F1 News
Marko rejects Wolff in advance: 'Forget coming for Verstappen!'
- Ludo van Denderen
Every Formula 1 team wants to employ the best driver. No one will deny that this is currently Max Verstappen. Red Bull Racing has the Dutchman under contract until the end of 2028, but it is certainly not out of the question, according to advisor Helmut Marko, for Toto Wolff to make an attempt to recruit Verstappen as Lewis Hamilton's replacement.
Marko told sport.de he is preparing for Mercedes to contact him about a transfer for Verstappen after Hamilton's sudden departure to Ferrari. "Toto Wolff will try, but he will not succeed," the 80-year-old informed. According to Marko, Verstappen has "a good memory" and has not forgotten the war of words after the incident with Hamilton at Silverstone in 2021. Marko also mentions the way the same season ended in Abu Dhabi - in Verstappen's favour and the fuss Mercedes made about it at the time.
Red Bull to continue with Verstappen and Perez?
Marko - who is known as the biggest critic of Sergio Perez - incidentally does not rule out the Mexican staying in Austrian service beyond next season. The vice-world champion's contract expires in December. Speaking to the website, Marko says it is "very possible" that the driving duo of Verstappen and Perez will also be active on F1 circuits in 2025.
However, according to Peter Windsor, who comments on Formula 1 via YouTube, it is '90 per cent' certain that Alex Albon will relieve Perez as Verstappen's teammate after this season. Marko, however, does not mention Albon's name in the interview with the German site.