Mercedes is currently searching for a driver to replace Lewis Hamilton in 2025, as Hamilton is expected to join Ferrari at that time. Toto Wolff, the team boss, has expressed his willingness to make a bold decision in selecting Hamilton’s successor as the seven-time Formula 1 World Champion. Several names, including Fernando Alonso and Carlos Sainz, have been linked to the vacant 2025 Mercedes seat. However, Max Verstappen is already committed to Red Bull until 2028, making his acquisition unlikely.
In Formula 1, anything is possible, and contracts are not always binding. When asked about the speculation surrounding Wolff’s potential move to sign Verstappen from Red Bull, Helmut Marko, an influential figure at Red Bull, acknowledged that it is the team boss’s responsibility to do everything in his power to secure the best drivers. Marko expressed confidence in Verstappen’s loyalty, citing past incidents such as the crash with Hamilton at Silverstone and the controversy at the 2021 finale in Abu Dhabi, which have created a deep bond between the Dutchman and Red Bull.
Hamilton’s departure from Mercedes, a team with whom he achieved six F1 titles, caught many by surprise, including Wolff, who had always believed that Hamilton would remain with the team. When confronted with Wolff’s previous statement that nothing would come between him and Hamilton, Marko sarcastically remarked that a Ferrari contract would indeed be a significant obstacle.
Despite his skepticism about Verstappen leaving Red Bull, Marko stopped short of ruling out the possibility entirely. He acknowledged that unexpected moves can occur in Formula 1, but he implied that Verstappen’s strong ties to Red Bull and the history they share make such a move unlikely.
Currently, Red Bull and Max Verstappen are aiming for another championship victory in 2024. Their new RB20, which was unveiled last week, has taken the Formula 1 world by surprise with its revolutionary advancements compared to the previous RB19.
The RB19/Verstappen combination has been extremely dominant, leading many to believe that Verstappen could contend for the championship in 2024 even with the 2023 car. However, this belief has been dismissed by Marko.
Marko stated, “That idea is absurd. Last year, the McLaren B-car came close on certain tracks, but they lacked consistency.”
Regarding the potential of the new RB20, Marko explained that it will become evident during the upcoming tests in Bahrain. He mentioned that the new car is an evolution of last year’s model, which was already considered the best package. Marko expressed confidence that if they address the few weaknesses, they should not encounter major issues. However, he acknowledged the possibility of a competitor having developed a unique strategy.
Although Red Bull, with Verstappen at the helm, remains the team to beat in 2024, the investigation into team boss Christian Horner for “inappropriate behavior” could potentially have a destabilizing effect.
Marko declined to comment on the Horner situation, stating, “I cannot provide any information on this matter. Until the investigation is concluded and a result is reached, I will not be making any statements. This is an ongoing process.”
He expressed his hope for a swift resolution to the investigation, emphasizing that the team is well-prepared and ready for the upcoming season.
According to the Source grandprix247.com