Helmut Marko delivers clear update over Max Verstappen Red Bull future

Helmut Marko has delivered a firm verdict on Max Verstappen's future with Red Bull after announcing his own departure.

It was confirmed on Tuesday that Marko would be leaving his role as motorsport advisor for Red Bull GmbH at Red Bull Racing after 20 years.

During that time, the Austrian has guided 20 drivers into grand prix racing with two, Sebastian Vettel and Verstappen, becoming world champions, and Daniel Ricciardo also being a grand prix winner.

Verstappen's long-term future with Red Bull has been called into question at times, with his current contract set to expire in 2028. 

In early 2024, when allegations of inappropriate behaviour were made against former team principal Christian Horner, which he denies, Verstappen made clear that if Marko were to leave the team, then he would as well, given the close bond the two share.

Verstappen's contract is also known to contain an exit clause, allowing him to leave if he is not in a certain position in the championship, with this believed to be third place during the 2025 season, a position he hit. 

As such, Verstappen was locked into his contract for 2026, but the departing Marko has given a clear indication that the 71-time grand prix winner is not looking to leave.

"No. Max not only wants to succeed, but he wants to succeed in a harmonious environment," Marko replied to Kleine Zeitung when asked if Verstappen's future at Red Bull was a worry.

"When he doesn't have that anymore, he stops from one day to the next. But he is still far too young for that."

Marko also spoke about Verstappen's initial reaction to his stepping down, and detailed how he still believed in the championship charge, which ultimately fell two points short.

"I would say that he was already a little sad about it," he said of the Dutchman's reaction.

"We once again reviewed the incredible time together.

"I was the first this season and then, together with Gianpiero Lambiase, also the only one within the team who still believed in this world championship title.

"We were there with great enthusiasm and commitment, and that is why it was a huge disappointment when it did not work. Out of this disappointment, the decision has matured that now is a good time to stop."