Max factor tempted Toto

TOTO WOLFF insisted he was right to try and tempt Max Verstappen to Mercedes - but is now happy to secure George Russell’s future with the Formula One team.

- by SIMON CASS

Verstappen confirmed he would stay with Red Bull ahead of last weekend's Hungarian Grand Prix, putting to an end speculation that he could make a sensational move to rivals Mercedes.

Team boss Wolff made little secret of their desire to sign the four-time world champion, which heightened talk that Russell, who is out of contract at the end of this season, could lose his seat.