09/07/2025 06:30
Helmut Marko has suggested talks could be taking place between Max
Verstappen and Mercedes. In recent weeks, Verstappen has failed to
nail his F1 future to the Red Bull squad as rumours over potential
performance clauses allowing him to exit the team have emerged.
Mercedes team principal Toto Wolff, who has long held an interest
in signing Verstappen, has yet to officially declare his driver
line-up for next year, with George Russell and Kimi Antonelli both
out of contract. It has led to speculation that Mercedes is holding
out for the possibility of signing Verstappen as the sport enters a
new era under revised technical regulations in 2026. Marko has
suggested the two parties could be in conversation, although he is
confident there is no move yet in the works. "He could be having
talks, but there are no current developments," Marko told oe24 .
When asked if he was unworried as none of the exit clauses are in
effect, Marko added: "That's exactly right." Verstappen endured a
difficult British Grand Prix during which he struggled to keep his
RB21 on the road at times. After finishing fifth whilst McLaren
drivers Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri crossed the line in first
and second, Marko conceded that Verstappen is no longer a factor in
the title fight. "The world championship is over," he said. "It's
now just between Norris and Piastri, although Norris has made an
impressive comeback with two sensational races."
