Wolff repeatedly calling the Verstappens is news to Max!

Max Verstappen says he's never been on the receiving end of any phone calls from Mercedes boss Toto Wolff, and neither has his father, contrary to claims made by Helmut Marko.

Reports emerged in the media last week - fueled by Marko's comments - about Mercedes keeping tabs on Verstappen and being ready to pounce on the Dutchman if Red Bull Racing fails to live up to his expectations.

"Toto Wolff has called him and his father Jos repeatedly in the past months," Marko reportedly told Germany's Auto Bild.

Mercedes keeping tabs on Verstappen… just in case

If Wolff did indeed put in a few calls to Jos or Max Verstappen recently, father and son's phones were apparently switched off!

"I was surprised when I read that because first of all I never speak to Toto," Verstappen said.

"He never calls me. He doesn’t even have my number. So I found it funny."

The 21-year-old is theoretically contracted to Red Bull until the end of 2020, but it is understood that a specific performance clause - if unfulfilled - could allow Verstappen to move on at the end of the current season.

"I cannot talk about my contract," he said.

"I never talk about the contract, I think it’s quite normal."

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Phillip van Osten

Motor racing was a backdrop from the outset in Phillip van Osten's life. Born in Southern California, Phillip grew up with the sights and sounds of fast cars thanks to his father, Dick van Osten, an editor and writer for Auto Speed and Sport and Motor Trend. Phillip's passion for racing grew even more when his family moved to Europe and he became acquainted with the extraordinary world of Grand Prix racing. He was an early contributor to the monthly French F1i Magazine, often providing a historic or business perspective on Formula 1's affairs. In 2012, he co-authored along with fellow journalist Pierre Van Vliet the English-language adaptation of a limited edition book devoted to the great Belgian driver Jacky Ickx. He also authored "The American Legacy in Formula 1", a book which recounts the trials and tribulations of American drivers in Grand Prix racing. Phillip is also a commentator for Belgian broadcaster Be.TV for the US Indycar series.