Red Bull in Crisis as Marko Expresses Deep Concern Over Verstapp

Red Bull in Crisis as Marko Expresses Deep Concern Over Verstappen’s Future

Red Bull Racing’s senior advisor Helmut Marko has openly admitted he’s deeply concerned about Max Verstappen’s future with the team, as speculation continues to mount over a potential early exit for the reigning world champion.

While Verstappen remains under contract with Red Bull until the end of the 2028 season, Marko recently revealed that the deal includes performance-related clauses. These could allow the Dutch driver to walk away early if the team fails to deliver a competitive car—something that’s becoming more of a concern as the 2025 season unfolds.

Verstappen, a four-time world champion, has slipped to third place in the current drivers’ standings following a disappointing performance at the Bahrain Grand Prix. The Red Bull ace only managed a sixth-place finish, falling behind both McLaren drivers and casting more doubt on whether Red Bull can maintain their position at the top of the sport.

Speaking candidly to Sky Germany after the Bahrain race, Marko didn’t hide his unease. “The concern is great,” he admitted. “Improvements have to come in the near future so that he has a car with which he can win again. We have to create a basis with a car so that he can fight for the world championship.”

The RB21, Red Bull’s 2025 challenger, has so far underperformed relative to expectations. Aside from a single victory at the Japanese Grand Prix in Suzuka—where Verstappen started from pole on a circuit notorious for its limited overtaking opportunities—the car has struggled to match the pace of rivals.

In nearly every outing this season, Verstappen has been beaten by both McLarens, who have emerged as serious contenders for both the drivers’ and constructors’ championships. With Red Bull now slipping out of the title picture, questions about Verstappen’s commitment to staying with the team are growing louder.

Although Mercedes team principal Toto Wolff has publicly downplayed his interest in Verstappen, stating that the Dutchman is no longer on their radar, his comments haven’t completely shut the door. Wolff was previously open about his admiration for Verstappen and reportedly expressed interest as Red Bull’s internal struggles began to surface in 2024.

Meanwhile, Aston Martin is now being viewed as a potential dark horse in the race for Verstappen’s signature. Reports suggest the team, backed by billionaire Lawrence Stroll, is prepared to offer Verstappen a lucrative deal. What makes the proposition even more intriguing is Aston Martin’s recent recruitment of legendary F1 designer Adrian Newey, a former Red Bull technical mastermind who played a major role in the team’s dominance over the past decade.

With Red Bull’s performance slipping and outside interest increasing, the pressure is mounting on team principal Christian Horner and Helmut Marko to deliver swift improvements. Verstappen has made it clear over the years that he wants to compete for wins and titles—not just participate.

If Red Bull fails to deliver the upgrades necessary to restore their dominance, Verstappen could very well exercise his contractual escape clauses and leave the team that helped define his legacy. For now, the ball is in Red Bull’s court, and their next few moves could determine the future of one of the sport’s biggest stars.