Helmut Marko accepts Max Verstappen can leave Red Bull with exit clause in contract
Helmut Marko confirms that Max Verstappen would opt for a switch if Red Bull fails to provide him a race winning car by the year end.
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Helmut Marko with Max Verstappen (Image Via IMAGO)
With 18 races completed in Formula 1, Red Bull finds itself in a position where it has chances of winning but no risk of losing. Their performances in recent races have been the worst in two years, leading them to lose their constructors’ championship lead to McLaren. Their car is currently not the fastest on the grid and the team needs to fix that issues. Red Bull advisor Helmut Marko believes that if this trend continues until the end of the season, Max Verstappen may consider switching teams.
Helmut Marko warned of a high risk that Max Verstappen might leave Formula 1 early. Recently, Verstappen hinted at quitting following a punishment from the FIA for swearing during a press conference. Marko clarified that this isn’t the only reason for the Dutchman’s potential exit.
He noted that while Verstappen isn’t focused on breaking records held by Lewis Hamilton or Michael Schumacher, his main goal is to win every race. Marko emphasized that the three-time world champion’s happiness relies on a supportive environment. If the suitable atmosphere feels out of place, he may walk away unexpectedly.
Max is not a guy who wants to beat the records of Schumacher or Hamilton. When he’s in the car, he wants to win. But the environment has to be right. If the whole thing no longer suits him, you can expect him to say from one day to the next: ‘that’s it!
Helmut Marko told Sport.de
Before the summer break, Red Bull started facing problems with their car. Verstappen pointed out that the car’s balance was inappropriate, affecting his performance. This issue was evident during the Dutch GP, where Verstappen finished P2, 20 seconds behind leader Lando Norris.
Speculation arose that if Red Bull couldn’t restore their pace and provide a winning car, the 26-year-old might consider switching teams. Despite being contracted to the energy drink brand until 2028, he has an exit clause allowing him to leave if the team fails to deliver. Marko confirmed that the Dutchman would consider activating this clause if necessary.
Most top drivers have exit clauses that are performance-related. Max has one too, this means that if we can’t provide him with a car in which he can drive in the front, that is certainly something he will consider.
Helmut Marko stated.
Helmut Marko reveals Daniel Ricciardo’s performance was ‘too mixed’ for him to drive alongside Max Verstappen
After the Singapore GP, Red Bull Racing announced that Australian driver Daniel Ricciardo would leave the team. They made this midseason decision to give reserve driver Liam Lawson a chance, as Ricciardo had not been performing consistently.
Marko explained that the original plan was to promote the Australian to replace Sergio Perez and partner him with Max Verstappen. However, Marko stated that the 35-year-old’s mixed performance made it impossible to consider him for that role. Therefore, Ricciardo must take full responsibility for his removal from Milton Keynes.
The idea was: if he proves himself [at the Racing Bulls], he will move up to Red Bull Racing. Unfortunately, that was not the case. His performance was too mixed. This hope for a resurrection of the prodigal son did not work out.
Helmut Marko explained.
Certainly, Ricciardo lost his chance to prove himself, as luck did not favor him, leading to his dismissal. However, team principal Christian Horner stated that the Australian would still stay connected with Red Bull in an ambassadorial role. Horner also mentioned that Ricciardo might get another opportunity to drive for the team in the future.
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Gaurang Kadam
(535 Articles Published)