Helmut Marko hints at talks between Max Verstappen and Mercedes

Helmut Marko has suggested talks could be taking place between Max Verstappen and Mercedes.

In recent weeks, Verstappen has failed to nail his F1 future to the Red Bull squad as rumours over potential performance clauses allowing him to exit the team have emerged. 

Mercedes team principal Toto Wolff, who has long held an interest in signing Verstappen, has yet to officially declare his driver line-up for next year, with George Russell and Kimi Antonelli both out of contract.

It has led to speculation that Mercedes is holding out for the possibility of signing Verstappen as the sport enters a new era under revised technical regulations in 2026.

Marko has suggested the two parties could be in conversation, although he is confident there is no move yet in the works.

“He could be having talks, but there are no current developments," Marko told oe24. 

When asked if he was unworried as none of the exit clauses are in effect, Marko added: “That's exactly right.”

Verstappen endured a difficult British Grand Prix during which he struggled to keep his RB21 on the road at times.

After finishing fifth whilst McLaren drivers Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri crossed the line in first and second, Marko conceded that Verstappen is no longer a factor in the title fight.

“The world championship is over,” he said. 

“It's now just between Norris and Piastri, although Norris has made an impressive comeback with two sensational races.”