Max Verstappen stuck at Red Bull after Helmut Marko’s new contract

Helmut Marko, a top executive at Red Bull Racing, has reportedly renewed his contract with the team according to the latest information. Officialized by a 2-year contract with Red Bull, Marko is expected to stay with the team until at least 2026.

Max Verstappen, whose contract included an exit clause if the team leader were to leave, will therefore stay in the team until 2028, while Mercedes was trying to welcome the Dutch driver to its team.

An interest expressed to the public.

While Carlos Sainz remains the number one candidate for a seat in some teams, Mercedes, which previously considered the Spanish driver, ultimately wanted to welcome Verstappen. Toto Wolff had shown a growing interest in the Dutchman. Statements that Ola Källenius, Mercedes director, had confirmed.

A few months ago, Marko had confirmed the presence of a clause in Max Verstappen’s contract aimed at offering him an exit if the leader were to leave the team. Verstappen himself had declared that he had no desire to stay in the team if Helmut Marko left Red Bull. “I have always clearly stated that he must stay, so I cannot continue without him. Helmut is very important for the team and for me to continue, for the future of the team,” could be heard in Saudi Arabia.

After the difficulties experienced by Red Bull in the Grand Prix this year, Mercedes, whose Lewis Hamilton will leave his place in 2025, had expressed a desire to recruit the driver. Comments that had not escaped the ears of Helmut Marko as he had indicated he was ready to leave Red Bull if Max Verstappen wanted a transfer. But today, this solution no longer seems to be an option.

A new contract that changes everything

This weekend, as reported by numerous media outlets, Helmut Marko seems to have renewed his contract as an advisor and leader of the team, ensuring his presence until the end of 2026. The Dutchman has indicated to Red Bull his intention to stay with the team, at least until 2025.

Due to Helmut Marko’s recent commitment, the clause present in Max Verstappen’s contract has been canceled. If no other agreement is reached in the meantime, the Dutch driver should therefore remain in the team until the end of his contract in 2028 since he has signed a principle agreement. This new agreement states that Max Verstappen cannot use Helmut Marko’s departure to leave the team.

Nevertheless, this new signing is not insignificant. With the recent rumors of departure of both Red Bull drivers, the directors of Red Bull GmbH, in charge of the team, wanted to restore order within the team. With a driver secured for the coming years, the tension is gradually easing at Red Bull. This decision closes the door to any potential transfer of Verstappen, especially to Mercedes, which will now have to focus on another driver.