Mercedes monitoring Verstappen situation at Red Bull

Mercedes could make an incredible swoop for Max Verstappen, that is according to Red Bull motorsport advisor Dr Helmut Marko.

The young Dutchman has taken Formula 1 by storm since joining, short of challenging for a world championship. With five race victories already to his name, it is no doubt he will be seeking a car that is capable of winning a world title with him at the wheel.

While Red Bull has made the ambitious switch to Honda power in the hopes of delivering him a faster car, there have been other potential suitors sniffing around.

Speaking to Auto Bild, Marko revealed that Mercedes has made prior contact with Verstappen and his father Jos about a potential switch to Mercedes after 2020.

"Toto Wolff has called him and his father Jos Already for months, but I'm relaxed, the performance clause in Max's contract should be safe and he feels comfortable with us, and if we provide him with championship-worthy material, I'm not worried, he'll stay."

The picture surrounding the second seat at Mercedes is a blurry one, with Valtteri Bottas looking to turn his past fortunes around with a no-nonsense 2019 with Mercedes junior driver Esteban Ocon also waiting in the wings should an opportunity arise.