Red Bull executive Oliver Mintzlaff has dug out Mercedes boss Toto Wolff following his chase of Max Verstappen.

Mintzlaff told BILD’s Sunday edition: “[Verstappen] is a thoroughbred racer and wants to win every race, every qualifying and every training session. This connects us. It’s in his and our DNA. And he finds the perfect conditions for this with us. We have created a unique setup, built the best car in Formula 1.

“Max still has a long-term contract here and hasn’t said a word that he doesn’t want to fulfil it. I’m not at all worried that he’s considering a move. Things just have to calm down again now. That’s what Max wants and that’s what we want too. You also need that if you want to be successful in the long term in sport, whether in football or Formula 1.”

He then went onto criticise Wolff personally, adding: “I understand the pressure that Toto Wolff and perhaps other teams have after years of being behind. But I think Toto Wolff should concentrate on his challenges. He’s had enough of that.

“And it also has something to do with respect when you keep talking about the personnel of other teams – that’s not right.”