Helmut Marko calls out Toto Wolff over Max Verstappen contract talks for 2026

No one knows who will have the edge when the new regulations come into play, and any move he made could backfire quickly.

Now that his performance clause is gone, Mercedes would have had to pay a hefty price to get him out of his contract anyway.

Speaking to Kronen Zeitung, Red Bull advisor Helmut Marko suggested that Mercedes boss Toto Wolff played a part in spreading those rumours.

“That was quite annoying recently [smiles]. Above all, everyone thought they knew better than us what the exit clause looked like. All of that was fueled somewhat by Toto,” he said.

“But it was always clear to me because it would have been foolish for Max to switch in 2026. Because it’s a blank slate: Nobody knows who has the best engine or the best chassis.”

He added: “There are many parameters where things can go wrong. If I were Verstappen, I would also look at that first and then decide.”

Max Verstappen’s potential Red Bull partner in 2026

Red Bull are heading into the summer break with one of only six seats still unfilled for the 2026 season, and Yuki Tsunoda’s place remains uncertain.

The opening is likely to attract plenty of interest, especially with Red Bull now running their own power unit and expected to remain among the front-runners.

Beyond Tsunoda, the team’s internal options are limited. Rookie Isack Hadjar has had a solid year, but a return for Liam Lawson seems off the table.

Outside the organisation, names like Carlos Sainz and Alex Albon come up due to their past links with Red Bull. However, both are under contract at Williams and would require significant negotiations.

Beyond those names, there aren’t many clear choices who offer both experience and pace that Red Bull might be looking for.