Red Bull motorsport boss Helmut Marko rejected recent paddock gossip suggesting that the energy drink company was engaged in talks with Renault's Nico Hulkeberg for 2020.
The rumors emerged as a result of Pierre Gasly's struggles with Red Bull Racing, with reports suggesting that the Milton Keynes-based outfit was looking for a back-up solution for next season should the Frenchman's performance level fail to improve.
While Gasly has indeed endured a laborious start to his life at Red Bull Racing, the 23-year-old's performance of late has improved, with Gasly achieving his best result to date in Monaco where he finished fifth and bagged an extra point for fastest lap.
Marko was adamant the reports regarding Red Bull and Hulkenberg were nothing more than "absolute nonsense".
"These rumours are so far-fetched that I do not even want to comment on them anymore," the Austrian told AutoBild.
"It’s absolute nonsense, that’s what I said to Gasly, who even called me about it."
Marko's denial takes nothing away from the fact that Gasly will need to step up his performance sooner rather than later relative to team mate Max Verstappen, or risk a painful exit from the Red Bull family.
Gallery: The beautiful wives and girlfriends of F1 drivers
Keep up to date with all the F1 news via Facebook and Twitter
Few names in Formula 1 carry the same weight as Lewis Hamilton. Seven world titles.…
One-time Grand Prix winner Jean-Pierre Beltoise was born on this day in 1937. The late…
Jos Verstappen’s efforts in this weekend’s Rallye de Wallonie took a dramatic turn on Sunday…
Three races into the 2026 season, and Kimi Antonelli and George Russell find themselves in…
In Formula 1, whispers often travel faster than the cars themselves. And lately, one name…
During his 2025 rookie season in F1, Isack Hadjar carried himself with a calm, almost…