Wolff sees chance with Marko rumours: 'Have a good relationship with Max'

Toto Wolff sees things getting out of hand at his rivals Red Bull Racing. After qualifying, the Mercedes team boss reacted to Helmut Marko's possible departure. In addition, the Austrian could not resist a small dig at Red Bull Racing.

Marko caused a stir by stating ahead of qualifying in Saudi Arabia that he may be suspended. There is an internal investigation, and the Austrian is suspected of having leaked information to the media. Red Bull Racing denies that Marko has already been suspended but adds that Marko is part of Red Bull GmbH and not the race team.

"If the team gets rid of Marko, it will certainly be a loss for Red Bull and the team," Wolff told ORF. Wolff and Marko are certainly not best friends, but Wolff claims to have a lot of respect for the 'racer' Marko. Meanwhile, Wolff looks at Max Verstappen, who may be an option for Mercedes in 2025 due to all the turmoil at Red Bull.

Verstappen possibly to Mercedes?

"We have a free seat for 2025 and 2026, but Max will want to drive for the team with the fastest car, and that is Red Bull today. We have been talking to each other for 10 years, since Verstappen has been in Formula 1. I have a good relationship with Jos and also with Max, but that does not mean we also see a change professionally."

Speaking to Sky Germany, Wolff was also asked about Christian Horner. The Red Bull Racing team boss hopes to close the book on his investigation, while competitors would like transparency. So does Wolff, but who understands that Red Bull can make that choice itself.

''It is a private company, and if they state that they don't want to reveal anything, then so be it. I don't know if that makes it go away and how long it will haunt us. A transparent approach would have been my preference, but everyone does what they think is right,'' concludes Wolff.