Helmut Marco: Max can date whoever he wants

      Even after managerial reshuffles at Red Bull Racing, where Christian Horner was replaced by Laurent Mekies, rumors persist that Max Verstappen may leave the team. In an interview with the Austrian publication OE24, Helmuth Marko, the company's motorsport advisor, commented on the situation in his own way…

      Question: Did you speak with Max Verstappen about Horner’s departure? Helmuth Marko: Max was informed, but I don’t want to develop this topic further.

      Question: Let’s talk about Max. What is really behind his meeting with Toto Wolff, allegedly held in Ibiza? Helmuth Marko: Max can meet with anyone he wants.

      Question: Does that worry you? Helmuth Marko: We have a contract, valid until 2028, and we believe that Max will stay with us.

      Question: In your column for Speedweek, you stated that you still do not rule out fighting for the championship title together with Verstappen. What suddenly gave you this hope, considering the apparent dominance of McLaren? Helmuth Marko: There are still 332 points to be played for in the remaining races, which is quite a lot. We hope that the technical innovations we plan to introduce in Spa and Budapest will have some positive effect.

      Question: Will it help that the Spa weekend program includes a Saturday sprint? Helmuth Marko: Both yes and no. On one hand, it allows us to earn more points; on the other hand, there will be two fewer practice sessions at Spa. We cannot afford to have any issues that might prevent an effective Friday practice. To set up the car properly, everything needs to go smoothly from the very start of the weekend.

      Question: But if Max fails to beat the McLaren drivers at Spa, then you will have to admit that the fight for the title is over for Red Bull, agree? Helmuth Marko: It has to be considered an expected scenario.