BREAKING: Helmut Marko Shifts Stance on Max Verstappen’s R…read morep
Helmut Marko Shifts Stance on Max Verstappen’s Red Bull Future
Red Bull Racing advisor Helmut Marko now appears confident that Max Verstappen will stay with the team through the 2026 Formula 1 season, marking a notable shift from his previously expressed concerns about the Dutch star’s future.
Speculation surrounding Verstappen’s commitment to Red Bull intensified this year following the team’s dip in performance and the departure of several key figures behind their recent dominance. After six races in the current campaign, Verstappen trails McLaren’s Oscar Piastri by 32 points in the drivers’ championship, while Red Bull is third in the constructors’ standings—only 11 points ahead of Ferrari.
Despite Verstappen’s contract running until the end of 2028, the presence of a performance-related exit clause had fueled doubts. Marko had been vocal in warning that the reigning champion could explore other options if Red Bull failed to deliver a competitive package.
However, in a recent interview with Bild, Marko struck a more assured tone:
“That’s true, but [my worries] have already diminished. Max is loyal and has publicly committed to Red Bull. I am convinced he will still be with us in 2026.”
He further elaborated that both Verstappen and the team had realistic expectations for the 2025 season:
“Everyone including Max agreed that defending the title is our goal, but it’s not guaranteed. We’ll fight for every point, and that’s the mindset.”
While teams like Mercedes and Aston Martin are reportedly eyeing Verstappen for F1’s next rules era in 2026 with Aston Martin’s Lawrence Stroll rumored to offer a staggering €264 million deal Marko remains unfazed.
“I’ve read that too, but I don’t think that plays a big role for Max. He just wants to win. That’s why we have to give him the fastest car, and we’re working on that with upgrades coming soon.”
With Red Bull focused on regaining their edge and Verstappen seemingly reaffirming his loyalty, the partnership between the team and its star driver looks set to continue into the next generation of Formula 1.
