Max Verstappen to Mercedes now unlikely as Helmut Marko signs extension with Red Bull Racing: Report

Red Bull advisor Helmut Marko's new contract with the Austrian team has shut the door for Max Verstappen moving to Mercedes for the 2025 season. The three-time world champion has been actively courted by Mercedes team principal Toto Wolff over the last couple of months.

The German team have been looking for Lewis Hamilton's replacement following the veteran's decision to join Ferrari at the end of the season. Verstappen had emerged as the top target for Mercedes, especially as reports of a potential internal conflict within the Red Bull organization started to emerge. Marko also had some harsh words to say against Red Bull team principal Christian Horner, adding to the drama.

The Milton-Keynes outfit was divided into three factions with Marko and Horner in opposite camps and Verstappen giving his full support to the 82-year-old. The Red Bull advisor's contract was due at the end of the year.

But as per Motorsport.com, Marko has now signed a new deal with Red Bull for the foreseeable future with modified clauses to ensure that Max Verstappen does not leave the team even if the Austrian does so.

The new deal seemingly shuts the door of the three-time world champion moving to Mercedes next year despite having a contract until the end of the 2028 season.

---

Mercedes team boss gives fresh comments on Max Verstappen

Mercedes team boss Toto Wolff stated that he would leave the door open for Max Verstappen for 'as long as possible' but was focused on making the W15 faster.

As per OE24, the Austrian said:

"As I always say: We'll keep our free seat free for as long as possible. First and foremost, we have to make our cars faster. If the car goes fast, fast drivers will want to drive with us."

"I admire his achievements and as a person I have come to know him as an extraordinary young man. I've said it a lot recently: Max is the best driver at the moment, and everyone who has the chance would like to have Max in their car. Ola (Källenius, Mercedes CEO, ed.) sees it the same way," he added.

Max Verstappen was adamant that he was going to stay with Red Bull as he has a contract with them, adding (via ESPN):

"I think I've said this before. Naturally, of course, people are talking. But it's most important just that we have a very competitive car for the future."

"At the moment, of course, it's very tight, but we are working very well as a team to try and improve more."

Mercedes are yet to announce their driver lineup for the 2025 season following Lewis Hamilton's exit.