Marko provides key reason behind Red Bull F1 decline

Red Bull advisor Helmut Marko has provided fresh insight into the team's performance decline at recent events.

The Milton Keynes-based squad started the campaign in strong fashion by winning seven out of the opening 10 grands prix.

However, it has struggled for form of late and has zero wins at the last seven races, with McLaren taking to the top of the constructors' championship after last weekend's Azerbaijan Grand Prix.

In recent years, Red Bull has lost some key names from its engineering department including Rob Marshall and Dan Fallows.

Marko believes the exits are a key reason behind the slump in form.

“There are several reasons for this,” Marko told Bild when asked to explain Red Bull's slip down the pecking order. 

“We must not forget that a few very good employees have left us. Success simply arouses desire. 

“But the truth is that we can only fill every top position in management or engineering once. 

“We have to allow people to accept that other teams can offer them a better position with more money. We just have to make sure that the structure stays together."

Verstappen 'loyal' to Red Bull but seeking fastest car

For much of the year, Max Verstappen has been linked with a departure from Red Bull, despite having a deal in place until 2028.

It is believed that exit clauses are present in the contract with Mercedes team boss Toto Wolff publicly pursuing Verstappen's earlier this year.

Following confirmation that Red Bull's technical mastermind Adrian Newey will join Aston Martin next year, Verstappen is now being linked with a switch to the Silverstone-based outfit.

Marko highlighted that Verstappen will always chase the fastest car on the grid despite having a sense of loyalty to Red Bull.

“Max has a strong connection to Red Bull and is very loyal,” he said. “We put our trust in him when he was 17 and gave him a cockpit. He hasn't forgotten that. 

“But he won't be driving in Formula 1 like Fernando Alonso when he's over 40. That's why he wants to be as successful as possible right now."