Helmut Marko Clarifies Max Verstappen’s Future at Red Bull Racing

According to OE24, Red Bull Racing executive adviser Helmut Marko has dismissed speculation about Max Verstappen’s possible move to Mercedes team.

Responding to rumors about Verstappen’s meeting with Mercedes boss Toto Wolff in Sardinia after the British GP, Marko stated:

“Max can meet with whomever he wants.”

Marko firmly added:

“We have a valid contract [until 2028] and we assume Max will stay with us.”

Toto Wolff previously acknowledged that while Mercedes is satisfied with their current drivers — George Russell and Andrea Kimi Antonelli — he couldn’t ignore the opportunity to acquire a four-time world champion. However, Wolff assessed the probability of Verstappen’s move as “very small.”

Regarding speculation that Verstappen’s management, including his father Jos, may have influenced Christian Horner’s departure from his position as Red Bull Racing CEO and team principal, Marko only briefly commented that Verstappen had been informed about the situation.