Max Verstappen and Helmut Marko have a well-established relationship. The Red Bull academy boss was always going to face criticism for giving the Dutchman his chance at just 17 years old.
He has been paid back in full, and then some. Verstappen is a four-time world champion at the age of 27 and he’ll be hoping to break the all-time record, held by Lewis Hamilton and Michael Schumacher, while still wearing Red Bull colours.
READ MORE: McLaren dominance leaves Red Bull struggling as Norris and Piastri fight for 2025 title
There was a time last year when it seemed like Marko might be on his way out. He got caught up in a power struggle with Christian Horner, but Verstappen reportedly stepped in, making it clear he’d leave too if Marko went.
Rumour has it there was even a clause in Verstappen’s contract that allowed him to leave if Marko did. That detail played a big role in helping Marko outlast Horner, who was dismissed from his role last month.
Max Verstappen assured Helmut Marko of his Red Bull future
Even after Horner was dismissed, Verstappen didn’t immediately commit to staying at Red Bull. A performance-based exit clause in his contract had expired, but he could still have put the team under significant pressure by asking to leave.
Verstappen’s discussions with Mercedes were no secret, but it wasn’t until just before the summer break at the Hungarian Grand Prix that he made a clear statement about staying for 2026. His deal runs through to the end of 2028, though it still has several exit clauses built in.
Toto Wolff was reportedly willing to move on from either George Russell or Kimi Antonelli—neither of whom had signed extensions—to make room for Verstappen. Brazilian journalist Julianne Cerasoli told fans during a Reddit Q&A why Verstappen didn’t make the switch.
Cerasoli said Verstappen’s contract ‘didn’t allow him to leave’. She also mentioned that Verstappen had ‘promised Marko he’d stay for another year’.
This decision keeps his options open for 2027 when he’ll have a better idea of how teams stack up under new regulations.
Helmut Marko’s offer to Max Verstappen for turning down Mercedes
It has been reported that Red Bull have agreed to let Verstappen leave if they aren’t adequately competitive next year. He’s unlikely to tolerate a repeat of 2025, having already fallen almost 100 points behind championship leader Oscar Piastri.
Additionally, Marko has given Verstappen the freedom to walk away if he doesn’t agree with the new regulations. The Dutch driver is looking forward to exploring racing opportunities outside F1 when the time comes.
The full grid will drive the cars for the first time in January, so most drivers are waiting until then before making any firm judgments about the new rules.
Red Bull have always relied on Adrian Newey’s knack for finding advantages under new rules. But with his move to Aston Martin, they no longer have that edge.
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