Red Bull advisor Helmut Marko is the latest in a long line of F1 figures to share his thoughts on the ongoing rumors about Max Verstappen. The rumor that the Dutchman is considering a move to Mercedes resurfaced after comments made by George Russell in Austria. However, according to the advisor, there is one very important reason why Verstappen will not leave: ‘He has a lot of freedom with us.’
Although the rumors about a possible move from Max Verstappen to Mercedes have never completely disappeared, it has once again become the topic of conversation during the Austrian GP. George Russell confirmed in Spielberg that Mercedes is indeed talking to the four-time world champion. However, Mercedes team boss Toto Wolff remains tight-lipped about any discussions, and Red Bull’s Christian Horner dismisses the rumors as ‘noise’.
The reactions were not limited to the team bosses, as advisor Helmut Marko also responded to Russell’s claim. “We can’t really take this seriously. Russell just talks too much,” the Austrian had previously said. Marko now adds to his earlier statement with the reason why a move from Verstappen to rival Mercedes is not at all logical.
Greater Freedom
“This story that everyone wants to sign Max is getting a bit boring,” Marko tells Sky Italia after qualifying in Austria. “He has a contract with us until 2028, and as long as we give him a competitive car, there is no reason why he would want to leave. With us, he also has a lot of freedom, which he would not have at Mercedes.”
