Helmut Marko remains tight-lipped on possible Max Verstappen exit

Red Bull motorsport advisor Helmut Marko has remained tight-lipped on Max Verstappen potentially leaving the outfit. 

It has been a challenging season for Red Bull, who parted ways last week with Christian Horner after over 20 years working together. 

Laurent Mekies has been promoted from Racing Bulls to replace Horner as team principal and CEO, marking the biggest challenge of his career. 

Red Bull finds itself fourth in the constructors' standings and with Verstappen being increasingly linked to a shock move to Mercedes, whilst Yuki Tsunoda is struggling for points. 

According to Marko, Verstappen was aware of the decision for Horner to be axed; however, the 82-year-old was eager not to discuss the topic in any detail.

"Max was certainly informed about that, but beyond that I don't want to say anything about that," Marko told OE24.

For Mekies, his biggest task is to keep Verstappen with the Milton Keynes-based outfit. Rumours circulated that the four-time world champion had met Toto Wolff in Sardinia, with the pair's yachts having been spotted alongside each other in a port. 

Whilst it has been confirmed by Wolff that talks with the Dutchman have taken place, Red Bull and Verstappen's camp are remaining quiet on the matter.

"Max can meet up with whoever he wants," Marko insisted.

Marko stressed that its star driver remains under contract until the end of 2028, and that the team is assuming the 27-year-old will stay.

"We have a contract that is still valid until 2028, and we just assume that Max will stay with us for that time," added Marko.