Verstappen 'is unable' to sign a contract with Mercedes - Marko

      "There’s a lot happening and plenty of discussions."

      Dr. Helmut Marko attempted to be direct regarding Max Verstappen’s future amidst a swirl of speculation in the Silverstone paddock. "He hasn’t signed, and he can’t," stated Red Bull’s long-standing motorsport advisor and crucial mentor to the four-time world champion in an interview with Kleine Zeitung. He was obviously referencing Mercedes and the increasing rumors that Verstappen’s contract exit clauses have been activated, indicating he might be preparing to sign for the 2026 season and beyond.

      Verstappen employed his typical approach of revealing very little to the crowd of journalists surrounding him, but one bold reporter asked, "Why is your camp speaking to Mercedes then?" "Who says that?" the four-time world champion retorted. "Mercedes," the journalist replied.

      Verstappen also dismissed the idea of potentially re-committing to Red Bull if Christian Horner is replaced. "I don’t know anything about that," the 27-year-old affirmed. He refrained from confirming whether his significant exit clauses are now in play, explaining, "I don’t discuss my contract. It simplifies things for everyone. I genuinely have nothing to add to what I said last week."

      Nonetheless, Verstappen appeared to be in a better mood about the situation than Marko. "It’s just getting frustrating now," the 82-year-old Austrian acknowledged. "We receive the same questions repeatedly, and we keep providing the same answers since the initial circumstances haven't changed."

      McLaren CEO Zak Brown, however, expressed that he has "a feeling something is brewing," a sentiment shared by former F1 driver Ralf Schumacher. "I sense that Dr. Marko has given up on the battle for Verstappen," he remarked to Sky Deutschland. "He realizes that Verstappen is likely to leave - and then there’s the even bigger issue of the team’s structure. They currently have a designer who lacks control over the car’s design."

      The latest speculation suggests that Mercedes might take time to await Verstappen’s decision by re-signing George Russell now, while also having a plan-B ready for Kimi Antonelli. Some believe this aligns with Toto Wolff’s half-hour conversation with Alpine counterpart Flavio Briatore about a week ago in Austria. "There’s a lot happening and many discussions," 18-year-old Antonelli stated on Thursday, "but I’m content at Mercedes and not seeking alternatives."

      However, Antonelli moving to Alpine would presumably displace Franco Colapinto, and despite his performance struggles, the Argentine remains a commercially significant asset. For instance, former Sergio Perez and Red Bull sponsor Claro has suddenly returned to the paddock - now partnering with Alpine and Colapinto. "We have been involved in this sport for several years, and we are now back," commented Claro Argentina CEO Julio Porras Zadik. "We are very excited to support Franco during this crucial moment."