Marko Reveals Verstappen’s Replacement Choice: Red Bull’s Future

Marko Reveals Verstappen’s Replacement Choice: Red Bull’s Future Beyond the Dutchman

Red Bull Racing’s iconic chief, Helmut Marko, has once again stirred the Formula 1 paddock by revealing the driver he would ideally choose to replace their star driver, Max Verstappen, when the reigning world champion eventually leaves the team. Verstappen’s current contract runs until 2028, but the Dutchman’s dominance and Red Bull’s recent success have not halted speculation about his future or potential early departure. For a team that has thrived on having a top-tier driver, the question of succession has now become a talking point, with Marko offering insights on the team’s contingency plans.

Verstappen’s Reign and Speculation of Early Departure

Since joining Red Bull in 2016, Verstappen has become synonymous with the team’s resurgence and sustained dominance in the sport. He secured his first World Championship in 2021, followed by two more consecutive titles in 2022 and 2023. The Dutchman, now a triple world champion, has continued to dominate the grid, making him one of the most valuable drivers in the paddock.

However, Verstappen’s outspoken personality and his occasional frustrations with Formula 1’s regulations have sparked discussions about whether he could choose to leave the sport or Red Bull before his contract expires in 2028. Although Verstappen has reiterated his loyalty to Red Bull, he has also expressed that his career in the sport might not be as long as some of his peers. His ongoing dominance and the physical and mental demands of the sport might play a role in his future decision-making.

Amid these ongoing speculations, Helmut Marko has lifted the veil on who Red Bull might be eyeing as a successor.

Marko’s Replacement Choice

In a recent interview, Marko hinted at the name of the driver who could take the reins from Verstappen when the Dutchman decides to step away. While the Austrian advisor remained characteristically cagey about specifics, he revealed that the team has kept a close eye on several young talents. One name stood out among them: Lando Norris.

The young British driver, currently racing for McLaren, has long been touted as one of the brightest stars of Formula 1’s future. Norris has impressed with his consistent performances and racing acumen despite not yet having the machinery to challenge for race wins consistently. His charisma, racing intelligence, and rapport with fans have also made him a fan favorite, aligning him with Red Bull’s philosophy of blending talent with a strong brand presence.

“Lando Norris is a driver we’ve been watching closely for a while,” Marko admitted. “He has the speed, the talent, and the personality that would fit Red Bull perfectly. If Max were to leave, someone like Lando could be an ideal replacement to keep Red Bull at the top of the sport.”

Norris’ Rise in Formula 1

Norris debuted in Formula 1 with McLaren in 2019 and quickly made a name for himself with his sharp qualifying performances and ability to extract the most from his car. Despite McLaren’s struggles in the hybrid era, Norris has shown he can compete with the best, securing multiple podiums and often outperforming more seasoned drivers. His talent has not gone unnoticed by top teams, with rumors suggesting that Red Bull had previously considered him for a seat before Verstappen’s contract extension.

Norris, however, has remained committed to McLaren for the time being, signing a long-term contract extension that runs until the end of 2025. While the British team has shown signs of progress in recent seasons, questions remain about whether they can give Norris a championship-winning car in the near future.

Red Bull’s Strategy for Life After Verstappen

While Verstappen remains the focal point of Red Bull’s current success, the team’s long-term future remains a priority for the Austrian racing powerhouse. Marko has always been known for his keen eye for young talent, having overseen the rise of drivers like Sebastian Vettel and Daniel Ricciardo, and now Verstappen. Red Bull’s junior program continues to churn out talented drivers, but Norris, with his proven experience and youth, could offer the perfect combination of readiness and potential to lead the team into a new era.

Whether Verstappen leaves Red Bull at the end of his current contract in 2028 or earlier, Marko’s comments have ignited fresh speculation about the future driver market. As the Formula 1 landscape evolves, the prospect of Norris stepping into a Red Bull seat promises to be one of the most captivating storylines of the sport’s next chapter.

For now, Verstappen’s reign continues, but Red Bull appears well-prepared for

life after the Dutch sensation.