Rumour: Marko approached about "dreamteam" Verstappen and Leclerc
Rumors
Earlier this year there were rumours that Max Verstappen might join the Mercedes team. According to Helmut Marko the rumours were meant to stir up trouble. Now there are also rumours about the duo Verstappen and Charles Leclerc.
Speaking to Sport 1 at the time, Marko said the following: "Rumours like that are always spread on purpose to create unrest." During the race weekend of the Austrian GP Mercedes announced that Lewis Hamilton has signed on for two years. And with Red Bull now fighting for the championship, the chances that Verstappen would leave the team seem slim.
According to the Italian branch of Motorsport.com there are now rumours on the market which suggest that there might have been some contact with Red Bull to find out if Helmut Marko has a wish to build a so-called "dream team". That would then be with Verstappen and Leclerc.
"Charles last year had ousted Sebastian Vettel as the first Ferrari driver with the results, while this year the Monegasque does not feel this investiture, for an absolutely equal treatment with Sainz. And then the market sirens suggest that there may have been some contact with Red Bull to find out if there was the will on the part of Helmut Marko to build a real "dream team."
Unrest at Ferrari
With the strong rumours that George Russell will take his place next to Lewis Hamilton, a duo like Verstappen and Leclerc wouldn't be a bad thing for Red Bull. The site also reports that there is unrest within the Ferrari and Leclerc team, as they are so far behind Red Bull and Mercedes.
Leclerc has a contract until 2024 and so far Red Bull seem to be happy with Sergio Perez's performance. So the chances of Leclerc leaving Ferrari to drive alongside the Dutchman seem slim. It is not known what the reaction of Helmut Marko would have been.