Red Bull has closed the door on Formula 1 rivals Mercedes trying to lure Max Verstappen away, after securing a fresh commitment from its motorsport advisor Helmut Marko to stay. Mercedes has been open since the start of the season that, with Lewis Hamilton moving to Ferrari next season, Verstappen has been one of its main targets to replace him. Speaking earlier this year, Mercedes team boss Toto Wolff said: “I'd love to have him, but first we need to sort out our car.
This is why, when Marko’s future at the team was at the centre of speculation earlier this year, Verstappen’s own place at the squad was thrown into doubt. Verstappen himself said repeatedly that if Marko left then he would not be likely to stay – opening the door for Mercedes to grab him. Speaking at the Saudi Arabian Grand Prix, Verstappen said: “I've always clearly indicated that he has to stay, so I can't continue without him.