Categories: F1 News, Reports and Race ResultsToro Rosso

Marko denies Red Bull could lose Verstappen

Red Bull's racing boss Helmut Marko has reacted to speculation that Toro Rosso could lose Max Verstappen to a rival outfit for next season.

Young Max's rise to prominence in motor racing has been nothing short of meteoric, culminating with a racing seat at Toro Rosso at only 17-years-old.

Evidently, Verstappen's talent is under close scrutiny from Red Bull's main rivals, notably Ferrari who may have put the Dutch teenager on its short list to replace Kimi Raikkonen, alongside Valterri Bottas.

But speaking to Dutch newspaper The Telegraaf, Marko was quick to pre-empt the rumors, underling instead the multi-year contract which binds Verstappen to Red Bull.

"It makes no sense to speculate like that. Max has a multi-year contract with Red Bull," Marko said. "The plan is that he will drive next year with Toro Rosso also."

The Austrian manager also stressed that while Verstappen's performance at the pinnacle of racing has been remarkable, he is still very much under development with mounds of experience yet to be acquired.

"Max was very good on Friday and on Saturday morning, but not so good in qualifying and in the race. Yes he had bad luck on Saturday with a technical problem, but a lot also has to do with experience. It is not so important to be P3 on Friday morning for example. In general, I think at Toro Rosso they need to become better at building up over a weekend."

Click here for F1i's driver ratings from the British Grand Prix

Keep up to date with all the F1 news via Facebook and Twitter

Phillip van Osten

Motor racing was a backdrop from the outset in Phillip van Osten's life. Born in Southern California, Phillip grew up with the sights and sounds of fast cars thanks to his father, Dick van Osten, an editor and writer for Auto Speed and Sport and Motor Trend. Phillip's passion for racing grew even more when his family moved to Europe and he became acquainted with the extraordinary world of Grand Prix racing. He was an early contributor to the monthly French F1i Magazine, often providing a historic or business perspective on Formula 1's affairs. In 2012, he co-authored along with fellow journalist Pierre Van Vliet the English-language adaptation of a limited edition book devoted to the great Belgian driver Jacky Ickx. He also authored "The American Legacy in Formula 1", a book which recounts the trials and tribulations of American drivers in Grand Prix racing. Phillip is also a commentator for Belgian broadcaster Be.TV for the US Indycar series.