Did Marko speak to Verstappen about Mercedes switch? This is his answer!

Helmut Marko kept a fairly low profile from his part. OE24 asked the advisor whether Max Verstappen had spoken to him about a switch to Mercedes. "We keep that internal. You should not expect a serious answer from me on that," the Red Bull Racing external advisor said, immediately cutting the subject short.

It was to be expected: as soon as Formula 1 set foot in Melbourne, the requisite (sensational) stories about Christian Horner, Max Verstappen, Helmut Marko and the entire Red Bull Racing team would once again appear. Apparently, however, it was also agreed that everyone involved - at least on the record - would try to refrain from commenting on the internal problems as much as possible.

This does not always succeed. Indeed, Marko was also asked whether he will still be present at all 24 Grands Prix this season. His answer did not suggest that things were rosy again within Red Bull Racing. Indeed, not for the first time, Marko gave an answer that could give rise to speculation: "I have it booked, but that doesn't mean much yet," Marko told us.

In any case, the Austrian is indeed in Australia, where the third Grand Prix of the season is being finished. That Marko would travel to Down Under was briefly uncertain on the weekend of the Saudi Grand Prix. Indeed, the former driver himself had reported possible suspension by Red Bull GmbH. Partly after interference from Max Verstappen ('If Helmut's gone, I'm gone'), it was reported by Marko on the Saturday of the race that he would 'just' be in Melbourne.