Marko points out 'important' factor in keeping Verstappen at Red Bull
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Although Max Verstappen is still contracted to Red Bull Racing for the 2025 season, it is not a guarantee that the Dutchman will stay at the Austrian team. Helmut Marko knows that this is the case, listing several points that the Dutchman values if he is to stay in the world of Formula 1
Marko says Verstappen 'is not like Alonso and Hamilton'
The three-time world champion has a contract at Red Bull that runs through to the end of the 2028 season. However, 2024 has been a turbulent year for the Milton Keynes-based team, starting with Christian Horner's allegations before the season got underway. Those problems came to an end, but as a result of the unrest, many of Red Bull's top staff left, including Adrian Newey.
Success on the track has also been a struggle, and after a record-breaking year for Verstappen and Red Bull in 2023, the Dutchman has not won since the Spanish Grand Prix in 2024, as he continues to come under pressure to Lando Norris in the drivers' championship. As a result, the chances of Verstappen staying at Red Bull are not nailed on, as Marko knows.
"It's clear: if we don't offer Max a car with which he can win in the long term, he will definitely see his future where he gets the best package," Marko explained to ORF. "After all, all top drivers have performance clauses in their contracts."
In addition to this, Verstappen has never made it a secret that an early exit from F1 is one of the possibilities. His disagreement with the FIA, which handed him community service for swearing during a press conference, does not contribute to his love of the sport. That is crucial for the Dutchman to stay, Marko stressed.
"Max is not like Alonso or Hamilton, who drive as long as they are physically fit enough to compete," says the 81-year-old Austrian. "Max is interested in winning. But whether he has four, five or six world championships, that is not his priority. He wants to enjoy himself and be enthusiastic about his sport and everything he does. And he wants an environment where he feels comfortable." Similar words have also uttered by Verstappen.
This article was created in collaboration with Nicole Mulder
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