Marko blasts Wolff over ‘annoying’ Mercedes rumours

Helmut Marko has poured cold water on the swirling speculation about Max Verstappen jumping ship to Mercedes, branding the idea as “nonsensical” and pinning the blame squarely on Toto Wolff for keeping the chatter alive.

The Red Bull advisor didn’t mince words in a recent chat with German outlet Auto Motor und Sport, insisting that Wolff’s repeated public flirtations with the Dutch driver are the main spark behind the rumors. “Toto is stirring it up,” Marko said, pointing out that Verstappen remains firmly tied to Red Bull with a contract running until 2028.

This comes amid a backdrop of Red Bull’s on-track wobbles this season, which have only amplified questions about Verstappen’s long-term plans. Yet Marko remains unfazed, highlighting the three-time world champion’s loyalty and the team’s ongoing efforts to regain their edge.

For Mercedes, the driver puzzle is still unsolved beyond 2025. With Lewis Hamilton set to switch to Ferrari and George Russell holding his seat, Wolff has openly mused about big-name targets, but recent reports suggest no formal talks have happened with Verstappen for a 2026 move.

Marko, ever the straight-talker, dismissed any notion of secret meetings or backchannel deals, echoing sentiments from earlier in the year when similar whispers surfaced before the British Grand Prix. “Max hasn’t signed anything with them, and he can’t anyway,” he added, underlining the ironclad nature of Verstappen’s deal.

As the 2025 season heats up, with Red Bull fighting to defend their constructors’ crown against a resurgent Mercedes and McLaren, this latest exchange keeps the driver market drama bubbling. But for now, Verstappen looks set to stay put, focused on adding to his tally of wins rather than entertaining transfer tales.