Max Verstappen Factor Cannot Save Toto Wolff, Gerhard Berger Points at Mercedes’ Real Problem

Despite having a Red Bull contract till 2028, Max Verstappen is being dubbed as a free agent in the driver market. The Christian Horner-initiated turmoil within the team, which has supposedly ended after a truce between him and Helmut Marko, was exploited by Toto Wolff in actively purusing the 3-time champion. However, those talks have gone nowhere and former F1 driver, Gerhard Berger, knows why.

On numerous counts, Red Bull team advisor Helmut Marko has emphasized how the ‘Max factor’ has scaled Red Bull’s strengths. The Canadian GP was a prime example of Verstappen’s adaptability and brilliance. But can it steer the struggling Silver Arrows in a direction that none of their team members have in the past 2 years? Berger reckons he cannot even if Toto Wolff serves a picture-perfect contract to his liking.

“At the moment, I stress rather less. Mercedes team boss Toto Wolff is trying to get him,” Berger told BILD. “But Max knows that in the current situation, his driving strength would probably not be enough to get the Mercedes back on the road to victory.”

The former Ferrari driver elaborated on their problems, which, in his view, are not because of the drivers. “It’s certainly not the fault of the two drivers Russell and Hamilton, they are excellent,” Berger added. “The car is simply not fast enough, so it can only be a technical issue. This has continued into the third season. But knowing Toto Wolff’s ambition, he will get out of this dead end.”

With Toto Wolff leading Mercedes to eight consecutive Constructors’ titles his ambitions remain sky-high. That experience is finally showing in their upgraded performance, as evident in Canada. Even Verstappen acknowledged them as the fastest car on the Montreal track. Despite taking victory, the Dutchman struggled more as Red Bull’s issues intensified.

Christian Horner defends Max Verstappen’s critical words against Red Bull

Certain inherent characteristics of Red Bull’s RB20 made Max Verstappen and Sergio Perez struggle in Monaco and Canada. The need for aggressive curb-riding on these circuits handicapped them to an extent. The 3-time champion made his irritation known by highlighting how “messy” their weekend was.

The Dutchman even claimed there were “too many problems” haunting them. Though he seemed more frustrated than usual, Team Principal Christian Horner didn’t view Verstappen’s words as pessimistic. “No, he’s just demanding,” Horner said, as quoted by FormulaPassion, adding “As we all are in the team. It’s just expressing the feeling of the team. Everyone strives for excellence, that’s our goal.”

Though the peace within Red Bull is somewhat restored, reports of a possible Verstappen exit in 2026 loom. Mercedes might be the only top team that would welcome him with Ferrari and McLaren already satisfied with their respective line-ups.