Under what circumstances can Formula 1 king Max Verstappen Red Bull Racing show the cold shoulder and leave the team? It is an open secret that performance -dependent clauses are in the Dutchman’s contract. Bullen-Eminence Helmut Marko emphasizes, however: Stand now it does not grab.
Max Verstappen started the Formula 1 season 2025, occupied after two races including a sprint second place on the driver’s World Cup-only eight points are missing from Lando Norris (McLaren).
With the performance of his RB21, Verstappen is anything but satisfied. The gap to the McLaren cars is alarming for the series champion-and also for the Red Bull bosses.
Because: Verstappen can leave Red Bull if the car does not meet certain, performance and result-attached parameters. Chief advisor Helmut Marko has often confirmed the existence of such an exit option.
Nevertheless, it is not that far. “We have to make the RB21 more competitive,” said Marko in an interview with RTL/NTV and sport.de a. But: “According to the current status, no exit clause is effective.” Means: second place is not yet ‘bad enough’ for Verstappen.
Red Bull, however, knows that the shoe is pressing – another slipping is taboo. If the Verstappen team does not deliver the necessary material, “he will look for ways where he gets that,” says Marko.
Formula 1: McLaren also in Japan “clearly at the front”
The 27-year-old is repeatedly acted with Aston Martin, where Derstappen’s former Red Bull designer Adrian Newey has been pulling the aerodynamic threads since March. But Mercedes team boss Toto Wolff also makes no secret of the fact that it is closely observing the verbal position.
“At the moment I hope that this is far away,” Marko commented on the reports of his protégé’s idea of emigration. “We want to have this fifth title. The whole team is focused on it.”
However, Red Bull was in a “difficult situation”, stated the 81-year-old. On the one hand, you have to develop the 25 car under the applicable budget cover and reduce the gap to McLaren. On the other hand, in 2026 its shadows are already throwing the new engine regulations. “How do you distribute the resources?” Marko asked the Gretchen question.
The Austrian also sees McLaren “clearly in front” in Suzuka. It’s getting tight behind the Papaya racers. Mercedes had “become much more resistant” compared to the previous year and “Ferrari was also incredibly competitive with Hamilton at the China sprint.
In Japan it will depend on the daily form and the specific auto setups “who is the second strongest team behind McLaren,” said Marko.