Marko unfazed by Verstappen's reported Mercedes talks

Jul.21 (GMM)  Dr Helmut Marko appeared either relaxed or deliberately noncommittal when pressed on swirling speculation about Max Verstappen’s possible move to Mercedes.

According to Sport Bild in Germany, the 82-year-old Marko—long seen as the architect of Red Bull's F1 talent machine—has re-emerged as a powerful force within the organisation, following a prolonged internal struggle and the sensational mid-season dismissal of Christian Horner as team boss.

“Marko is once again more powerful than he has been in years,” the publication reported, outlining how Horner had systematically sidelined Marko after the 2022 passing of Red Bull founder Dietrich Mateschitz. “Now Marko is back in charge – and with him, Verstappen.”

Supporting this, a source close to Horner’s family told The Sun in the UK: “It was a targeted attack for control of the race team because Red Bull's Austrian HQ didn’t like a British man running their race team.”

Amid the leadership shake-up, intense attention has returned to Verstappen’s future. Wild rumours emerged suggesting that the Dutch driver and Mercedes boss Toto Wolff had docked their yachts near each other in Sardinia—fueling speculation of a secret meeting to discuss a potential 2026 contract signing.

When asked by Austria’s Österreich newspaper if he’d spoken to Verstappen since Horner’s ousting, Marko responded: “Max was informed. I don’t want to say anything more about that.”

Pressed further about the Sardinia rendezvous rumour, Marko was unfazed: “Max can meet with whoever he wants. We have a valid contract and we assume Max will stay with us.”

Still, even those close to Verstappen acknowledge talks may be underway. Nelson Piquet Jr.—whose sister Kelly recently had a baby with Verstappen—said it’s “obvious” the Dutchman and Mercedes are in negotiations.

Dutch racing driver Jeroen Bleekemolen also weighed in, telling NOS: “I would make the switch. The last time new engines came in, in 2014, Mercedes nailed it. They dominated F1 for years. It makes sense to want to drive for them with those new cars.”

Despite the uncertainty, Red Bull remains focused on its 2025 title hopes—likely part of the effort to prove to Verstappen the team can still deliver.

“There are still 332 points up for grabs, which is a decent amount,” said Marko. “We hope the updates we’re bringing to Spa and Budapest will have an impact.”

He conceded, however, that a poor result at Spa could be catastrophic for their championship campaign. “That’s to be expected,” Marko admitted.

Finally, he dismissed reports that Sebastian Vettel is being lined up to replace him in his senior advisor role at Red Bull.

“That’s not an issue, and it won’t be an issue.”]]>