In the midst of escalating transfer rumors surrounding Max Verstappen, former driver Christijan Albers believes that rival team bosses are seizing the opportunity to destabilize Red Bull. According to him, Zak Brown and Toto Wolff are adding fuel to the fire, particularly to make life difficult for Christian Horner. Despite Red Bull’s inconsistent first half of the season, the team remains a serious threat thanks to Verstappen.
Rumors that Max Verstappen might move to Mercedes next season flared up during the race weekend in Austria. The alleged negotiations between Verstappen and Toto Wolff are also the talk of the day in Silverstone. Although the Dutchman is under contract with Red Bull until the end of 2028, there are said to be various exit clauses that would allow him to terminate the collaboration prematurely.
‘Brown and Wolff are adding fuel to the fire’
Zak Brown and Toto Wolff made their voices heard again in Silverstone, further fueling speculation. “Where there’s smoke, there’s fire, I’m convinced of that,” Brown told Sky Sports. “If everyone was going to stay with their own team, they would have confirmed it by now. The fact that everyone is talking about it and no one is denying anything tells me that there are discussions going on. I said before that I wouldn’t be surprised if Verstappen ends up in a Mercedes.”Toto Wolff has done little to quell the rumors. “People talk, people explore – the most important thing is that we are transparent within our organization,” the Austrian declared to the press in Silverstone. Christijan Albers suspects that Wolff and Brown are primarily enjoying teasing Horner. “Those two, Zak Brown and Toto Wolff, are deliberately fanning the flames,” Albers said during a broadcast on Viaplay. “Their only goal is to make Horner’s life as difficult as possible, especially in England.”
“Brown can say more than Wolff, because he is a bit further from the fire,” Albers explained. “He doesn’t worry about it, but he can lend a hand. Moreover, McLaren drives with a Mercedes engine, so they will always support them.” Horner, in turn, did his best to calm the situation. “It is inevitable that there will be speculation,” he said during a press conference. “But the most important thing is that there is clarity between Max Verstappen and the team.”
