Helmut Marko settles rumour about Max Verstappen Red Bull contract

Helmut Marko has denied claims that Max Verstappen's contract includes a further exit clause, allowing him to leave Red Bull.

In the run-up to the 2025 summer break, rumours were rife that unless Verstappen was placed in the top three in the drivers' championship, he could leave the team for 2026 under the exit clause, with George Russell potentially triggering that if he overcame the Dutchman. 

Ultimately, Verstappen was third at the break, meaning the exit clause was not triggered, but it is understood that further clauses exist, meaning that if Verstappen is not in the top two by the 2026 summer break, he can leave for 2027.

It goes further, that if the four-time champion is then not leading the standings by the 2027 summer break, he can walk away for 2028 - the year in which Verstappen's current contract expires.

When questioned about the potential exit clauses, Marko denied the claims. 

"None of that is true," the former Red Bull motorsport advisor told OE24. 

"I negotiated the contract, we have always had a fair relationship, and it is logical that we cannot keep Max if the new engine does not work.  

"It is the longest-running Formula 1 contract ever negotiated."

Reacting to the possibility of Verstappen leaving if the new Red Bull-Ford engine was not competitive, Marko indicated it would "make sense.

"That makes sense, doesn't it?" he continued.

"Max wants to keep the chance to break all the records, but the new engine is a risk. 

"Soon we will see how things stand."