Helmut Marko: Mercedes have caused driver uncertainty

The head of Red Bull’s driver development programme has blamed Mercedes and Toto Wolff for causing uncertainty in the driver market.

Two of the most talented drivers on this year’s grid are out of contract, with Lewis Hamilton and Daniel Ricciardo entering the final year of their current deals with Mercedes and Red Bull respectively.

Both Ricciardo and Hamilton have said that contract negotiations are under way, but there is still no confirmation looking likely soon, so speculation is still up in the air.

Marko said: “This was Toto’s mistake. He made an attempt to lure Sebastian Vettel and the Max Verstappen but both rejected the offer. This prompted Lewis to raise his price.”

It has been reported that Hamilton is demanding a salary of $60 million.

Marko continued: “We would never pay such money.