Red Bull not ruling out sensational Max Verstappen exit

Red Bull advisor Helmut Marko has acknowledged the possibility that Max Verstappen could opt to walk away from the team in the near future.

Verstappen has a contract in place at Red Bull until 2028, having signed a long-term extension several years ago.

The Dutchman has enjoyed a highly successful stint with the energy drink-backed squad since joining in 2016, accumulating 63 race wins and four F1 titles.

However, Verstappen has been linked with a switch to other F1 projects in the near future, including Mercedes and Aston Martin, as a major regulation change looms large for 2026.

Marko has asserted that Red Bull could risk losing the 27-year-old if it slips down the F1 pecking order.

"It is no secret that Max's contract contains performance clauses," Marko told Auto Motor und Sport. 

“Max wants to win and he wants to feel that we are doing everything we can to achieve that. 

“That is a challenge for us. If he does not feel that everything is being done to give him the best possible car, then there is a risk - contract or no contract - that he might change his mind.”

Red Bull endured a downtick in form last year following its dominant 2023 campaign, in which Verstappen won 86 per cent of races held during the season.

Marko asserted Red Bull does not need to return to such a high level in order to keep Verstappen but instead must convince him it can at least consistently compete at the front of the field.

“It is very important for us to prove to him that we can build him a car capable of winning,” he said. 

“However, that doesn't mean we have to win 20 races with the current balance of power. But we have to be able to win the races that we can win and otherwise, we have to score enough points.”