At the Austrian Grand Prix in Spielberg, Red Bull team principal Christian Horner stated that recent speculation linking four-time world champion Max Verstappen to Mercedes has `annoyed` the driver over the weekend.
Mercedes boss Toto Wolff had previously confirmed his interest in Verstappen on Friday. However, by Saturday, Wolff stressed that the probability of the Red Bull driver being lured away was `very low` and described any potential move as a `long-term` prospect. Verstappen currently holds a contract with Red Bull until 2028.
The rumour gained significant attention in the Red Bull Ring paddock, partly fueled by Mercedes driver George Russell, who mentioned that his own contract renewal talks were being delayed due to his team`s interest in Verstappen.
Horner sought to minimize the speculation following Saturday`s qualifying session in Austria, where Verstappen managed only the seventh fastest time.
Speaking to Sky Sports, Horner characterized the situation as `a lot of noise` that he believes `annoys` Max. He reiterated the clarity of Verstappen`s contract until 2028, calling the current talk `entirely speculative` and something they `tend not to pay too much attention to`. Horner added that he could understand Russell`s frustration regarding his contract status, stating it was `between him and his team`, while maintaining that Red Bull`s position with Max is clear and confidential.
Regarding his qualifying performance, Verstappen secured seventh place for Sunday`s Austrian Grand Prix after being forced to abandon his fastest lap in the final sector due to yellow flags caused by Pierre Gasly`s spin.
Verstappen, who is currently third in the drivers` standings, 43 points behind leader Oscar Piastri, stated his car wasn`t capable of challenging Lando Norris for pole position on Saturday. He commented that his aborted lap might have been closer before the yellow flag, but felt it was `still miles off pole` and ultimately `not really that painful`.
He described a noticeable drop in performance from FP3 to qualifying, saying he `didn`t feel happy` with the car in any corner during qualifying, calling it `a big problem`. Verstappen also mentioned he focuses on doing his best each race weekend rather than the championship standings. He expressed uncertainty about competitiveness in the race but hoped to challenge Ferrari or Mercedes, noting that the qualifying balance didn`t bode well for Sunday and that the team would `analyse everything`.
