31/07/2025 11:45
Red Bull advisor Helmut Marko stated it would have been "senseless"
for Max Verstappen to depart the team at the end of the year.
Verstappen has consistently been linked with a departure from Red
Bull across the last 12 months amid the team's dip in form, with
Mercedes team principal Toto Wolff publicly pursuing his signature.
However earlier this week, Marko confirmed Verstappen would remain
at Red Bull next year as performance clauses in his contract could
not be activated. With new technical regulations coming into play
next year, which could dramatically shake up the pecking order,
Marko stated it would have made little sense for Verstappen to
depart. "That was quite annoying recently!" Marko told Kronen
Zeitung when asked if he was happy he no longer had to address
Verstappen's future. "Above all, everyone thought they knew better
than us what the exit clause looked like. All of that was fueled
somewhat by Toto. "But it was always clear to me, because it would
have been senseless for Max to switch in 2026. "Because it's a
blank slate: nobody knows who has the best engine or the best
chassis. "There are many parameters where things can go wrong. If
I were Verstappen, I would also look at that first and then
decide." Verstappen's current deal with Red Bull runs to the end of
the 2028 season. Marko is hoping to avoid similar speculation over
performance clauses next year by fielding a competitive car for
Verstappen. "I hope not," he responded when asked if he is
expecting Verstappen's contract drama to resume next year. "Because
we're counting on being at the front again next season with Max."
