In a tabloid-style format with multiple separate paragraphs:
Headline: Red Bull Advisor Claims Past Accusations Will Prevent Mercedes from Signing Verstappen
In a shocking turn of events, Lewis Hamilton has negotiated a switch to Ferrari for 2025, leaving Mercedes with a driver vacancy. However, Red Bull Formula 1 advisor, Helmut Marko, believes that past “accusations” will prevent Mercedes from replacing Hamilton with Max Verstappen.
Mercedes boss, Toto Wolff, has hinted that the timing of Hamilton’s departure has left the team in a difficult position, with many top drivers already committed to other teams. While contracts can be broken in certain cases, Wolff acknowledges that the driver market is unpredictable and opportunities may arise.
Verstappen, currently tied to Red Bull until 2028, has not ruled out the possibility of a future switch to Mercedes. He stated, “If a team wants me in such a situation, they will also go for you and I think you can slightly adjust certain things.” However, Marko has made it clear that Verstappen still harbors resentment towards Mercedes due to comments made during Red Bull’s intense title battle with the team.
When asked about the possibility of Verstappen moving to Mercedes if approached by Wolff, Marko responded, “Toto will try, but he will not be successful. Max has a good memory and has not forgotten Mercedes’ accusations. The crash at Silverstone in 2021 and the season finale in Abu Dhabi are examples of this.”
In the meantime, Marko firmly believes that Hamilton’s imminent move to Ferrari is “the most beneficial development for Formula 1 currently.” The 80-year-old Austrian is convinced that the seven-time champion has found inspiration to explore new horizons due to Mercedes’ struggles under the latest set of regulations. According to Marko, there are two primary factors behind this decision: Hamilton’s fascination with Ferrari and his diminishing confidence in Mercedes. Marko further added that while Leclerc may have the upper hand in terms of one-lap pace, Hamilton’s overall strength throughout a season will establish him as Ferrari’s global superstar, both on and off the track.
Marko also argues that Ferrari’s successful pursuit of Hamilton could potentially strain the long-standing relationship between Wolff and Ferrari Team Principal Frederic Vasseur. He points out that Wolff has consistently supported Vasseur in Formula 2, making this transfer a potential source of tension. However, Wolff dismisses this notion, emphasizing his respect for Vasseur as both a racing manager and a close friend. Wolff acknowledges that Vasseur’s move to Ferrari was driven by the need to prioritize the team’s objectives, and he holds no ill will towards him. He acknowledges the competitive nature of the sport and understands that both he and Vasseur will continue to strive for the best for their respective teams.