Red Bull Formula 1 advisor Helmut Marko suggests that past “accusations” will prevent Mercedes from replacing Ferrari-bound Lewis Hamilton with Max Verstappen.
The shock announcement last week that Hamilton has negotiated a switch to Ferrari for 2025 has left Mercedes with the conundrum of a vacancy in its driver line-up.
Mercedes boss Toto Wolff hinted that the timing had stung the team with several top drivers locked down, but he did hint that contracts could be broken in some cases.
“Contracts are only as good as the driver or the teams want to race and who knows what’s happening in the driver market that could be unexpected or opportunities for us.”
Verstappen is tied to Red Bull through 2028 but failed to rule out a future switch to Mercedes, stating: “If a team wants me in such a situation, they will also go for you and I think you can slightly adjust certain things.”
However, Marko has clarified that Verstappen still holds a grudge over comments made against him when Red Bull was embroiled in an intense title battle with Mercedes prior to its recent dominance.
When asked whether Verstappen could be tempted to move to Mercedes if Wolff approached him, Marko told Sport.de: “Toto will try, but he will not be successful.
“Max has a good memory and has not forgotten Mercedes’ accusations. The crash at Silverstone in 2021 and the season finale in Abu Dhabi are examples of this.”
Meanwhile, Marko is convinced that Hamilton’s impending transfer to Ferrari represents “the best thing that could have happened to Formula 1 at the moment.”
The Austrian, 80, believes that the seven-time champion has been inspired to embark upon pastures new amid Mercedes’ struggles under the latest regulation cycle.
“There are two reasons for it: the fascination with Ferrari and that Hamilton no longer has confidence in Mercedes,” Marko continued.
“[Charles] Leclerc has an advantage when it comes to one lap. Hamilton, however, is stronger over a full year and will assert himself politically as Ferrari’s global superstar.”
Marko also has contended that Ferrari’s successful pursuit of Hamilton could sour the long-standing relations between Wolff and Ferrari Team Principal Frederic Vasseur.
“I think this transfer will strain the friendly relationship between Wolff and Fred Vasseur [Ferrari Team Principal],” he commented. “Wolff has actually always promoted Vasseur in Formula 2, and now this.”
But Wolff has denied that could be the case, insisting that he accepts Vasseur has acted in the interests of achieving Ferrari’s goals.
“I’ve got great respect for Fred, not only as a racing manager but also as a long-time friend,” he addressed. “When he took the role at Ferrari it was clear that he needed to do the best he can for Ferrari and use the opportunity in order to do that.
“There is no bad feeling towards Fred and trying to get the best employees, the best drivers, so that has no effect on the relationship.
“It is a tough competition, it is a cutthroat environment and as much as I try to do the best for our group, he will do that for Ferrari.”
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