Toto Wolff steps up Max Verstappen pursuit with offer to trusted Red Bull ally

09 March 2024 , 16:45

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Toto Wolff met with Max Veratappen's dad, Jos, at the Bahrain Grand Prix (Image: Clive Rose/Getty Images)

Toto Wolff hinted he would be prepared to offer Red Bull maestro Helmut Marko a role at Mercedes, in a move that could make a proposition to Max Verstappen more tempting.

Marko is the Milton Keynes-based constructor's motorsport advisor and is highly regarded by world champion Verstappen. The 80-year-old has been rumoured to be at risk of suspension from Red Bull in the aftermath of controversy surrounding Christian Horner.

Oliver Mintzlaff, CEO of Red Bull, is set to meet Marko in Saudi Arabia on Saturday with the possibility of his future being decided. Mercedes chief Wolff was asked about the situation and cheekily suggested that Marko could join in a non-executive role similar to that Niki Lauda held.

"We're missing our old mascot anyway,” he told Austrian broadcaster ORF. “Then we'll just take Helmut. He's the right age. He doesn't have a red cap, but then he'll come to us.”

He added: "Helmut is not a child of sadness and was - or is - our favourite enemy. But he is a real racer. If they lose Helmut, it will certainly be a loss for Red Bull and for the team."

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Marko's future has long been considered crucial to that of Verstappen at Red Bull. The Dutch driver's contract is said to have a break clause that allows him to depart if his advisor should leave the team.

In light of Marko's comments suggesting a suspension may be possible, Verstappen made his position on the Austrian's future very clear to team chiefs. The 26-year-old revealed he told Red Bull that Marko "has to stay" involved.

Helmut Marko and Christian Horner are both facing questions about their futures ((Image: Getty))

"If such an important pillar falls away, it is not good for my situation and I have told the team that," Verstappen said. He is an important part in my decision-making for the future.

"For me, Helmut has to stay. I have a lot of respect for him, and what we have achieved together. It goes very far. He built this team with Dietrich (Mateschitz)."

Wolff has remained tentative about the prospect of Verstappen joining Mercedes, with the three-times world champion still under contract until 2028. However, with Lewis Hamilton departing at the end of the season there will be a seat that needs to be filled alongside George Russell.

The Team Principal has been consistent in saying that while Red Bull remains the quickest team, Verstappen will stay where he is. "We have a seat available in 2025 and 2026," he said. “But Max will drive where there is the fastest car, and today that is the Red Bull."

Scott Trotter