F1 News: Helmut Marko Responds To Mercedes Offer
Red Bull Racing's Helmut Marko has addressed the offer extended by Mercedes' team principal Toto Wolff. Amidst swirling rumours and an unfolding power struggle within the Red Bull team, Marko's position has seemingly become the pivot around which the future of the team could turn. Erik van Haren of De Telegraaf brings light to Marko's response.
"That is not an issue at the moment. But fortunately they are not much further established in the paddock... Max still has a contract until 2028, but Toto Wolff says that contracts do not mean much in Formula 1," Marko stated (translated by Google).
This development comes on the heels of Wolff's open invitation to Marko. The Mercedes chief, in a display of strategic camaraderie or perhaps cunning mischief, had previously expressed his willingness to welcome Marko into the Mercedes fold, especially in the wake of internal discord at Red Bull.
Wolff's offer came after Marko's sudden departure from the Jeddah Corniche Circuit yesterday with questions arising over a possible suspension. With the team caught in a tumultuous power struggle, Wolff's comments add another layer to the ongoing saga.
"If the team gets rid of Marko, it will certainly be a loss for Red Bull and the team," Toto told ORF at the time. "We miss our old mascot (Niki Lauda), so we just take Helmut with us. He's the right age. He just doesn't have a red cap, but he can join us."
Now, of course, Marko has confirmed that he will be staying with Red Bull until the end of his contract - an outcome that Max was very pleased with.