Marko: 'We wouldn't give up Max even for 100 million!'

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The silly rumors of Max Verstappen's move to Ferrari just won't go away, but Helmut Marko is doing his best to put them to rest.

Speculation suggests that the Scuderia would be willing to pay millions to secure the services of the young Dutch prodigy and buy him out of his current Red Bull contract which ends at the end of 2019.

But the energy drink company's motorsport boss will have none of it, reiterating Red Bull's inflexible and ironclad position.

"We would not give max up for 100 million," Marko told Bild.

"We put him into Formula 1 to see his insane potential and development. We want to be world champion with him," he insisted.

Hardship will only make Verstappen stronger - Horner

Verstappen's manager Raymond Vermeulen said: "We are, as always, committed to agreements, but this is based on reciprocity with Red Bull.

"We do not talk about contracts but Dr Marko, Max and I know what is agreed.

"Red Bull has one of the best drivers in the paddock, and you can expect us to have the best equipment to become world champion," he added.

The latest rumours come amid Verstappen's obvious frustration with his run of abysmal car reliability in 2017.

"We have told him we are doing everything we can to stop this unbelievable bad luck," said Marko.

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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.