Helmut Marko, the Austrian advisor to Oracle Red Bull Racing, has weighed in on the ongoing rumours surrounding Max Verstappen’s future in Formula 1. Marko reaffirmed that the reigning World Champion remains contractually tied to Red Bull, despite reports of contact with Mercedes team principal Toto Wolff. He also dismissed speculation about Sebastian Vettel potentially joining the Red Bull team in a managerial or strategic role.
Will Max Verstappen stay at Red Bull or leave?
As has become increasingly evident in recent weeks, the future of Max Verstappen will likely be clarified during the summer break in August. It is no longer a secret that the Dutch driver has been in communication with Mercedes and its team boss Toto Wolff, reportedly to assess the viability of a move in the coming seasons. However, one major obstacle remains: Verstappen’s existing contract with Red Bull Racing, which is set to run until the end of the 2028 Formula 1 season.
Recent revelations have shed light on a potential exit clause that would allow Verstappen to walk away from his Red Bull deal if the team is not within the top three in the Constructors’ Championship standings at the midpoint of the season. But this leads to an important question: what happens if Max Verstappen simply expresses the desire to leave, without being able to activate that clause?
Helmut Marko remains reserved—but not entirely silent
In a recent interview with Austrian outlet Oe24, Helmut Marko chose his words carefully when asked about the ongoing speculation. He addressed both the alleged tensions within Red Bull following Christian Horner’s situation and the repeated reports of private meetings between Verstappen and Wolff—this time allegedly in Ibiza.
Marko stated, “Regarding Horner’s possible departure, Max was informed. I do not wish to comment further on that. As for Max meeting with people, he is free to meet with whomever he likes. But we have a valid contract in place, and we proceed on the assumption that Max will remain with Red Bull.”
No Sebastian Vettel return on the horizon
Marko also took the opportunity to shut down rumours about four-time World Champion Sebastian Vettel possibly taking on a new role within the Red Bull organisation. “It’s not a topic of discussion—and it won’t become one,” Marko said bluntly.
The interview eventually shifted toward more technical and sporting matters, with Marko discussing the second half of the 2025 season. “There are still 332 points up for grabs. That’s a significant amount,” he noted. “We’re hoping that the upgrades we bring to Spa-Francorchamps and the Hungaroring in Budapest will deliver the improvements we need.”
The Austrian advisor also highlighted the importance of maximising performance immediately at Spa, particularly given the sprint race format. “With the Sprint weekend in Belgium, we simply can’t afford a disastrous free practice session on Friday. Everything must go smoothly right from the start.”
He then added a sobering thought about the title fight: “If we finish behind McLaren at Spa again, then we would have to assume that the championship is effectively lost.”
Helmut Marko’s words reflect both concern and cautious optimism as Red Bull faces mounting pressure from resurgent rivals and navigates an increasingly complex situation around its top driver. The next few weeks could prove pivotal for both Max Verstappen’s future and the outcome of the 2025 season.
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