Red Bull’s top executive, Helmut Marko, was naturally pleased and relieved that Max Verstappen indicated he wanted to continue racing for Red Bull Racing until 2026, despite all the uncertainties the new engine regulations in Formula 1 will bring from next season. However, it is precisely for this reason that the Austrian is not counting his chickens before they hatch. “Max can always change his mind next year.”
In a conversation with F1-Insider, Marko says he never really considered Verstappen leaving, who has an ongoing contract with the team until 2028. “Max is a very important part of our team. He has achieved all his successes with Red Bull Racing. Throughout his entire Formula 1 career, he has only driven in Red Bull cars. And besides his qualities as a driver, he is simply an important family member to us. He had a contract until 2028 and there was nothing that spoke against the continuation of that contract.”
‘There is a lot of uncertainty’
Yet there was indeed serious interest from other teams, with Mercedes and Aston Martin at the forefront. And exploratory talks were held in the background. The disappointing performance of Red Bull this season, the controversies around (the now dismissed) team boss Christian Horner, the announced departure of engine supplier Honda, and the reportedly difficult process with Red Bull Powertrains seemed to make Verstappen receptive to the advances of other teams.
Marko: “I don’t know what considerations he made, personally and with his management, but his statements clearly indicated that he wanted to stay. Even if the escape clause had come into effect… No one knows what the situation will look like in 2026. Mercedes declares itself the favorite, but there is no evidence for that. Even regarding the chassis, you don’t know who will hit the jackpot. There is a lot of uncertainty. From his perspective, it is much more logical to stay and wait.”
However, Helmut Marko makes an important and striking reservation: “If it turns out next year that we are not competitive, he can always change his mind.”
