Max Verstappen: Helmut Marko puts pressure on Red Bull

Helmut Marko è categorical about the future of Max Verstappen

During an interview given to the microphones of German website "Motorsport-Magazin", Red Bull consultant Helmut Marko è returned to the future of Max Verstappen, whose contract will expire in 2028. The Austrian manager, however, wanted to warn the Milton Keynes-based team ahead of 2026, as an early farewell for the Dutchman would not be ruled out in the event of poor competitiveness.

"Everyone knows that the contracts of top drivers include early exit clauses linked to the performance of the car. If the team or the driver are not satisfied, è it is possible for the driver to leave before the end of the contract, as happened for Sebastian Vettel in 2013" began the former Austrian driver.

"If in 2026 Red Bull does not have the right level of competitiveness, it will not be necessary to lurk, becauseè I do not think Max will comeè to my office, indeed he will beè already; in another team" continued the Graz native.

"Based on the information we have gathered so far, we are in good shape. However, è a completely new project for us and there are many factors, such as batteries and gasoline, that can make a difference. It's difficult to determine now where we will be compared to our opponents" added the Red Bull consultant.

"I don’t think you can predict with certainty that Mercedes or Ferrari will be dominant. We are fast, too, but it will be the details that will make the difference" Helmut Marko commented.