Berger says Verstappen-Wolff yacht story was just coincidence

Formula 1 great Gerhard Berger doubts that Max Verstappen is seriously considering a switch to Mercedes, despite the intense speculation surrounding his future.

Whispers that the Verstappen camp - particularly Max's father, Jos - may have been behind Christian Horner’s surprise dismissal continue to swirl. Martin Brundle is among those who believe that influence played a decisive role, but not everyone is convinced.

De Telegraaf, a well-connected Dutch publication, offered a more measured view.

"It's common knowledge that Jos was a major critic of Horner and warned in early 2024 that Red Bull would fall apart if he stayed," wrote correspondent Erik van Haren.

"His influence shouldn't be underestimated, but it shouldn't be overestimated either. Stories about a deal with Red Bull management, meaning Horner will be out and Verstappen will definitely stay, are dismissed as nonsense by all parties.

"Red Bull's management is still terrified that Verstappen will leave after all."

Fuel was added to the fire when reports emerged that Verstappen and Mercedes boss Toto Wolff were vacationing in Sardinia, with their yachts reportedly moored side by side.

Photos of the duo were quickly revealed to be outdated or doctored, but Ralf Schumacher said the speculation was understandable.

"When you land in Sardinia, it's always the case that the paparazzi already know what's going on," he told Sky Deutschland. "Perhaps they should choose a different vacation spot for peace and quiet, but it's certainly strange when the two of them show up together with their boats in the same harbour.

"I can imagine they met," he added. Regardless, Verstappen’s next move - especially in the wake of Horner’s sudden exit - will remain a major topic until the upcoming Belgian Grand Prix at Spa.

"Until Spa, there will be a lot of fishing and the role of Verstappen's camp will be examined," said van Haren.

However, Schumacher believes little will change in the short term from a technical perspective.

"The change of team principal will initially not change anything technically," he said. "Pierre Wache will continue to build the car for next year.

"The signs aren't good for Red Bull at the moment. If Verstappen wants short-term success, he'll have to look elsewhere. I believe it's Mercedes, but I can imagine that Max is struggling with it, because he's naturally attached to Red Bull.

"But his management and his father already know where things are going. I think that's Mercedes."

Berger, who maintains close ties to Red Bull, told Kronen Zeitung that the Sardinia speculation is overblown.

"It was just a coincidence," he said, when asked about Verstappen and Wolff being seen on holiday at the same time.

"Max has always emphasised that he wants to remain loyal to Red Bull and I think he will continue to do so after Horner's departure," Berger continued.

"The relationship between the Verstappens and Horner was known to be less than ideal. His departure could even be a deciding factor for Max to stay."

As for Horner himself, Berger said the ousting shouldn’t have come as a shock.

"You could see that things were heading in that direction," said the former Toro Rosso co-owner. "If Horner didn't recognise that, it's not a good sign."

Since Horner’s departure, Red Bull’s new leadership has insisted a 2025 drivers’ title is still possible, but Berger thinks the focus should be elsewhere.

"The focus shouldn't be on immediately wanting to get back in the title race. The most important thing is to stabilise the team and properly reintegrate Verstappen.

"Red Bull is clearly in a downward spiral," he added. "It's now about rebuilding."