Red Bull team principal Christian Horner has stated that recent speculation linking four-time world champion Max Verstappen to Mercedes has “annoyed” the driver during the Austrian Grand Prix weekend.
Mercedes team boss Toto Wolff had confirmed his interest in Verstappen on Friday but later clarified on Saturday that the probability of the Red Bull driver being lured away was “very low.” Wolff also indicated any potential move would be “long-term,” given Verstappen`s existing contract with Red Bull runs until 2028.
The speculation gained traction in the Red Bull Ring paddock after Mercedes driver George Russell reportedly said his own contract discussions were being held up by the team`s interest in Verstappen.
Horner downplayed the rumors following Saturday`s qualifying session in Austria, where Verstappen only managed the seventh quickest lap. Calling it “a lot of noise,” Horner told Sky Sports that Max is “quite annoyed” by the speculation. He emphasized Red Bull has a “very clear contract” with Verstappen until 2028 and considers the rumors “entirely speculative,” stating they “tend not to pay too much attention to it.”
Horner added he could understand George Russell`s potential frustration over his own contract status, but noted that was a matter between Russell and Mercedes. He reiterated that the situation with Max is “clear” for both the team and the driver, and contracts remain confidential.
Verstappen`s seventh-place qualifying position for Sunday`s race came after he was forced to abandon his fastest lap in the final sector due to yellow flags caused by Pierre Gasly`s spin.
The Dutchman, currently third in the drivers` standings 43 points adrift of leader Oscar Piastri, commented that his car wasn`t competitive enough to challenge Lando Norris for pole position. “It would have been close, potentially, up until the yellow flag — but it`s still miles off pole,” Verstappen admitted, adding it wasn`t “really that painful” in the end.
He explained that while FP3 wasn`t bad, the car`s performance “just completely disappeared” in qualifying, noting “there was not a single corner I felt happy in the car,” which he called “a big problem.”
Verstappen stated he doesn`t focus on the standings but aims to do his best each weekend. He expressed hope for competitiveness in the race against Ferrari or Mercedes but admitted uncertainty based on his qualifying struggles, promising analysis.
Rupert Caldwell 
Tristan Blackwood