Though Max Verstappen has indicated that he intends to see his Red Bull current contract through (till 2028), the alleged ‘power struggle’ within the team might be making matters difficult. To add to this, a Former Red Bull driver has confirmed Verstappen’s ongoing talks with Toto Wolff of Mercedes. But the surprising element here is RB Team Advisor Helmut Marko seems to be completely aware of it.

A few days ago, Marko was asked about the rumors surrounding Verstappen’s move to the Silver Arrows. “You have to ask Toto Wolff,” was all that he said in return. While the speculations continue to grow, Mercedes’ performance is not doing them any favors in luring a world champion. And that is why, according to ex-RB driver Robert Doornbos, Verstappen might be in talks with Mercedes, but he is doing so cautiously.

“I have heard from my reliable bird that Max (Verstappen) is already in talks with Mercedes, purely to see one-on-one what the feeling for the future is,” Doornbos told f1maximaal. ‘What is Mercedes going to do with the engine?’ is one of the most important questions that would have been discussed. He (Verstappen) already knows what they are going to do in 2026 at Ford and at Red Bull. That is a crucial year.”

The driver also confirmed that Helmut Marko is aware of this situation and he too is looking for an opportunity outside Red Bull. “Helmut (Marko) knows about it. It was an open conversation with Helmut, in which he said: I’m now also going to check out what is possible with the competition”.

These comments from Doornbos come at a time when Mercedes TP Toto Wolff is reportedly being overly nice to Verstappen. Thus, providing his words with some support.

Max Verstappen thinks Toto Wolff is being “Really Nice” to him

After Verstappen’s thumping win at the Japanese GP, Wolff was all praises for the reigning World Champion. “No one is going to catch Max this season. His driving and the car are just spectacular,” he said. “Basically, this season now is best of the rest.”

When Verstappen was asked about Wolff’s praises, the Dutchman couldn’t help but laugh. “Lately, Toto has been really nice, saying a lot of nice things about me,” he said, before letting out a chuckle.

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With Christian Horner deep in controversy and Red Bull’s internal ecosystem turning fragile, the champion could be thinking about his team’s possible collapse. Well, if Verstappen does choose Mercedes, his showdown against Lewis Hamilton in a Ferrari would light F1 up.

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