Verstappen is on course to take his fourth world championship in as many seasons after winning four of the opening five rounds so far.

Wolff revealed for the first time that he would “love” to sign Verstappen.

The unrest at Red Bull has put Mercedes – seeking a replacement for Ferrari-bound Lewis Hamilton in 2025 – on red alert.

Verstappen cast doubt over his future when he claimed he will quit the world champions if motorsport adviser Helmut Marko is forced out.

Verstappen heads into Sunday’s race just one victory shy of the great Brazilian’s haul.

Max Verstappen has threatened to turn his back on Formula One if the sport’s bosses press ahead with plans to expand the number of sprint events

The Dutchman holds a slender one-point championship lead over his Red Bull team-mate ahead of the third race in Melbourne