The off-track troubles at Red Bull are still a major topic of conversation, particularly in relation to what they mean for Max Verstappen and Helmut Marko’s futures. Toto Wolff, it appears, is still determined to at least get Verstappen into Mercedes. Let’s examine this more closely.
Three-time World Champion Verstappen questioned Marko’s tenure at Red Bull, citing uncertainty about his future with the Austrian company. Marko, a senior advisor for Red Bull, created quite a stir during the Saudi Arabian Grand Prix weekend.
Since then, Marko has reasserted his dedication to the Red Bull cause, allaying concerns about Verstappen. Marko even stated that they “are not going to Mercedes together” in response to team manager Wolff’s playful job offer.
However, Wolff has stated that he genuinely thinks Mercedes can provide Verstappen with a “true alternative” to Red Bull.
It appears as though Verstappen will likely have another successful year in 2024, which would increase the likelihood of a repetition in 2025. However, would Verstappen suffer temporary setbacks by forgoing a 2025 charge with Red Bull?
Wolff has been praising Mercedes to Verstappen since the company done a great job with the most recent revision to the engine regulations, which will take effect in 2026.
Ferrari has begun the 2019 Formula One season as Red Bull’s apparent closest rival, but that hasn’t made them stronger to contend; Red Bull has opened the season with a string of one-two results.
Prior to switching teams to Ferrari in 2025, Lewis Hamilton has had a difficult start to his final season with Mercedes. However, former Renault team manager Flavio Briatore has cautioned Ferrari that if they do not close the gap with Red Bull for 2025, then history will demonstrate that Hamilton does not put in the “effort” if the car is not good enough.
Verstappen is unquestionably attuned to Red Bull gear, and the RB20 has only served to further this trend.
And Red Bull reserve driver Liam Lawson has focused on this point, drawing comparisons between Verstappen’s unparalleled confidence and Hamilton’s in the Mercedes W15, which he questions is at “100%.”
Leave a Reply