Verstappen's Possible Way Out Of Red Bull Revealed By Marko

Monday, 26 February 2024 at 19:15

Helmut Marko revealed in a recent interview that there might be a possible way out of Red Bull for Max Verstappen before his contract with the team expires.

Generally, it is challenging for drivers to change teams before their running contracts expire. However, as we recently learned with Lewis Hamilton, there are options to break free from these contracts.

Lewis Hamilton signed a two-year deal with Mercedes for seasons 2024 and 2025 just last summer, and he has already changed his mind and decided he would be leaving for Ferrari after 2024.

Similar to Hamilton in Mercedes during the last couple of years, Max Verstappen doesn't have a reason to change teams as long as Red Bull can keep delivering him a competitive car.

However, if his team failed at providing a championship-contending car for whatever reason, Helmut Marko revealed there might be some option for the triple-World Champion to break free from his commitment to the team from Milton Keynes.

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Speaking to Servus TV about Verstappen's deal, the Red Bull Racing F1 team advisor said: "In every Formula 1 contract there are certain clauses. That also applies to Max's contract. "

The 80-year-old is convinced that no money would convince Verstappen, so the only thing Red Bull has to do is keep providing him with the best car.

“"I just don't think an astronomical amount of money is a theme for him. We have to provide him with a winning car."”

However, a serious challenge awaits the Austrian team during the 2026 season when they have to produce their own power unit for the first time.

If the team failed to build a competitive power unit, it would destroy their chances of competing for the championship title. At that point, it is clear to Marko that Verstappen would start looking around for other options. He added:

“"Of course, he is interested in success as a driver. Max is not getting any younger. If Max no longer sees a light on the horizon with Red Bull and performance criteria start to play a role, it is clear that he will also start looking around him."”