Toto Wolff has denied that his public courting of Max Verstappen played a role in the sacking of Christian Horner, insisting that there was 'much more in the background' that led to the 51-year-old's dismissal. The long-serving Red Bull boss was relieved of his duties ahead of the Belgian Grand Prix.

When Red Bull confirmed Horner's exit, they made no mention of a reason for the decision. Since then, reports have alleged that a number of factors contributed to his departure, but chief among them were fears regarding the future of star driver Verstappen, who was heavily linked with a move to Mercedes. The team principal's tense relations with the Dutchman's entourage also reportedly worked against the long-serving boss.

Ahead of the sprint shootout at the Belgian Grand Prix, Wolff was asked by Sky Sports F1 reporter Martin Brundle whether or not his public chase for Verstappen caused his long-time rival's sacking. "No," he replied emphatically.

"There is much more in the background that we probably don't know with Red Bull. Looking after drivers, in my position as team principal of Mercedes, I need to explore what Max is going to do in the next few years, not only next year."

Wolff was then asked whether Horner's exit would impact Verstappen's decision about his future. "I think drivers will always seek the quickest car, much more than any monetary incentives," he continued. "It's about the quickest car and analysing that. That's what Max and all the others will do."

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This sentiment was backed up by Verstappen on Thursday. The four-time world champion, who is still yet to categorically deny that a move to Mercedes could take place, insisted that Horner's departure is not affecting his decision-making process.

"No, it doesn't really," Verstappen explained. "People can have a difference of opinion, and I expect that to happen, because if everyone agrees, there is a problem. You need to have differences in opinion.

"Now we will work in a different direction, and I am excited about it, and I don't think it will matter at all for the decision over my future. The only thing that matters is that we work on the car and make it as fast as we can, and try and be more competitive this year, a little bit, but for sure with the new regulations."