Helmut Marko expressed his expectation that Mercedes might reach out to Max Verstappen amid the ongoing upheaval surrounding Red Bull Racing.
The controversy surrounding Horner, the team principal of Red Bull Racing, has cast a shadow not only over his own future but also over the entire team.
An internal investigation initiated by Red Bull GmbH recently cleared Horner of allegations of misconduct involving a female team member.
However, subsequent events in Bahrain, including the leak of a potentially damaging dossier to senior F1 personnel and public statements by Jos Verstappen advocating for Horner’s removal, continue to cast doubt on Horner’s position.
There are reports indicating that key figures within Red Bull Racing, such as Chief Technical Officer Adrian Newey and possibly Max Verstappen himself, have contractual clauses that would allow them to depart if Horner were to leave his role.
This situation presents a significant opportunity for Mercedes to potentially recruit Verstappen and eventually fill the seat left vacant by Lewis Hamilton, who is heading to Ferrari.
When asked during the Bahrain Grand Prix weekend whether he anticipates Mercedes making contact with Verstappen, Marko responded: “I would be surprised if they hadn’t!. But Max is a very loyal driver.”
Further igniting the already fiery situation, Toto Wolff, the head of Mercedes F1, was observed engaging in conversation with Jos Verstappen following Saturday’s race. Speculation has also surfaced suggesting that the two individuals shared a dinner together on Friday during their time in Bahrain.
When questioned about his informal discussion with Jos Verstappen, Wolff responded: “I have known Jos for 25 years – with ups and downs and I simply congratulated on his son’s achievement. Max is driving in a galaxy of his own.”
When pressed regarding the possibility of Max Verstappen being considered for Lewis Hamilton’s seat at Mercedes, Wolff remarked: “Everything is possible.”
He continued; “A driver will always choose the quickest car, that is fundamentally what it is all about.”
Regarding Verstappen, it’s conceivable that the Dutch driver might soon be pondering a move to greener pastures at Brackley, while potentially leaving behind a somewhat tumultuous situation at Milton Keynes. Only time will reveal the outcome of this possibility.
