Helmut Marko has emphasized that Max Verstappen’s main demand is the “best car” amid persistent rumors that he might switch from Red Bull to Mercedes in 2025.
Although Max Verstappen’s contract runs until the end of 2028, the 26-year-old driver has been linked with a move to Mercedes to replace Lewis Hamilton in recent weeks.
Toto Wolff, the team principal of Mercedes, has been open about his pursuit of Verstappen for 2025 and admitted last month that he would ‘like’ to sign him.
However, he acknowledged that addressing the issues with Mercedes’ W15 car is the team’s priority, and Verstappen’s decision is likely to be influenced by the results.
“I would like to have him, but first, we need to get our car in order. We owe it to George Russell and Lewis to improve the car and provide them with good material before we start dreaming about next year,” he said, according to Race Xpress.
“A driver will always try to be in the fastest possible car. That gives you the best chances to win races and championships, and that’s where Max is at the moment. Fundamentally, a driver is calibrated to be in the best car.”
“Let’s put it this way: this is a decision that Max has to make, but there is no team on the grid that wouldn’t do a handstand to have him in their car.”
Wolff, however, is not the only one interested in Verstappen. First and foremost, it is also a clear priority for Red Bull to keep him. Therefore, it cannot be ruled out that they might offer him a new contract.
Moreover, any other team in the field would naturally be interested in him as well. However, the fact remains that few teams can afford his high salary.
