Verstappen sets record straight over Mercedes claims

Max Verstappen says he was baffled to read reports of regular communication between him and Mercedes team principal Toto Wolff. Red Bull motorsport advisor Dr Helmut Marko said earlier this week that the Silver Arrows were keeping constant tabs on the Dutchman, with a view to a potential move.

Marko told Auto Bild this week: He said: "There is a performance clause in Max's contract. Toto Wolff regularly calls him and his father, Jos."

Verstappen was unmoved when quizzed on the existence of performance clauses in his Red bull deal, but he has previously discussed having a "Plan B" if Red Bull's switch to Honda did not bear fruit.

However, the 21-year-old was more equivocal on claims he was in contact with Mercedes.

"I was surprised when I read that because first of all I never speak to Toto," he said. "He never calls me. He doesn't even have my number. So I found it funny.

Verstappen has a contract 'performance clause', confirms Red BullHere's what Marko said.Read more

"I cannot talk about my contract. I never talk about the contract, I think it's quite normal."

Verstappen did admit that his father, former racer Jos, did occasionally talk to the Silver Arrows' chief, but never about racing deals.

"They do talk sometimes but it's mainly about babies and go-karting."

Max's claims are backed up by his father.

"That's nonsense. Toto never calls Max. I don't even think he has his number," Jos Verstappen told De Telegraaf.

"I do occasionally speak to Toto, but that makes sense.

"We are very satisfied with Red Bull and with the co-operation with Honda. We are working together to make a dream come true."

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