressed the speculation. When asked about Wolff’s comments and whether he could categorically rule out a switch to Mercedes, Verstappen remained diplomatic but firm. Speaking to the media ahead of the 2024 Spanish GP, he said (via Crash.net):

"I think I’ve said this before. Naturally, people are talking. It’s most important that we have a very competitive car for the future. At the moment, it’s very tight but we’re working very well as a team to try and improve more."

He added:

"I said this already with the team, we’re working and focusing on next year to try and be competitive again."

Despite the rumors off the track, Max Verstappen has maintained his dominant run of form on the racing circuit. The reigning three-time World Champion has won 7 out of the 10 races this season, having accumulated 219 points to his name. The Dutchman looks cruising to his fourth consecutive Drivers' Championship as he leads the standings by 69 points from his nearest rival Lando Norris.