“A private visit that had been arranged some time ago”
Former Red Bull adviser Dr Helmut Marko has dismissed suggestions his recent meeting with Max Verstappen’s inner circle was linked to the Dutchman’s uncertain Formula 1 future.
Marko was spotted in Amsterdam last week with Verstappen’s father Jos and manager Raymond Vermeulen, fuelling fresh speculation amid ongoing doubts about whether the four-time world champion will remain at Red Bull beyond 2026.
However, the 83-year-old Austrian insists there was nothing unusual about the meeting.
“This was a private visit that had been arranged some time ago,” Marko told Osterreich.
“I visit the Verstappens once a year. Also, Jos’s daughter got married.”
The comments come as speculation continues to swirl around Verstappen’s future, with the Dutchman still linked to McLaren and even a possible sabbatical from Formula 1.
No official involved in the saga was prepared to comment further to the Austrian newspaper.
It reported: “Rumours are circulating that Verstappen simply wants to put pressure on Red Bull, but has no intention of leaving.
“Nevertheless, his behaviour is increasingly irking the team’s management. However, since his contract runs until the end of next season, this contentious transfer saga could drag on for quite some time.”
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