Wolff: Horner is always trying to stir sh!t up, it's part of the game

But the legendary and often hilarious verbal spats between Wolff and Horner died down over the last few years as Red Bull gobbled up three titles while Mercedes spent that time losing themselves and then trying to find themselves. But things changed this past weekend in Singapore.

The latest altercation came about when Red Bull team principal Homer name-dropped George Russell. when was asked by reporters in Singapore what the plans were for his drivers in the future, aid uncertainty not only about Sergio Perez's AWOL form but also about the ominous brain drain of big hitters from the team led by design genius Adrian Newey.

Throw into that uncertainty the question mark over Verstappen's future with World Champions amid the current state of upheaval within the bullpen. It is no secret that the Dutch ace is highly coveted by Mercedes and their boss Wolff.

Horner went on to mention a couple of the team's Academy drivers doing well in Formula 2, and of course, the conversation also touched on Daniel Ricciardo and Liam Lawson, but the Rewd Bull boss also included a wider range of drivers.

Looking outside the Red Bull pool is also an option whereupon Russell's name was brought up by Horner: “We’re not afraid to go out of the pool. George Russell is out of contract at the end of next year. It would be foolish not to take that into consideration.

The RBR TP, knowing that he is stirring the pot because Wolff - supposedly committed to the 26-year-old Briton for the long term - has openly coveted Verstappen to replace Ferrari-bound Lewis Hamilton.

This may irk Russell, who next year welcomes rookie Kimi Antonelli into the team. So the logic is he will become the team leader with Sir Lewis in Red. But knowing that Wolff will take Verstappen at any time would be disconcerting.

Responding to Horner's comments, Wolff told reporters after Sunday's race at Marina Bay: “Christian is always trying to stir the sh!t up. It’s part of the game. George has been a Mercedes driver forever and hopefully will be forever.

“He’s learning, he’s constantly developing. That is a skill we have all admired with Lewis – although he’s this great champion, he is constantly developing as a human and as a racing driver.

“So yes, George has all he needs to step in the more senior role in the team and take the leadership when it maybe comes to technical decisions on set-ups that need to be taken. I have great confidence in him," insisted Wolff.