Marko downplays Verstappen's Mercedes simulator session.

      Max Verstappen’s future in Formula 1 is anticipated to generate headlines once again this week. Red Bull experienced both optimism and setbacks during the British GP at Silverstone, where the four-time world champion secured pole position but struggled in the race. According to the well-informed Dutch publication De Limburger, team principal Christian Horner was at the center of this tumultuous experience.

      The report stated that Horner will undoubtedly face the displeasure of team owners Mark Mateschitz and Chalerm Yooviddhya, who were allegedly promised significant progress with the recent car upgrades. Some believe Horner is once again under pressure regarding his position at the F1 team, given the evident issues with the car, technical aspects, and personnel, along with the looming possibility of Verstappen moving to Mercedes. Sport1 even claims that Horner had another disagreement with Max's father, Jos.

      Ralf Schumacher has remarked on a noticeable change in Verstappen's demeanor lately. "I think he has pulled back a bit," he told Sky Deutschland. "Even though qualifying went well, he is increasingly aware that Red Bull is no longer as competitive." De Telegraaf journalist Erik van Haren concurred, noting that the pressure on Horner is rising behind the scenes.

      Former F1 driver Christijan Albers echoed similar sentiments: "The issue is that Verstappen is their greatest asset. You could almost say they are doomed without him. And if Max departs, I don’t see any reason for Horner to remain," he added, predicting that Verstappen will decide between Red Bull and Mercedes for 2026 and beyond in the next two weeks.

      Sim-racing enthusiasts even observed that Verstappen seemingly streamed himself driving a virtual Formula 1 car during the Silverstone weekend—this time in a silver Mercedes. "I didn’t catch that," advisor Dr. Helmut Marko claimed to Osterreich newspaper. "But why shouldn’t he? In real life, Max usually drives an Aston Martin, a Ferrari, or an Audi. So it doesn’t matter if he also drives a Mercedes."

      Some argue that Red Bull’s strongest case for keeping Verstappen is the personal freedom he enjoys with the brand—along with his matching personality. "Does Max fit a brand like Mercedes in terms of character and personality?" questioned prominent Dutch sports marketer Bob van Oosterhout. "No, not at all," he told Formule 1. "But that’s exactly why he fits so well. Opposites attract."

      On this topic, Marko remains vague. "He could be in talks," the 82-year-old Austrian acknowledged, "but there are currently no developments." Marko reiterated his stance that Verstappen cannot sign a Mercedes contract for 2026 since no performance-related clauses in his existing contract have been activated. "That’s exactly right," he confirmed.

      Marko believes a final round of car upgrades at Spa could make Verstappen competitive for pole and victory. "Yes," he said, "but the championship is still concluded. It’s now just between (Lando) Norris and (Oscar) Piastri, although Norris has made an impressive comeback with two sensational races."