F1 News
Marko leaves doubt over Verstappen's future after 2026
- Ludo van Denderen
Red Bull Racing are in crisis. The Austrian team is looking for a short-term solution, especially to the balance problems that make the cars of Max Verstappen and Sergio Perez "unmanageable" - at least, those were the words of the reigning world champion in Monza. It is also important for Red Bull in the longer term to have a car that can compete for wins again, as the team does not want to risk Verstappen leaving.
It is no secret that Max Verstappen has several clauses in his contract. These allow him to shut the Red Bull Racing door behind him the moment the Austrians cannot offer him a competitive car. Right now - taking a picture at this moment - McLaren, Mercedes and perhaps Ferrari are structurally faster. Verstappen's last win in Formula 1 dates from June this year, in Spain.
Marko won't say anything about where Verstappen will be in '26
With 62 points ahead of Lando Norris in the championship, Verstappen has the best chances of winning the title on paper. Yet the Dutchman indicated in Italy last weekend that both world titles in F1 are currently unrealistic. Despite the sportingly difficult times for Verstappen, he has no plans to change employers after the current season, Marko also reiterated in conversation with OE24.
When asked which team Verstappen will race for in 2025 and 2026, Red Bull's external advisor responded as follows: "Next year he will drive for Red Bull Racing." To this, the interviewer responds that Marko is therefore not saying anything about the subsequent 2026 season. Marko is then unwilling to say what the future holds for the Dutchman. "That's so far away. Now our full focus is on the 2024 World Championship."
This article was written in collaboration with Kada Sarkozi
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