Wolff seeks clarity from Verstappen 'before the summer.'

      Dr. Helmut Marko has stated that the rumor linking Max Verstappen to Mercedes is "becoming boring." While Oscar Piastri and Lando Norris maintain that the Red Bull driver is still in contention for the 2025 championship, Verstappen has effectively dismissed his chances a few races prior.

      "Not really, no," the four-time world champion remarked at the Red Bull Ring when asked if winning from P7 on Sunday was feasible. "I don’t even think about McLaren," he further noted. McLaren has been consistently strong this season, and despite a car upgrade for Red Bull in Austria—one of the team's last for 2025—things haven't gone as planned.

      "I don’t want to discuss the upgrades because I don't believe that was the sole reason," Verstappen asserted. "However, we have regressed, and that’s not what you want." He even acknowledged assisting rookie Gabriel Bortoleto after his final Q3 run was disrupted by a spin from Pierre Gasly. "My lap was already compromised; I saw Bortoleto behind me, and he’s having a really good weekend, so I thought, 'I’ll help him a little bit,'" Verstappen mentioned to Viaplay regarding the slipstream assistance.

      Red Bull advisor Dr. Helmut Marko was unconcerned about his driver's support for a competitor. "The McLaren times were unattainable for us," the Austrian conceded. "We tried everything—manipulating tyre pressures—but ultimately, we just lacked grip. Everyone has faced challenges, but the temperatures have impacted us more than others, and we need to understand why our car is changing so drastically."

      Red Bull's challenging weekend is being scrutinized by Mark Mateschitz, the heir to the well-known energy drink company co-founded by his late father, Dietrich. Amid the resurfaced Verstappen-to-Mercedes rumors, Marko’s irritation is evident. "This story that everyone wants Max is becoming boring," he expressed to Sky Italia. "He has a contract with us until 2028, and as long as we provide him with a competitive car, there’s no reason for him to leave. He has a lot of freedom with us that he wouldn’t have at Mercedes," Marko added.

      Mercedes' Toto Wolff has not shied away from adding fuel to the rumors at Red Bull's home event. "I think the chance of Max coming to us is small," the Austrian stated. "Max is a loyal guy, and I don’t think he’ll jump at the first opportunity, even if he senses things are going awry there. However, while we already have a perfect lineup, I would be a poor team principal if I didn’t consider a four-time world champion, should he become available."

      Nonetheless, Wolff is also eager to reassure the current star, George Russell. "Out of respect for him, we will make a decision soon. But maybe we won’t announce it right away," he said. "We want to have clarity before the summer break."