Toto Wolff says there is no truth in reports suggesting he was planning to meet with Max Verstappen’s agents in a bid to lure the Red Bull driver to Mercedes.
Verstappen is still thought to be unhappy at Red Bull following allegations of inappropriate behaviour towards a colleague against team principal Christian Horner.
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Horner, who has always denied any wrongdoing, was cleared by an investigation but Verstappen’s father Jos, himself a former Formula One driver, felt him staying would cause divisions within the team.
That has inevitably led to speculation Max Verstappen would leave and, with Lewis Hamilton already announcing he is to join Ferrari at the end of the season, there will be a seat free at Mercedes.
Wolff, however, poured cold water on reports he was to meet with the Verstappen camp after this weekend’s Miami Grand Prix.
He told Reuters TV: “No, that’s one of the rumours.
“People make up meetings, make up what’s happening with the drivers but these things should be behind closed doors and everything that’s been out there was not really the right thing.”
Wolff has previously admitted Verstappen would be his first choice even though the Dutchman, who is on course for a fourth successive drivers’ title, has a contract with Red Bull until 2028.
Wolff was also asked about reports all-conquering Red Bull were about to lose the sport’s top designer Adrian Newey.
He added: “Adrian Newey is an iconic engineer in Formula One with a great track record and again, also there are so many people talking about what he eventually might do and whether he leaves Red Bull or not.
“I’m just looking at it like a fan and watching that space.”
