Yesterday at 16:24
Red Bull motorsport advisor Helmut Marko has remained tight-lipped
on Max Verstappen potentially leaving the outfit. It has been a
challenging season for Red Bull, who parted ways last week with
Christian Horner after over 20 years working together. Laurent
Mekies has been promoted from Racing Bulls to replace Horner as
team principal and CEO, marking the biggest challenge of his
career. Red Bull finds itself fourth in the constructors'
standings and with Verstappen being increasingly linked to a shock
move to Mercedes, whilst Yuki Tsunoda is struggling for points.
According to Marko, Verstappen was aware of the decision for Horner
to be axed; however, the 82-year-old was eager not to discuss the
topic in any detail. "Max was certainly informed about that, but
beyond that I don't want to say anything about that," Marko told
OE24 . For Mekies, his biggest task is to keep Verstappen with the
Milton Keynes-based outfit. Rumours circulated that the four-time
world champion had met Toto Wolff in Sardinia, with the pair's
yachts having been spotted alongside each other in a port. Whilst
it has been confirmed by Wolff that talks with the Dutchman have
taken place, Red Bull and Verstappen's camp are remaining quiet on
the matter. "Max can meet up with whoever he wants," Marko
insisted. Marko stressed that its star driver remains under
contract until the end of 2028, and that the team is assuming the
27-year-old will stay. "We have a contract that is still valid
until 2028, and we just assume that Max will stay with us for that
time," added Marko.
