Wolff: Marko departure would impact Red Bull

Mercedes team principal Toto Wolff has insisted Helmut Marko leaving would be a "loss" for Red Bull.

Marko is facing potential disciplinary action from Red Bull in the latest twist of the ongoing situation regarding team principal Christian Horner.

Horner was accused of inappropriate behaviour by an employee who has since been suspended by the company, with the case having been dismissed by parent company Red Bull GmbH.

But the issue was only made public by a report in Dutch media and it is believed an investigation into Marko revolves around how the stories was leaked.

Reacting to the apparent turmoil, Wolff told ORF: “If the team loses Helmut, it would certainly be a loss for Red Bull and for the team.

”Helmut was - or is - our favourite enemy, but he is a real racer."

Verstappen to Mercedes?

The fallout from the saga has led to rumours of a switch to Mercedes for Max Verstappen as the Silver Arrows look to fill the vacancy left by Lewis Hamilton's move to Ferrari for next year.

“We have one seat available, in 2025 and 2026, but Max will drive wherever there is the fastest car, and today that is the Red Bull,” reiterated Wolff.

“We’ve been talking to each other for ten years, ever since he joined Formula 1. I have a good relationship with Jos [Verstappen's father] and also with Max.

"But that doesn’t mean that you would see a change on the professional side in the short term."