Red Bull boss Christian Horner has mischievously suggested that Toto Wolff could instead try to sign Jos Verstappen after accusing Mercedes of "distraction tactics" over their pursuit of Max.
A day after Max Verstappen confirmed after being pressed by the media ahead of the Austrian GP that he would be staying at Red Bull for 2025, where he has a contract for another four seasons, Horner was asked in his appearance in Friday's FIA press conference why he thought Wolff has continued to speak about his interest in F1's world champion.
"That's a question you would have to ask Toto," replied Horner.
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"Max was pretty resolute in what he said in this conference [on Thursday].
"He's always been absolutely consistent with that with the team. I think it's purely a tactic of distraction.
"If he does want a Verstappen for next year then I guess Jos is potentially available."
With Lewis Hamilton leaving Mercedes at the end of this season for Ferrari, Wolff's team have a seat open for 2025 next to George Russell.
Wolff said in April that Max Verstappen was his top target, although also stressed that Mercedes first needed to focus on improving their own car amid a disappointing start to their season.
The Mercedes team principal said after last Sunday's Spanish GP that there were no talks ongoing with the world champion "because I think we need to look at ourselves and on improving the car". Italian rising star Andrea Kimi Antonelli, who is already the team's junior driver, has been considered the front-runner to replace Hamilton should Mercedes not succeed in luring Verstappen.
Asked what he made of Max Verstappen's remarks on Thursday publicly committing his future to the team for 2025, Horner said: "It only reaffirms everything we already know.
"Max is an important part of our team; he's had all of his victories and podiums in Red Bull Racing cars and three world championships so far. He's a crucial member of the team, he enjoys being part of the team, he's got a tremendous group around him, and we know what the future looks like.
"Obviously a lot of noise has been made about him going elsewhere and sometimes one just thinks that's a distraction tactic that's thrown in because you have to question what are the motives behind that? The driver that has created all the movement in the market [Hamilton] had all the information about the engines and 2026 regulations and so on, and chose to leave and left a vacancy at Mercedes.
"That's why there has been a bit of speculation about who will fill that seat, but it won't be Max Verstappen."
Horner responds to Jos' claim he was blocked from Legends Parade
Horner's reference to Jos Verstappen came amid a press conference in which he was also asked several questions about the state of his relationship with Max's father in the wake of claims from the 52-year-old Dutchman earlier on Friday that he had effectively been blocked from taking part in Sunday's Legends Parade at the Austrian GP by the Red Bull's team principal.
Verstappen Snr, himself a former F1 driver, was scheduled to drive Sebastian Vettel's 2012 title-winning Red Bull in the pre-race parade around the team's home track but the Dutchman said he had pulled out after alleged interference from Horner.
In quotes attributed to Max's father in De Telegraaf, Verstappen Snr said: "In recent days I have heard from several sources that Christian Horner has done everything he can not to let me drive. And otherwise to ensure that nothing would be filmed. Then I think: say it to my face. This is not necessary for me, I find it very disappointing."
Asked for his response to those claims, Horner said: "The Legends Parade is something which is organised by the circuit.
"There was no veto from my side and I'm sure the legends will be in action later."
The relationship between Horner and the father of F1's world champion driver has been in the spotlight ever since the start of the season when Jos Verstappen explosively suggested the Red Bul team was "in danger of being torn apart" if the team principal remained in his position.
That came after the conclusion of the Red Bull GmbH investigation into allegations of inappropriate behaviour against Horner by a female colleague. The grievance against Horner, who has always denied the claims, was dismissed. The complainant subsequently appealed the decision.
On the state of his relationship with Jos, Horner added: "You can't control everything in life. I can't control relationships with drivers' fathers. My focus is on performance with drivers and the team. That's where it will remain.
"I've never had an issue with any of our drivers' fathers in the past and whatever Jos' issues are, I've really got nothing to comment on."
Sky Sports F1's live Austrian GP schedule
Saturday June 29
8.25am: F3 Sprint
10am: Austrian GP Sprint (race starts at 11am)*
12.25pm: F2 Sprint
2pm: Austrian GP Qualifying build-up
3pm: Austrian GP Qualifying
5pm: Ted's Qualifying Notebook
Sunday June 30
7.25am: F3 Feature Race
8.55am: F2 Feature Race
12:30pm: Grand Prix Sunday: Austrian GP build-up*
2pm: The AUSTRIAN GRAND PRIX*
4pm: Chequered Flag: Austrian GP reaction*
5pm: Ted's Notebook
*also live on Sky Sports Main Event
F1's triple-header continues at the Austrian Grand Prix with the Sprint format at the Red Bull Ring. Watch every session live on Sky Sports F1, with Sunday's big race at 2pm. Stream every F1 race and more with a NOW Sports Month Membership - No contract, cancel anytime