Red Bull advisor Helmut Marko stated it would have been “senseless” for Max Verstappen to depart the team at the end of the year.
Verstappen has consistently been linked with a departure from Red Bull across the last 12 months amid the team's dip in form, with Mercedes team principal Toto Wolff publicly pursuing his signature.
However earlier this week, Marko confirmed Verstappen would remain at Red Bull next year as performance clauses in his contract could not be activated.
With new technical regulations coming into play next year, which could dramatically shake up the pecking order, Marko stated it would have made little sense for Verstappen to depart.
“That was quite annoying recently!” Marko told Kronen Zeitung when asked if he was happy he no longer had to address Verstappen's future.
“Above all, everyone thought they knew better than us what the exit clause looked like. All of that was fueled somewhat by Toto.
“But it was always clear to me, because it would have been senseless for Max to switch in 2026.
“Because it's a blank slate: nobody knows who has the best engine or the best chassis.
“There are many parameters where things can go wrong. If I were Verstappen, I would also look at that first and then decide.”
Verstappen's current deal with Red Bull runs to the end of the 2028 season.
Marko is hoping to avoid similar speculation over performance clauses next year by fielding a competitive car for Verstappen.
“I hope not,” he responded when asked if he is expecting Verstappen's contract drama to resume next year.
“Because we're counting on being at the front again next season with Max.“
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