'Why on earth would you...': Horner attacks Wolff over Verstappen poaching attempts

Red Bull F1 team principal Christian Horner has hit back at Toto Wolff for attempting to poach Max Verstappen to Red Bull. Speaking after the Chinese Grand Prix where Verstappen secured another win, Horner suggested Wolff focus on the issues plaguing his team.

Ever since Lewis Hamilton announced his departure from Mercedes to Ferrari, Wolff has been on the hunt for a driver to replace him. However, Horner was not having any of Wolff's tactics to lure his star driver.

“Why would you want to leave this team [Red Bull]? I don’t think Toto’s problems are his drivers. He has other elements he needs to focus on, rather than focusing on drivers that are unavailable. Mercedes are behind their customer teams at the moment," saidHorner.

"His time would be better spent focusing on the team than the driver market. Sometimes it is just designed to create noise. I can assure you that there is no ambiguity about where Max Verstappen will be next year," he added.

"Today we moved ahead of Mercedes in terms of races won in the modern era. So, the team is in form. Why on earth would you want to leave?”

Despite signing a long-time contract with Red Bull, Verstappen has remained somewhat hesitant about his future with the team after allegations of improper conduct surfaced against Horner, earlier this year.

Would love to sign him: Wolff

Meanwhile, Wolff has made it clear on multiple occasions that he would love to sign Verstappenif he decides to leave Red Bull, come the next season.

“We have a slot free, the only one in the top teams, unless Max decides he goes, then the slot is not going to be free with us anymore. There are a few options that are really interesting for us, from the very young super-talent to some of the older ones who are very experienced.”

Speaking about Wolff's interest, Verstappen said: "It doesn't have any impact on me on what I would do. It's always nice to hear that."

"Toto and I, we had our little moments but that's normal between two teams battling for the championship. But the respect has always been there. From my side, it doesn't change anything."

Apart from Verstappen, there have been rumours that Wolff was entertaining the noting of bringing four-time world champion Sebastian Vettel back to the paddock.

(With inputs from agencies)