Helmut Marko delivers bad news as Toto Wolff makes Max Verstappen ‘alternative’ case – F1 news round-up
As another day concludes, let’s catch up on the latest significant developments in Formula 1.
The ongoing dramas at Red Bull are still grabbing attention, particularly regarding what they imply for the futures of key figures like Helmut Marko and Max Verstappen. Despite some uncertainty stirred by Marko during the Saudi Arabian Grand Prix weekend about his future with Red Bull, both he and Verstappen have reaffirmed their commitment to the team. Marko explicitly stated that they won’t be moving to Mercedes together, despite a cheeky offer from team boss Toto Wolff.
However, Wolff remains adamant that Mercedes could present a viable option for Verstappen, considering the impending engine regulation changes in 2026 and Mercedes’ track record of success in previous overhauls. This raises questions about whether Verstappen might consider a switch, potentially as early as 2025, though it could mean short-term challenges.
On another front, Ferrari’s performance as the closest competitor to Red Bull hasn’t translated into a real challenge yet. Lewis Hamilton, preparing for his final season with Mercedes before joining Ferrari in 2025, has faced a tough start. Former Renault team boss Flavio Briatore warns Ferrari that Hamilton might not put in maximum effort if the car isn’t up to par, based on historical patterns.
Comparisons have been drawn between Verstappen’s confidence with Red Bull and Hamilton’s with Mercedes, particularly highlighting Verstappen’s seamless integration with the RB20 machinery compared to Hamilton’s perceived less-than-optimal confidence with the Mercedes W15.
Looking ahead, it’s increasingly likely that Hamilton’s quest for an eighth World Championship will extend into his tenure with Ferrari. However, with regulations stable until 2026, it’s challenging to envision anyone challenging Verstappen’s dominance in the near future. Despite this, Wolff is wary of repeating past mistakes and won’t be drawn into requesting FIA intervention, as Christian Horner did in 2015.