Although Formula 1 superstar Max Verstappen is tied to Red Bull until the end of 2028 and currently has the longest contract of all drivers in the field, a change of scenery should be possible. A clause that has now been revealed is fueling speculation.
At the start of the 2024 Formula 1 season in Bahrain, Red Bull impressively underlined that they had once again conjured up a racing car for superstar Max Verstappen that should make the dream of a fourth world championship title in a row very real early on.
In view of the frightening dominance, it does not even seem impossible that Verstappen will become the record champion of the premier class of motorsport at the end of his contract term in 2028. The marriage seems perfect – and yet rumors of farewell suddenly arise.
As “F1 Insider” has learned, among others, Verstappen’s contract contains a clause that allows a change if motorsport consultant Helmut Marko no longer works for the Austrian racing team. The 80-year-old is considered a close confidante and supporter of the Dutchman.
It doesn’t seem to be out of the question at the moment that there will be a blow and Marko will turn his back on the team. The events surrounding team boss Christian Horner are putting Red Bull to the test.
The Brit is accused of behaving inappropriately towards an employee. After Horner was initially exonerated as a result of a supposedly independent investigation, messages spread by an anonymous source that the team boss allegedly sent to the employee in question fueled the case again.
Most recently, Verstappen’s father Jos Verstappen publicly called for a separation from Horner. “F1 Insider” suspects that the rifts between Horner and his supporters and the Verstappen/Marko side are growing.
Is Formula 1 threatened with the next big bang?
When asked by the portal, Marko is said to have meaningfully commented on Verstappen’s possible move to Mercedes, where he could succeed Lewis Hamilton in 2025, with the words “As far as I’m concerned: I won’t stand in Max’s way.”
Ex-driver and Red Bull expert Gerhard Berger also takes a deep look, assessing the situation as follows: “As of now: Horner stays, Helmut Marko and Adrian Newey quit and Max goes to Mercedes.”
After the announcement of Hamilton’s move to Ferrari in 2025, Formula 1 could soon have its next big bang.