Toto Wolff, Max Verstapped downplay phone call controversy

  • Published on 13 Nov 2016 14:39
  • comments 0
  • By: Dominik Wilde

Toto Wolff has played down the controversy over a phone call he made to Jos Verstappen.

Red Bull chiefs lashed out at the Mercedes boss after he allegedly called Max Verstappen's father, asking the teenager to stay out of the title fight.

Dr. Helmut Marko, Red Bull's motorpsort boss, told Mercedes chairman Niki Lauda: "Your drivers should have their own race at 11am if they want no other cars on the track."

Wolff confirmed he made the call, but insisted there was nothing untoward about the conversation.

"Yes, we talked on the phone," he told Bild newspaper. "Just as we often do.

"We have known and understood each other for a long time. I called Jos and the main message was that I think it's better for Max if he (Jos) is back at the races," Wolff added.

Max Verstappen himself however feels the whole story has been blown out of proportion.

"The whole story has been overblown," the young Dutchman is quoted by Auto Motor und Sport.

Jos also confirmed the call took place, but did not want to comment.

Wolff continued: "In large letters, I regret nothing.

"I've known the family for a long time, I like them and I'll call whoever I want.

"I had a very good chat with Jos, as I have on several other occasions, about racing, drivers, young talent, even his daughter in karting. I've even had them for dinner at my house. So I don't understand all this nonsense," he added.

Replies (0)

Login to reply

BE Grand Prix of Belgium

Local time 

BEGrand Prix of Belgium

Local time 

World Championship standings 2024

Show full world champion standings

Test calendar

See full test schedule

Related news

Give your opinion!

Will Bottas challenge Hamilton for the world championship in 2020?

Formula 1 Calendar - 2024

Date
Grand Prix
Circuit
-
Bahrain
29 - Mar 2
Bahrain
7 - Mar 9
Saudi Arabia
22 - Mar 24
Australia
5 - Apr 7
Japan
19 - Apr 21
China
3 - May 5
United States of America
17 - May 19
Italy
24 - May 26
Monaco
7 - Jun 9
Canada
21 - Jun 23
Spain
28 - Jun 30
Austria
5 - Jul 7
United Kingdom
19 - Jul 21
Hungary
26 - Jul 28
Belgium
23 - Aug 25
Netherlands
30 - Sep 1
Italy
13 - Sep 15
Azerbaijan
20 - Sep 22
Singapore
18 - Oct 20
United States of America
25 - Oct 27
Mexico
1 - Nov 3
Brazil
22 - Nov 24
United States of America
29 - Dec 1
Qatar
6 - Dec 8
United Arab Emirates
See full schedule

Formula 1 Calendar - 2024

Date
Grand Prix & Circuit
29 - Mar 2
7 - Mar 9
Saudi Arabia Jeddah Street Circuit
22 - Mar 24
Australia Albert Park
5 - Apr 7
19 - Apr 21
3 - May 5
United States of America Miami International Autodrome
17 - May 19
24 - May 26
Monaco Monte Carlo
7 - Jun 9
21 - Jun 23
28 - Jun 30
Austria Red Bull Ring
5 - Jul 7
United Kingdom Silverstone
19 - Jul 21
Hungary Hungaroring
26 - Jul 28
23 - Aug 25
Netherlands Circuit Zandvoort
30 - Sep 1
Italy Monza
13 - Sep 15
Azerbaijan Baku City Circuit
20 - Sep 22
18 - Oct 20
United States of America Circuit of the Americas
25 - Oct 27
1 - Nov 3
Brazil Interlagos
22 - Nov 24
United States of America Las Vegas Street Circuit
29 - Dec 1
6 - Dec 8
United Arab Emirates Yas Marina Circuit
See full schedule

Driver profile

  • Country Netherlands
  • Date of b. Sep 30 1997 (26)
  • Place of b. Hasselt (Belgie), Netherlands
  • Weight 70 kg
  • Length 1.8 m
Show full profile

Team profile

Show full profile
show sidebar