Although Max Verstappen is contracted to stay at Red Bull until at least 2028, there is still growing concerns that he might leave the team early.
The Dutchman took his fourth title with the team at the end of the 2024 season, but Red Bull slipped back to being the third fastest car on the grid.
Rumours of Verstappen potentially looking elsewhere started in the early stages of the year, when the team was embroiled in controversy surrounding Christian Horner. This prompted rumours that Toto Wolff was looking to take advantage, particularly as Red Bull seemed tentative over their advantage.
Verstappen’s current deal with Red Bull features multiple exit clauses, although it is unlikely that any long-term commitment will have been made without any way out. Discussing his Red Bull future in an interview with Blick, Verstappen said there is one thing the team must do to keep him.
Max Verstappen says Red Bull must keep Helmut Marko to retain him in future
After the controversy involving Horner started, there was rumours that he was trying to get Helmut Marko suspended at the Saudi Arabian Grand Prix.
Verstappen retaliated by saying that if Marko left then he would also be free to leave, given there is a clause in his contract that states he can change his mind based on his employment.
Marko has been a key figure in Verstappen’s career having signed him to Red Bull in the early stages, and there is a sense of loyalty between the pair.
“Well, I’m happy where I am. And one of my conditions is always the same: My discoverer and sponsor Helmut [Marko] must stay,” said Verstappen.
Toto Wolff gets on ‘very well’ with Max Verstappen
Wolff and Verstappen went up against each other during the epic 2021 title battle, which ultimately went the way of the Dutchman after a controversial decision by Race Control during the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix.
It seemed inconceivable that either would want to work with each other after that, but Wolff has warmed to the idea in recent years.
Wolff says he gets on ‘very well’ with Verstappen and has opened up the door to him should he want to join Mercedes in the future.
The 2026 ruleset presents a significant challenge for teams and if Red Bull can’t produce a title-winning car, Verstappen could be forced to look elsewhere. However, after the spat during last years Qatar GP between Verstappen and George Russell, any chance of it happening might now be unlikely.
