Helmut Marko CONFIRMS End of Max Verstappen

Marko Declares Verstappen-Red Bull Dominance Over as New F1 Era Unfolds

Helmut Marko has officially declared the end of Max Verstappen’s reign with Red Bull, signaling a major turning point in Formula 1’s competitive hierarchy. After four years of dominance, the once-unshakable partnership between Red Bull and Verstappen appears to have lost its edge.

Between 2021 and 2024, Verstappen was unstoppable—claiming four consecutive world championships and rewriting the F1 record books. But 2025 has delivered a stark contrast. With 12 races left in the season, Verstappen trails McLaren’s Oscar Piastri by a hefty 69 points in the Drivers’ Championship standings.

Speaking to oe24, Marko admitted Red Bull’s title aspirations are effectively over. “The championship is still over,” he said. “It’s now a fight between Norris and Piastri, especially with Norris delivering two incredible performances recently.”

Red Bull’s struggles extend beyond the drivers’ battle. In the Constructors’ Championship, the team now finds itself in a disappointing fourth place—a stunning fall from grace for what was once F1’s most dominant force.

Uncertainty Around Verstappen’s Future

As Red Bull undergoes major internal changes—including the exit of long-time team principal Christian Horner and preparations to build power units with Ford starting in 2026—speculation around Verstappen’s future is intensifying.

Although Verstappen is contracted through 2028, rumors persist that escape clauses exist, allowing him to exit early under certain conditions. The strongest interest appears to be coming from Mercedes, with team boss Toto Wolff acknowledging discussions have taken place. George Russell, currently driving for Mercedes, has also voiced concerns about how a potential Verstappen arrival could affect his own position post-2025.

So far, Verstappen has not publicly signaled an intention to leave Red Bull, but with the team’s performance faltering, the possibility of a move cannot be dismissed.

A New F1 Chapter Begins

Regardless of where Verstappen lands, Marko’s comments make one reality unavoidable: Red Bull’s era of supremacy is over. With McLaren and Mercedes emerging as new powerhouses, Verstappen now faces a more competitive grid and fewer guaranteed victories.

As Formula 1 heads into a new era with evolving regulations and shifting team dynamics, Verstappen may soon face the biggest decision of his career—whether to stay loyal to a declining Red Bull or seek new success elsewhere.

One thing is certain: the chapter that saw Verstappen and Red Bull dominate the sport has closed, and a new era is already taking shape.