Amid the Christian Horner controversy, the rift between Max Verstappen and the champion team was the biggest worry for Red Bull. Max’s father Jos Verstappen was rather vocal when he said the team may collapse hinting at Verstappen’s exit. Amid all these roaring rumors, Max’s name was the biggest contender for Lewis Hamilton‘s vacated seat at Mercedes. And the 3x champion didn’t even rule it out.

However, the latest update is that Red Bull CEO Oliver Mintzlaff and Helmut Marko (who is the reason for Verstappens’s decisions) have had a ‘good talk’. According to Sky Germany, Helmut Marko revealed that the duo will stay at Red Bull till the end of Verstappen’s contract. The Austrian said, “It was a very good conversation. Of course, calm must return to the team. That has priority.”

The 80-year-old added, “We agreed on all points. I will continue here. My contract still has three years to run. But calm must return.” He also highlighted Verstappen’s commitment. “It was very impressive. I am very grateful to him for that. But he is one of the few who has strength of character and shows loyalty.”

WATCH THIS STORY: Max Verstappen’s Chaos Continues: Disqualified for Revenge, Triggers Chaos in Sim Race

While the reality for now is that the Verstappen camp is not moving anywhere, Toto Wolff played with the idea of Max to Mercedes for a good number of days.

“I have a good relationship with Jos and also with Max,”: Toto Wolff on potential Verstappen move

“We have a free seat for 2025 and 2026, but Max will want to drive for the team with the fastest car, and that is Red Bull today,” said a pragmatic Toto Wolff, but all parties involved kept teasing and typing with the idea of Verstappen to Mercedes. Wolff, in fact, even revealed his close ties with the Verstappen family.

 We have been talking for ten years since he arrived in Formula 1. I have a good relationship with Jos and also with Max, but that does not mean that in the short term, we will see a change in the professional field,” said Toto Wolff, ending rumors of Verstappen’s move to the Silver Arrows.

READ MORE: Why Did Red Bull Boss Christian Horner Cast Aside First Wife in Favor of Spice Girl Geri Halliwell?

Do you think Max will stay at Red Bull in 2025 and beyond?