Marko downplays speculation about a meeting with Verstappen.

      "A private visit that was planned some time ago"

      Former Red Bull advisor Dr. Helmut Marko has dismissed claims that his recent meeting with Max Verstappen’s close associates was connected to the Dutch driver’s uncertain future in Formula 1. Marko was seen in Amsterdam last week with Verstappen’s father, Jos, and manager, Raymond Vermeulen, which sparked new speculation about whether the four-time world champion will stay with Red Bull after 2026. However, the 83-year-old Austrian maintains that the meeting was quite ordinary. "This was a private visit that was arranged some time ago," Marko told Osterreich. "I visit the Verstappens once a year. Additionally, Jos’s daughter got married." These remarks come as rumors continue to surround Verstappen’s future, with the Dutchman still being linked to McLaren and even a potential break from Formula 1. No official involved in the situation was willing to provide further comments to the Austrian newspaper. It stated: "There are rumors that Verstappen merely wants to apply pressure on Red Bull, but has no plans to leave. Nonetheless, his actions are increasingly annoying the team’s management. Given that his contract extends until the end of next season, this contentious transfer situation could linger for quite a while."