Helmut Marko Blames Toto Wolff for ‘Fueling’ Max Verstappen Exit Rumors After Dutchman Ends Speculation

Dr. Helmut Marko took a dig at Mercedes boss Toto Wolff for stirring Max Verstappen exit rumors.

Helmut Marko Blames Toto Wolff for ‘Fueling’ Max Verstappen Exit Rumors After Dutchman Ends Speculation

Max Verstappen and Helmut Marko (via Red Bull), Toto Wolff (via Getty)

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Max Verstappen has finally confirmed his Formula 1 future. After months of speculation, the Dutchman has declared that he will continue at Red Bull at least for next season. Though, a couple of weeks ago, it seemed that Verstappen was set to join Mercedes. Now, Red Bull Motorsport Consultant Dr. Helmut Marko has put the blame on Toto Wolff for such rumors.

There were persistent reports that Max Verstappen was not happy with Red Bull’s performance slump. It seemed that the 27-year-old had made up his mind on joining Brackley. Despite having a valid contract till 2028, it was reported that Verstappen would use an exit clause to get out of Milton Keynes. After the British GP, the Dutchman was even in Sardinia, Italy during the same time as Toto Wolff.

However, the four-time world champion was quick to dismiss speculation over his Italy trip, claiming that he did not meet the Mercedes team boss. Moreover, during media day at the Hungarian GP, Verstappen decided to stop all rumors for good.

Helmut Marko admitted that the entire fiasco in the media had gotten extremely annoying for Red Bull. The 81-year-old joked that many believed they knew Max Verstappen’s exit clause details better than Milton Keynes itself. Marko claimed that such speculation was actually stirred by Toto Wolff.

That was quite annoying recently! Above all, everyone thought they knew better than us what the exit clause looked like. All of that was fueled somewhat by Toto.

Helmut Marko told Kronen Zeitung

Helmut Marko ridicules ‘senseless’ Max Verstappen switch rumors

Max Verstappen has raced for Red Bull Racing since 2016. In the past decade, the 27-year-old has established himself as an all-time great, winning four consecutive world titles. However, the Dutchman remains hungry as ever to win in Formula 1. Thus, it was believed that Verstappen was willing to join Mercedes in the hopes of fighting for the 2026 title when Red Bull appeared to be struggling.

Max Verstappen and Helmut Marko (via Red Bull)
Max Verstappen and Helmut Marko (via Red Bull)

For Helmut Marko, such rumors were nothing short of senseless. The 81-year-old was adamant that Max Verstappen wouldn’t have thought of such a switch in the first place. Marko cited that the 2026 rules were a big unknown, with no real guarantee over any team’s performance. The Red Bull advisor reckoned that it would be better for Verstappen to stay at Milton Keynes and see how things pan out next season across the grid. This could then allow the four-time world champion to make an informed future decision.

But it was always clear to me, because it would have been senseless for Max to switch in 2026. Because it’s a blank slate: nobody knows who has the best engine or the best chassis.  There are many parameters where things can go wrong. If I were Verstappen, I would also look at that first and then decide…  We’re counting on being at the front again next season with Max.

Helmut Marko added

Max Verstappen’s decision to stay at Red Bull for 2026 is a massive relief for the team. The reigning world champion has scored almost all of Milton Keynes’ points this season. Without Verstappen, Red Bull would’ve been forced into a crisis with no lead driver for next season. Though, the energy drinks giant must ensure that they give the Dutchman a good car next season to retain him in the long term.

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