Red Bull motorsport advisor Helmut Marko has strongly rebuffed claims by McLaren that Toro Rosso technical director James Key will be moving from Faenza to Woking.
Earlier this week, the British squad had confirmed that would be signing Key to their technical team with only negotiations required to determine the period of gardening leave he would serve.
However, first team principal Franz Tost reiterated that the respected engineer had a valid contract with the junior Red Bull and now the outspoken Marko claims if McLaren wants Key they’ll have to be patient
“He has a long-term contract with Toro Rosso,” the Austrian told Motorsport.com.
“We had a discussion with [CEO] Zak [Brown], and instead of coming back to us, there was a press release done. So we’ll stick to the contract, and McLaren will have to wait for quite a long time.”
It is understood Key’s contract runs until the end of 2020 and Marko has even suggested that the actions of McLaren could have ramifications.
“We have to analyse the whole situation. As McLaren is making press announcements, we have to look seriously at the legal situation,” he said.
“But it’s sure we won’t release him earlier.”
It has been suggested that junior driver Lando Norris could be a bargaining chip in any talks, with Toro Rosso reportedly approaching the 19-year-old before the Canadian GP and keen to sign him for 2019.
“I think they will come to us,” Tost said about any talks between the two teams
“I have no reason to discuss it with them because we have a contract. Everything has been said.”
