Wolff 'accusations' to blame for Verstappen swoop dismissal - Marko

Red Bull Motorsport Advisor has suggested Mercedes will attempt to prise Max Verstappen away to replace Lewis Hamilton.

But the Austrian believes Verstappen will turn down any advances due to previous "accusations" made by Team Principal Toto Wolff against the Dutchman.

Hamilton enters his final year with Mercedes after revealing a stunning move to Ferrari for next season, leaving the Silver Arrows a void to fill alongside George Russell.

Verstappen was Hamilton's biggest rival throughout the 2021 season and relations between the two drivers and teams became sour, with verbal attacks launched from both parties after numerous flashpoints.

On whether his star driver could make the move to Mercedes, Marko told Sport.de: "Toto will try, but he will not be successful.

"Max has a good memory and has not forgotten Mercedes' accusations. The crash at Silverstone in 2021 and the season finale in Abu Dhabi are examples of this."

Wonderful transfer

Hamilton's move has invigorated a driver market that has been stagnant since Daniel Ricciardo replaced Nyck de Vries at AlphaTauri [now Visa Cash App RB] after 10 races last term.

"This is the best thing that could have happened to Formula 1 at the moment," said Marko.

"There are two reasons for it: the fascination with Ferrari and that Hamilton no longer has confidence in Mercedes. I think this transfer will strain the friendly relationship between Wolff and Fred Vasseur. Wolff has actually always promoted Vasseur in Formula 2, and now this."

"Leclerc has an advantage when it comes to one lap. Hamilton, however, is stronger over a full year and will assert himself politically as Ferrari's global superstar."