Red Bull’s Marko Fires Shots at Mercedes Boss Wolff Over Verstappen Rumors
In a heated exchange of words, Red Bull’s senior advisor, Helmut Marko, has taken aim at Mercedes boss Toto Wolff, accusing him of fueling rumors about Max Verstappen potentially moving to Mercedes. Marko dismissed the idea as “nonsensical,” emphasizing that Verstappen will not be leaving Red Bull for any team in F1 2026.
The speculations about Verstappen’s future intensified when current Mercedes driver George Russell hinted at ongoing talks between Verstappen and Mercedes. Despite the swirling rumors, Red Bull is determined to retain their star driver for the upcoming F1 2026 season, while Russell is reportedly closing in on a new multi-year deal with Mercedes.
The rumors were further fueled by a performance-related exit clause in Verstappen’s contract, which was believed to be triggered if he fell to fourth place or lower in the Drivers’ Championship. However, with Verstappen currently holding a 28-point lead over P4 Russell before the Hungarian Grand Prix, it seems unlikely that the clause will come into play this year.
Marko expressed his relief that the Verstappen saga will not be a topic of discussion moving forward, taking a swipe at Wolff for adding unnecessary drama. With the 2026 F1 season on the horizon and significant regulation changes looming, Marko advised Verstappen to assess the landscape carefully before making any decisions.
As Red Bull gears up to introduce the Red Bull Powertrains-Ford engine in 2026, following Honda’s switch to Aston Martin, the dynamics of the sport are set to undergo a major shift. Marko emphasized the importance of considering all factors before making a move in such a pivotal moment for Formula 1.
Verstappen remains under contract with Red Bull until the end of 2028, solidifying his commitment to the team amidst swirling speculations. The stage is set for a thrilling 2026 season, with teams and drivers bracing for a new era in Formula 1.
Don’t miss out on the latest developments in the Verstappen-Mercedes saga and stay tuned for more updates as the F1 landscape continues to evolve.
