Mercedes Formula 1 boss Toto Wolff has teased that Red Bull advisor Helmut Marko would be welcome amid rumours linking Max Verstappen with the team.
Despite Red Bull’s ongoing F1 dominance, Verstappen’s future has been speculated amid the fallout from the investigation into Team Principal Christian Horner.
Although Horner was cleared from allegations of inappropriate behaviour, Max’s father, Jos, declared his continued presence in charge could “tear apart” the side.
Reports had emerged during the Saudi Arabian Grand Prix weekend that Marko could be the subject of a probe from the parent Red Bull company over media leaks.
Marko, 80, told ORF that a departure is a “theoretical possibility” before adding that “everything has to be right for me to want to continue working” within Red Bull.
The Austrian has fronted Red Bull’s driver development programme since 1999 and was responsible for ushering Verstappen into Red Bull’s F1 ranks at the age of 17.
When asked about those comments, Verstappen outlined his unwavering commitment to Marko, stating: “It’s important that he stays part of the team also for me.”
Amid the close relationship between Marko and the Verstappen camp, Wolff has suggested that the stalwart talent spotter could fill the void of the late Niki Lauda.
Lauda contributed an integral amount to Mercedes’ record success between 2014 and 2021, having enticed Lewis Hamilton to leave McLaren for the marque in 2012.
“We’re missing our old mascot anyway. Then we’ll just take Helmut. He’s the right age. He doesn’t have a red cap, but then he’ll come to us,” Wolff remarked.
On a more serious note, Wolff admitted that Marko vacating his position within the Red Bull operation would represent a substantial loss for the reigning champions.
“Helmut is not a child of sadness and was – or is – our favourite enemy. But he is a real racer,” he added.
“If the team loses Helmut, it will certainly be a loss for Red Bull and for the team.”
Verstappen Sr was pictured speaking with Wolff following the Bahrain Grand Prix and it has been reported that the pair also had dinner earlier in that weekend.
However, the Mercedes Team Principal and CEO denies that it is a definite sign that he is making an approach to poach the defending champion from Red Bull.
“We have been talking to each other for 10 years, ever since Max has been in Formula 1. I have a good relationship with Jos and also with Max,” he admitted.
“But that doesn’t mean that you would see a change on the professional side in the short term.”
Mercedes has an open seat for 2025 amid Lewis Hamilton’s switch to Ferrari, but Wolff reiterated that Verstappen will prioritise having a competitive package.
Pressed on the speculation in Jeddah, the Dutchman confirmed that his intention was to complete his current blockbuster Red Bull deal that goes through 2028.
“We have a seat available in 2025 and 2026. Max will drive where there is the fastest car, and today that is the Red Bull,” Wolff conceded.
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