Verstappen’s father, Jos, is expected to be back at the next round in Miami – his first paddock appearance since he took the pin out of the grenade by claiming in Bahrain that Red Bull would “explode” if Horner remained in his post.
Wolff added: “I don’t think that anyone can sell anything to Max, Jos and (Verstappen’s manager) Raymond (Vermeulen). It is a question of how they feel where the future is best for them, considering a lot of factors.”
However, Horner remained adamant that Verstappen, 26, would not quit a team that have failed to win only seven of the last 49 races.
“When did he (Wolff) say that (about Verstappen)?” he asked. “I don’t think Toto’s problems are his drivers. He has other elements he needs to focus on, rather than focusing on drivers that are unavailable.
“Mercedes are behind their customer teams at the moment. His time would be better spent focusing on the team than the driver market. Sometimes it is just designed to create noise.
“I can assure you that there is no ambiguity as to where Max Verstappen will be next year. I don’t know how many more times Max can say he is staying. Today we moved ahead of Mercedes in terms of races won in the modern era. So, the team is in form. Why on earth would you want to leave this team?”
Verstappen will head to the United States for round six with a 25-point lead over team-mate Sergio Perez, who finished third on Sunday.
McLaren’s Lando Norris split the Red Bull drivers following an impressive showing from the British driver, while Charles Leclerc and Carlos Sainz finished fourth and fifth respectively for Ferrari.
“I made a bet before the race as to how far behind the Ferrari drivers we would finish and I said ‘35 seconds’,” joked Norris after he recorded his best result of the season so far.
“I am surprised, but very happy. The team deserve it. Good day, good points and another podium. I am happy to be wrong about the bet.”
