Marko: Red Bull can't tie Verstappen down if 2026 engine fails

Helmut Marko has openly acknowledged that Red Bull cannot hold onto Max Verstappen if their new Ford power unit fails to deliver in 2026. The advisor addressed swirling rumors regarding an exit clause in the Dutchman's contract, admitting that engine performance is the critical variable in their long-term partnership.

Why it matters:

Verstappen’s commitment is intrinsically linked to the team's ability to provide a championship-winning car. With the 2026 regulation reset acting as a massive equalizer, the success of the in-house Red Bull Ford engine is not just a technical challenge but a strategic necessity to retain the sport's dominant figure. Losing Verstappen would be catastrophic for the team's commercial and sporting value.

The details:

• Direct Admission: Speaking to Austrian broadcaster ORF, Marko denied negotiating a specific exit clause but stated the reality of their situation: "It’s clear that we can’t tie Max down if the new engine doesn’t work."
• The Ford Factor: The partnership with Ford marks Red Bull's transition to being a full power unit manufacturer. This shift carries significant risk compared to their previous partnership with Honda, where the Japanese manufacturer guaranteed performance.
• Record Ambitions: Marko emphasized that Verstappen wants to maintain the opportunity to "break all records," a goal that is impossible without a competitive package.
• Regulatory Uncertainty: The upcoming season marks the end of the ground-effect era, bringing a new set of challenges that could shuffle the grid order.

Looking Ahead:

The true verdict on Red Bull’s 2026 prospects won't arrive until pre-season testing or the opening race in Melbourne. Until then, the team faces the dual pressure of developing a potent engine while ensuring their star driver remains convinced of their project's viability.