Since 2021, Red Bull’s star driver, Max Verstappen, has been dominating the racing circuit. The Dutchman has won three consecutive world championships and aims for his fourth in 2024. Despite Lando Norris ending his winning streak at the Miami GP, the reigning world champion still leads the points table. The rumor that Verstappen had considered a move to Mercedes earlier caused a stir in the F1 community. However, both Verstappen and Toto Wolff, Mercedes’ team principal, denied any such meeting. Yet, speculation about Verstappen potentially transferring to Mercedes still exists. Wolff hasn’t dismissed the possibility of this dream transfer as he seeks a replacement for Lewis Hamilton.
However, Verstappen might stay with the Red Bulls, as the team is reigning in F1. During a media interaction, Red Bull advisor Helmut Marko smacked all the rumors and confirmed that the Dutchman will stay at Milton Keynes for the upcoming seasons.
‘Max Verstappen Wants To Drive For Red Bull,’ Says Helmut Marko
Though 2023 was Red Bull’s year of triumph, 2024 has brought about uncertainty. The team has faced scrutiny due to internal turmoil since the beginning of this season. Adrian Newey’s recent departure is reportedly due to this power struggle. Additionally, when Christian Horner got involved in a sexual misconduct case, Jos Verstappen, Max’s father, warned of a possible fallout. Even Helmut Marko’s position was in jeopardy during the Jeddah race weekend. Amidst this escalating internal conflict, Mercedes is eyeing Red Bull’s star, Max Verstappen. Toto Wolff has openly expressed his desire for Verstappen to join Mercedes. Helmut Marko could potentially assist Wolff in acquiring the star racer. Marko, a close ally of Verstappen, has been with the Dutchman since 2015. Furthermore, Verstappen’s contract states that he can only leave if Marko resigns.
However, all the rumors and noises disappeared, at least for now, with Helmut Marko confirming Verstappen’s future. During an interaction with oe24, Marko clarified that the reigning world champion’s priority list is set. Verstappen is inclined towards driving for a high-performing team like Red Bull. Whital, the F1 world is highly unpredictable. Verstappen has stated that he plans for a short yet exciting Formula One career, unlike Fernando Alonso or Lewis Hamilton. Therefore, the Dutchman would want to stay with the best team before calling it off. However, if Red Bull fails to perform, he won’t hesitate to make a move.
Helmut Marko Feels Lando Norris Is ‘Not A Threat’ For Verstappen’s Fourth World Title Glory
To everyone’s shock, Lando Norris defeated the three-time world champion during the Miami GP. His exceptional performance attracted experts’ opinions, who considered Norris the top world championship contender.
However, Helmut Marko has dismissed the claims and felt that the Englishman was not a threat to Verstappen. While Norris and McLaren constantly improve, the gap between him and the reigning world champion is over 50 points. Therefore, Marko is confident that the Dutchman will clinch his fourth consecutive title.
