Toto Wolff has played down the controversy about his phone call to Max Verstappen’s father.
Red Bull chiefs Helmut Marko and Christian Horner lashed out as they revealed the Mercedes chief had phoned former F1 driver Jos Verstappen to urge his son against intervening in the title fight between Nico Rosberg and Lewis Hamilton.
Marko told Wolff’s Mercedes colleague Niki Lauda: "Your drivers should have their own race at 11am if they want no other cars on the track."
Wolff confirmed he made the call, but argued he is free to phone whoever he wants.
"Yes, we talked on the phone," he told Bild newspaper. "Just as we often do.
"We have known and understood each other for a long time. I called Jos and the main message was that I think it’s better for Max if he (Jos) is back at the races," Wolff added.
Wolff also confirmed that he and Verstappen snr discussed the 19-year-old’s recent controversies and the Mercedes title fight.
But Max himself also played down the saga.
"The whole story has been overblown," the young Dutchman is quoted by Auto Motor und Sport.
Jos also confirmed the call took place, but did not want to comment.
Wolff continued: "In large letters, I regret nothing.
"I’ve known the family for a long time, I like them and I’ll call whoever I want.
"I had a very good chat with Jos, as I have on several other occasions, about racing, drivers, young talent, even his daughter in karting. I’ve even had them for dinner at my house. So I don’t understand all this nonsense," he added.