Red Bull senior advisor Helmut Marko has remained composed amid circulating rumors that star driver Max Verstappen met with Mercedes team principal Toto Wolff. These claims surfaced despite Verstappen holding a contract with Red Bull extending through the end of 2028, prompting questions about the potential for Verstappen’s future moves.
Marko emphasized that Verstappen is free to meet with anyone he chooses, while Red Bull feels secure due to its valid and binding contract with the Dutch driver.
Background on the speculation surrounding Verstappen and Wolff
The rumor reignited following comments from current Mercedes driver George Russell, who suggested that ongoing discussions between Verstappen and Mercedes might affect his own contract negotiations. Russell and Mercedes driver Kimi Antonelli both currently lack contracts beyond the 2025 season, which adds to the uncertainty.
Further fuel was added when jet and yacht trackers appeared to locate a possible meeting between Verstappen and Wolff in Sardinia after the British Grand Prix. Yet, it remains unclear whether this meeting truly occurred or was mere conjecture.
When questioned about the rumors by Austrian outlet OE24, Marko stated,
Max can meet with whoever he wants.
—Helmut Marko, Red Bull senior advisor
Contract details and exit clause contribute to ongoing speculation
Though Verstappen’s contract runs through 2028, his agreement includes a performance-related exit clause, which keeps speculation alive about his potential departure. This clause reportedly allows Verstappen to leave if he is outside the top four in the Drivers’ Championship at the summer break following the Hungarian Grand Prix.
Currently, Verstappen trails leader Oscar Piastri by 69 points with 12 rounds remaining, intensifying concerns over his bid for a fifth straight Drivers’ title. However, Verstappen’s position is still strong enough to prevent triggering the clause, as the driver in fifth place, Charles Leclerc, remains 46 points behind him.
This scenario reinforces Marko’s confidence in Verstappen’s continued tenure at Red Bull. Marko stated,
We have a valid contract and we assume that Max will stay with us,
—Helmut Marko, Red Bull senior advisor
Implications for Mercedes drivers and forthcoming F1 season changes
Should Verstappen honor his contract with Red Bull, it would likely confirm that George Russell and Kimi Antonelli will maintain their seats at Mercedes beyond 2025. This is noteworthy as the 2026 Formula 1 season approaches, promising significant car and engine design changes, including smaller, lighter vehicles and revamped power units.
Russell has expressed optimism about remaining with Mercedes and expects contract confirmation in the near future. Although no strict deadline exists, he noted the preference for completing arrangements before the summer break.
Russell shared,
not really any deadline in place
and added,
“Obviously, naturally, you try and have stuff done before the summer break.”
He further explained that Mercedes manages his contract and that discussions continue with few changes:
“It’ll happen when the time is right. I expect probably in the next couple of weeks, probably something to happen.”
He concluded,
But, yeah, we’ll need to wait and see.
—George Russell, Mercedes driver
Current status and future outlook for Verstappen amid ongoing uncertainties
The “Max Verstappen Mercedes meeting rumor” remains unresolved, with neither party confirming details of any discussions. Red Bull’s contractual hold on Verstappen provides them with a relative advantage, while the driver’s performance clause introduces an element of tension given his struggling title campaign.
As F1 enters a season of major technical transitions in 2026, the outcomes of these negotiations will significantly impact team strategies and driver line-ups. For now, Helmut Marko’s firm stance and Verstappen’s valid contract suggest stability within Red Bull, even as speculation continues in the background.
Our Reader’s Queries
Q. Is Max Verstappen a millionaire?
A. As of December 2024, Celebrity Net Worth estimates Verstappen’s wealth at around $200 million.
His income comes from endorsements, investments, and a high-paying Formula 1 salary. Before 2020, his salary was somewhat lower than other leading F1 drivers.
Q. Did Max Verstappen apologize?
A. Christian Horner shared that Max Verstappen said sorry to the Red Bull team after he collided with George Russell at the Spanish Grand Prix. This crash caused Verstappen to fall from fifth to tenth place after receiving a 10-second penalty.
Q. Max Verstappen: Who has the bigger net worth in 2025? Lewis Hamilton, with a net worth of $300 million, surpasses Max Verstappen’s $200 million. Hamilton’s wealth is from Formula 1 earnings, endorsements, smart investments, and properties.
A. Who has more wealth, Hamilton or Verstappen?
Lewis Hamilton and Max Verstappen are both wealthy. However, Lewis Hamilton typically has a higher net worth compared to Max Verstappen. Hamilton has been earning a high salary for many years in Formula 1, which contributes to his larger net worth.
Keep in mind that net worth estimates can vary based on sources and market conditions.
Q. Who did Max Verstappen lose respect for?
A. Max Verstappen mentioned that he has “lost all respect” for George Russell following a stewards’ meeting in Qatar about a qualifying incident in Formula 1.