Red Bull CEO speaks out about Mercedes team principal Toto Wolff’s proposition to Max Verstappen…

Red Bull’s technical advisor, Helmut Marko, has spoken out about Mercedes boss Toto Wolff’s alleged offer to Max Verstappen.

Marko firmly believes that Wolff’s attempt to sign Verstappen for Mercedes will not be successful. With Lewis Hamilton set to join Ferrari in 2025, Mercedes is in search of a replacement, and Verstappen’s name has been mentioned in connection with the team. However, Marko remains confident that Verstappen will stay loyal to Red Bull.

Hamilton is set to join Mercedes in 2024, but plans are already underway to establish a succession plan within the next year. Meanwhile, there have been rumors linking Hamilton’s rival, Verstappen, who is a three-time world champion, with Mercedes.

Verstappen has achieved incredible success with Red Bull in recent seasons, dominating the racing circuit and securing consecutive drivers’ titles. However, Marko, a key figure at Red Bull, has informed Wolff, the head of Mercedes, that the chances of signing Verstappen are slim.

When asked by a German publication about the possibility of other teams making bids for the 26-year-old Dutchman, Marko confidently responded, “Toto Wolff may attempt it, but he will not succeed.”

Additionally, the octogenarian emphasized that Verstappen possesses an exceptional memory and vividly recalls Wolff’s criticism following the clash between the Red Bull ace and Hamilton at the Great British Grand Prix in 2021. Despite the controversy surrounding his victory, Verstappen went on to secure the World Championship that year, much to the dismay of Wolff and Mercedes.

Hamilton’s sudden departure came as a surprise to Wolff, who received the 39-year-old’s decision last Wednesday. The announcement arrived just a day later, making it a whirlwind 24 hours for the Mercedes chief.

Wolff vehemently dismissed a fan theory that had gained traction, suggesting that Hamilton chose to retire after testing Mercedes’ 2024 car. Over the past few years, Hamilton has expressed dissatisfaction with the performance of the Silver Arrows’ vehicles, leading fans to speculate that he anticipated a lack of competitiveness from the team this year.

However, on Friday, Wolff stated that it was the inaugural occasion for Hamilton to operate the W15 in the simulator, just two days after being informed of the driver’s intention to depart in a year’s time.

When questioned about the timing of Hamilton’s first simulator test, Wolff responded on Friday by simply stating, “Today.”

Furthermore, the Austrian emphasized that the car had been meticulously developed by the team, incorporating extensive scientific research and data. The driver’s feedback regarding their experience with the car is then carefully analyzed and evaluated before any decisions are made.

Wolff emphasized the significance of not underestimating or exaggerating the impact a driver has on the car’s development process.