The Pink Bull Workforce Principal hit out on the Mercedes driver for being “hysterical” on the Qatar Grand Prix, with Verstappen hit with a one-place demotion on the grid for blocking the Briton throughout qualifying.

And Wolff was left incensed by the comment and criticism of his driver, hitting again on a fiery Thursday at Yas Marina Circuit to label his colleague “a yapping little terrier”.

However Horner has laughed off the remark and claimed he would somewhat be a terrier than a wolf.

The bemusement reverberated throughout the paddock. It’s troublesome to not overemphasise the brutal response the cut-throat Formulation One circus – whether or not it’s media, ex-drivers or followers – had in September 2012 when, to the astonishment of everybody, Lewis Hamilton determined to go away McLaren for Mercedes.

Even the needs of his father and supervisor, Anthony, have been ignored. As Jeremy Clarkson put it so tactlessly on a 2012 episode of High Gear: “Is that not a bit like shifting from Manchester United to West Ham?” And sorry Hammers followers – it was not a praise.

But six world championships, 12 years and 84 grand prix victories later, Hamilton’s daring plunge into unchartered waters was his best-ever choice.

1. Max Verstappen – 429 factors (champion)

2. Lando Norris – 349 factors

3. Charles Leclerc – 341 factors

4. Oscar Piastri – 291 factors

5. Carlos Sainz – 272 factors

6. George Russell – 235 factors

7. Lewis Hamilton – 211 factors

8. Sergio Perez – 152 factors

9. Fernando Alonso – 68 factors

10. Nico Hulkenberg – 37 factors

11. Pierre Gasly – 36 factors

12. Yuki Tsunoda – 30 factors

13. Lance Stroll – 24 factors

14. Esteban Ocon – 23 factors

15. Kevin Magnussen – 16 factors

16. Alex Albon – 12 factors

17. Daniel Ricciardo – 12 factors

18. Ollie Bearman – 7 factors

19. Franco Colapinto – 5 factors

20. Zhou Guanyu – 4 factors

21. Liam Lawson – 4 factors

22. Valtteri Bottas – 0 factors

23. Logan Sargeant – 0 factors

F1 has signed a brand new five-year take care of the Chinese language Grand Prix, with the race staying on the calendar till 2030.

The Shanghai Worldwide Circuit solely returned to the schedule this yr after a five-year absence as a result of Covid pandemic.

It was additionally the primary yr the race had a house driver, with Zhou Guanyu showing in entrance of 200,000 followers. Nevertheless, the Sauber driver received’t be collaborating subsequent yr after he was dropped for 2025.

Nonetheless, the race – which first appeared in 2004 – has signed an extension, with the game’s fanbase in China climbing to over 150 million folks.

Sergio Perez seems to be set to be on the best way out from Formulation One and Pink Bull after a torrid 2024 marketing campaign.

Varied experiences after Sunday’s race in Qatar state that Pink Bull are set to maneuver on from the 34-year-old after the season finale in Abu Dhabi this weekend, regardless of a contract which lasts till the top of the 2025 F1 season.

However who’s the main candidate to switch Perez at Pink Bull? Will Christian Horner look inside the staff’s wider ecosystem or additional afield on the grid?

The Unbiased takes a have a look at the candidates to switch Perez at Pink Bull:

“If you happen to take as we speak, undoubtedly Charles, he’ll be on an identical stage to George, the following stage, and Lewis is simply struggling in the intervening time and we do not know why.

“Right this moment, Charles will beat him like George, however Lewis is the best of all time and might get again to his greatest and ought to be barely forward of Charles by the top of the yr.”

“Max is a really straight-shooter. He tells the reality precisely what he feels,” Horner mentioned on the staff principals’ press convention.

“I imagine 100 per cent what he mentioned to be correct.

“Lots has been product of it yesterday, it’s pantomime season, we’re preparing for Christmas so perhaps there is a component of end-of-term blues there.

“I don’t suppose it’s going to have any impact on the grand prix itself.”

Verstappen, 27, and girlfriend Piquet, 35, have introduced that they’re anticipating their first baby collectively!

They captioned a joint publish on Instagram: “Mini Verstappen-Piquet on the best way.

“We couldn’t be happier with our little miracle.”