Austrian advisor Helmut Marko, the long-time consultant for the Milton Keynes team, has discussed Max Verstappen’s decision to remain with Red Bull for the 2026 Formula 1 season.
Max Verstappen will continue racing for Red Bull next season, which will feature a major regulatory change. The team will compete with its own power unit developed in collaboration with Ford, marking a significant step in the evolution of the Milton Keynes squad.
In recent months, the Dutch driver’s name has been at the center of media speculation, fueling rumors of a potential move to Mercedes. However, this transfer never materialized. Verstappen’s current position in the drivers’ championship standings has rendered his exit clause inactive. This clause could have been exercised if he had fallen outside the top three positions during the summer break.
Helmut Marko believes that Max Verstappen made the right decision by staying with Red Bull, especially given the uncertainty that comes with a regulatory overhaul.
“All of this was somewhat instigated by Toto,” Helmut Marko told Kronen Zeitung, referring to the rumors that have surrounded Verstappen’s future in recent months. “But for me, it was always clear, because it would have been foolish for Max to switch teams in 2026.”
The Austrian advisor continued, explaining the reasoning behind Max Verstappen’s choice: “Because it’s a clean slate: nobody knows who will have the best engine or the best chassis. There are many parameters where things can go wrong. If I were Verstappen, I would consider that first and then make a decision.”
Helmut Marko’s comments underline the strategic thinking behind Verstappen’s commitment to Red Bull, highlighting the risks associated with changing teams in a season defined by new regulations. With many unknowns on the technical side, the Dutch driver’s decision reflects a calculated approach to maintaining stability while navigating one of the most transformative periods in recent Formula 1 history.
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