Helmut Marko breaks silence on Max Verstappen Mercedes rumors

Helmut Marko finally addressed rumors of Max Verstappen potentially moving to Mercedes in 2026.

Helmut Marko breaks silence on Max Verstappen Mercedes rumors

Helmut Marko with Max Verstappen (Image Via IMAGO)

Helmut Marko was recently asked about Max Verstappen’s future with Red Bull Racing. The 81-year-old did not disclose anything related to the asked question. Rather Marko emphasized that the Austrian team was focused on the upcoming races.

Instead of commenting on Max Verstappen‘s potential move to Mercedes in 2026, Helmut Marko replied that there was still time for that and currently the teams main focus is on winning the next few races. Marko reckoned, it’s important for the team to consider things step by step and concentrate on what is in front. Winning the World championship was Red Bull’s ultimate goal for the season and they need to work hard in each race.

That's still so far away. Let's concentrate on the next few races and make sure we win the World Championship again.
Helmut Marko said on interview with OE24
YouTube video

Helmut Marko reckoned that other teams are competing against each other and taking points away from one another, which is Red Bull’s biggest advantage right now. This situation works in Red Bulls favur, because it meant they aren’t gaining as many points as they could if one team was consistently winning. Marko hopes this situation continues because it gives the team a better chance to stay ahead in the rankings.

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Our biggest advantage is that the other teams are taking points away from each other. I hope that continues.

Helmut Marko added

Helmut Marko claims Mercedes front wing ‘bending noticeably’

Helmut Marko further addressed rumors that Red Bull had complained to the FIA about Mercedes’ new front wings. Marko stated that Red Bull cannot directly say that Mercedes introduced new front wings which he considers suspicious. The 81-year-old expressed that if you looked closely at the TV pictures from Montreal, it can be seen that the wings on the cars of George Russell and Lewis Hamilton were visibly bending. This bending was noticeable and could be important to note how their car performed on the track.

You can't say that. They (Mercedes) have a new front wing, and on the TV pictures from Montreal you can clearly see that Russell and Hamilton's wings are bending noticeably.
Helmut Marko expressed
Helmut Marko
Helmut Marko (via IMAGO)

The 81-year-old observed, when the wings were approved, they met all the required strength. It was not surprising to Marko, that the wings were deemed safe, he expressed of having no idea on how often the team should check their wings, it is something that should be carefully considered. Marko reckoned regular inspections are crucial to ensure they maintain their strength and performance throughout the season.

However, the wings had the necessary strength when they were approved. That doesn't surprise me. I don't know how often we had to check our wings.
Helmut Marko added

Overall, Helmut Marko believes focusing on unnecessary things will give them nothing, the team is concentrated on upcoming races because they want to win the World championship again. Marko believed regular checkups of wings can ensure any potential issues early and make necessary adjustments to keep the teams performance on top.

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