Marko Confirms Verstappen's Red Bull Future Amid His Own Departure

Helmut Marko has confirmed that Max Verstappen is not seeking a way out of Red Bull, providing clarity on the driver's future as the influential advisor himself prepares to depart the team after two decades. Marko revealed that Verstappen's commitment hinges on maintaining a harmonious and successful environment, a condition currently met at Red Bull.

Why it matters:

Marko's exit marks the end of an era for Red Bull, having been a central figure in the careers of Sebastian Vettel and Max Verstappen. His assurance regarding Verstappen's stability is crucial for team morale and the competitive landscape, quelling speculation that the reigning champion might trigger exit clauses linked to performance or internal dynamics.

The details:

Marko's departure was confirmed after 20 years as motorsport advisor for Red Bull GmbH. His tenure saw 20 drivers enter F1, with Verstappen and Vettel winning world titles.

• Verstappen's future had been periodically questioned, especially in early 2024 when he suggested he might leave if Marko did, highlighting their close bond.
• The Dutchman's contract runs through 2028 and is known to contain performance-related exit clauses.
• Marko told Kleine Zeitung that Verstappen is not looking to leave, stating, "Max not only wants to succeed, but he wants to succeed in a harmonious environment. When he doesn't have that anymore, he stops from one day to the next. But he is still far too young for that."

Between the lines:

Marko's comments underscore the delicate balance of personnel and performance at the top of F1. He shared that Verstappen was "a little sad" about his departure and that they reviewed their "incredible time together." Notably, Marko revealed he and Verstappen's race engineer, Gianpiero Lambiase, were the only ones within the team who still believed in the 2025 world championship title fight until the very end, which they lost by just two points. He cited the "huge disappointment" of that near-miss as a factor in his decision to step down now.

What's next:

With Marko's chapter closing, the focus shifts to how Red Bull manages its technical and political landscape without one of its foundational pillars. Verstappen's stated contentment suggests stability for the immediate future, but the team's ability to maintain the "harmonious environment" he requires will be tested in the post-Marko era.