Red Bull have firmly dismissed swirling rumours linking their star driver, Max Verstappen, with a sensational switch to rivals Mercedes.
The team’s adviser, Helmut Marko, has expressed frustration at the persistent speculation surrounding the four-time world champion, who remains under contract until 2028.
The 82-year-old Austrian, speaking to Kleine Zeitung, said, “He hasn’t signed and he can’t. It’s just getting annoying now. The same questions keep coming up, and we keep giving the same answers, because nothing has changed.”
Speculation intensified following George Russell’s claim during the Austrian Grand Prix weekend that Verstappen’s camp had held talks with Mercedes. The rumour mill gained further traction ahead of the British Grand Prix, with reports suggesting Mercedes had deepened discussions with the 27-year-old Dutchman.
However, Marko has reiterated that Verstappen’s contract, which reportedly includes a clause allowing an exit only if he falls outside the top three in the drivers’ standings by the summer break, keeps him firmly with Red Bull.
Team principal Christian Horner has previously said he would not block Verstappen’s departure if the driver wished to leave, but Red Bull’s focus remains on retaining their championship leader. Verstappen, alongside Horner and Mercedes boss Toto Wolff, faced repeated questions on the matter at the Red Bull Ring, yet all parties have downplayed any imminent move.
Compounding Red Bull’s challenges are their struggles with their second driver seat, which have hampered their constructors’ championship campaign. Yuki Tsunoda, who replaced Liam Lawson after just two races this season, has scored only seven points in nine rounds.
The RB21’s tricky handling has exposed Tsunoda’s difficulties, prompting speculation that Red Bull might turn to a third driver this season, potentially reaching their four-driver limit across both cars.
Marko, however, has dismissed such a move, saying, “The plan is for him to finish the season; nothing has changed about that. We don’t have any alternative. We’ve had discussions with him, including with the engineering team. He was completely out of sorts in Spielberg. We want to stabilise him and not set up the car so harshly towards Max.”
As Red Bull navigate these dual challenges, the Formula 1 circus heads to Silverstone for the British Grand Prix. The 52-lap race around the 5.891-kilometre circuit on Sunday, 6 July, promises high stakes as teams battle for supremacy in both championships.
