Helmut Marko provides insight into Max Verstappen’s contract! Amid growing speculation about the Dutchman’s future – particularly his commitment to Red Bull – Marko explains that the exit clauses in his contract can be activated during the summer break. Given the unrest within the team, it is not unthinkable that Verstappen might consider an early transfer.
Due in part to Red Bull’s unstable start in 2025, much attention is being paid to Max Verstappen’s contractual exit arrangements. Although the reigning world champion is still vying for first place in the championship, he has already expressed dissatisfaction with the performance of the current RB21 and the team’s controversial decisions. The contentious swap between Liam Lawson and Yuki Tsunoda is said to have caused friction.
Does Verstappen’s Departure Mean Marko’s Exit?
Verstappen is under contract with Red Bull until 2028, but in a conversation with Formel1.de, Helmut Marko once again confirmed that there are plenty of exit clauses. These provisions allow for a contract to be terminated early, provided the team underperforms. “Of course, every driver has exit arrangements in case of disappointing performances,” said the Austrian. “But at this moment, they are not in play. I can confirm that the performance clauses in Verstappen’s contract are tied to the summer break. But at this moment, he is second in the world championship, only eight points behind Lando Norris.”
Helmut Marko confirmed that Red Bull wants to keep their star driver at all costs, but the team must provide a competitive car for that. “It should be clear that we want to keep him, and therefore we need to give him a good car. But as it stands now, there is no reason for him – let alone contractually – to leave us.” Marko, who will celebrate his eighty-second birthday in April, finally suggested that a potential departure of Verstappen could also be a reason for him to retire. “His departure would be a good reason for me to leave the team.”
