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Helmut Marko on Max Verstappen’s Red Bull future – In the fast-paced world of Formula One, rumours often spread faster than the cars on the track. Recently, speculation about Max Verstappen’s possible departure from Red Bull Racing hit the headlines.
Questions about his loyalty to the team and the possibility of an early exit have been debated by fans and analysts alike. However, Helmut Marko, Red Bull’s motorsport advisor, has stepped forward to address these rumours with confidence and clarity.
Verstappen’s contract and early exit speculation
Max Verstappen, now a four-time world champion, is contracted to Red Bull Racing until the end of 2028. However, Red Bull’s decline in the second half of the 2024 season, which saw them lose the constructors’ title, has sparked speculation about Verstappen’s future.
Whispers of a potential early exit clause in his contract added fuel to the fire.
The rumoured clause reportedly allows Verstappen to leave if he is not among the top drivers by the middle of next season. The clause, while unconfirmed, has become a focal point for discussions about Verstappen’s potential exit, with some suggesting that Mercedes, led by Toto Wolff, are positioning themselves as a likely suitor.
Marko’s reassurance: Confident about future with Red Bull
Speaking to *Sport Bild*, Helmut Marko dismissed the rumours with characteristic directness. Asked about the alleged clause and Verstappen’s potential move to Mercedes, Marko made Red Bull’s stance clear:
“I’m not going to comment on the contract, but we’re confident we can give Max a good car,
“Our engineers have good ideas based on the data. We are optimistic,” Marko said.
He also highlighted Verstappen’s loyalty to the team, adding, “Max has a contract with us until the end of 2028 and I know how loyal and grateful he is to Red Bull. That’s why he will be a Red Bull driver in 2026.”
Marko’s confidence wasn’t just limited to Verstappen staying with Red Bull, he also predicted that Verstappen would win a fifth world title in 2025.
Mercedes’ interest and Marko’s dismissive response
Mercedes’ interest in Verstappen has been far from subtle. Toto Wolff, the Silver Arrows’ team principal, has previously hinted at his admiration for Verstappen’s talent. However, Marko was quick to dismiss any notion of Verstappen jumping ship.
“That’s all well and good,” said Marko when asked about Mercedes’ interest.
“But Max has a contract with us until 2028.” Marko’s tone suggested that Red Bull have no reason to worry about losing their star driver, even in the face of potential poaching attempts from their rivals.
