Helmut Marko claims: Max Verstappen can talk to whoever he wants

Helmut Marko, the famous sports consultant of the Austrian Red Bull team, has calmed down recent speculation about the possible departure of their star, the four-time world champion, from the team. Although information appeared in the media that the impressive driver was meeting with Mercedes boss Toto Wolff, Marko sees no reason to worry.

Recently, due to the problems that the Milton Keynes team has been experiencing, rumors have emerged about the young Dutchman moving to Mercedes. Toto Wolff, on the other hand, confirmed that he had spoken to the 26-year-old driver, but there is no official confirmation of a possible transfer yet.

After the British Grand Prix, speculation increased further because Max, according to rumors, had a meeting with Wolff in Sardinia. When asked about this, the Red Bull sports consultant told OE24:

“Max can meet with whoever he wants.”

Contract and future

When asked if he was concerned by such information, Marko added:

“We have a valid contract [until 2028] and we assume that Max will stay with us.”

On the other hand, Wolff has previously stated that they are currently happy with the current drivers, 25-year-old George Russell and 32-year-old Andrea Kimi Antonelli.

“I think given the situation we have with Kimi and George, we have the perfect driver line-up that we like and see the future in,” he told Sky Sports F1.

“But, at the same time, there is a four-time world champion who has to decide what he will do in the future, and as a team boss, you have to follow how that develops.”

For now, it seems that the 26-year-old Max is staying loyal to Red Bull, but news from the world of Formula 1 can always surprise.

The Dutch driver has been associated with some of the teams for years, but it seems that his loyalty to the Austrian team is stronger than ever. However, if Red Bull does not provide him with the foundations for success, there is no doubt that Verstappen will look for happiness elsewhere.