Marko on Verstappen and Wolff rumours: "Can meet whoever he wants!"

12:09, 19 Jul

Updated: 12:26, 19 Jul

Co-author:Kada Sárközi

byNicole Mulder

Helmut Marko is not worried about the rumours of a possible secret meeting – which, as GPblog reported, did NOT take place – between Max Verstappen and Mercedes team boss Toto Wolff. According to the Red Bull advisor, his driver is free to talk to anyone and the Austrian racing team continues to trust that Verstappen will stay.

Marko responds to rumors about Verstappen and Wolff

In an interview with the Austrian medium oe24, Marko was asked about an rumoured meeting between Verstappen and Wolff.

The two were in Sardinia at the same time — both with a private jet and yacht — which led to speculation about a possible meeting regarding a future move to Mercedes.

Marko emphatically dismisses that suggestion. “Max is allowed to meet with whoever he wants,” he says.

GPblog could report that a conversation between Verstappen and Wolff did not take place on the island. Asked whether such rumours concern him, Marko remained calm. “We have a valid contract until 2028,” he stressed. “And we assume that Max stays with us.”

Marko had already made it clear that the much-discussed performance clause in Verstappen's contract is currently not in effect. However, German media suggested that Red Bull would let the Dutchman go if he wished to leave. Verstappen, for his part, has always made it clear that he prefers to stay with the Austrian side.