Helmut Marko accepts Max Verstappen won’t race in F1 in his 40s like Fernando Alonso

Helmut Marko doesn't expect Max Verstappen to follow in Fernando Alonso's footsteps and stay in F1 in his 40s.

Helmut Marko accepts Max Verstappen won’t race in F1 in his 40s like Fernando Alonso

Helmut Marko and Max Verstappen (via IMAGO)

Fernando Alonso is currently the only Formula 1 driver over 40, with Lewis Hamilton set to join him next year. In F1, there are frequent comparisons between young, talented drivers and the more experienced, older drivers.

Max Verstappen, who has been dominating the sport for the past three years, is often compared to the later category. Some people wonder if he will be able to sustain his performance level when he reaches the age of 40.

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Red Bull advisor Helmut Marko gave his thoughts on the possibility of Max Verstappen switching teams if Red Bull continues to struggle. He said that the Dutchman has a strong connection with the team and he’s very loyal to them.

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Max has a strong bond with Red Bull and is very loyal. We put our trust in him at the age of 17 and gave him a seat. He hasn't forgotten that.
Helmut Marko told BILD

Marko further opined that he doesn’t see Verstappen driving in F1 in his 40s, like Fernando Alonso. The 81-year-old believed Verstappen is focused on achieving as much success as possible while he is still young, passionate, and skilled.

But he won't be driving in Formula 1 at the age of 40 like Fernando Alonso. That's why he wants to be as successful as possible right now.
Helmut Marko added
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Helmut Marko claims Red Bull needs to build a race-winning car to prevent Max Verstappen from activating his exit clause

To win the race effectively Formula 1 teams need a car that is perfect in all aspects, especially speed. Helmut Marko reckoned that Red Bull needs to create a highly competitive car to ensure Max Verstappen stays with the team.

Adrian Newey, Max Verstappen and Helmut Marko (via IMAGO)
Adrian Newey, Max Verstappen and Helmut Marko (via IMAGO)

Marko noted that every driver’s contract has exit clauses that allow them to leave if their team underperforms. Therefore, Red Bull must build a car that is fast and reliable, which would give Verstappen confidence in his chances of winning.

Every driver's contract has performance-related exit clauses. It is up to us to build him a car that is so good that he cannot and does not want to activate them.
Helmut Marko expressed

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Given Red Bull’s recent struggles, other teams are already approaching Max Verstappen, considering his remarkable talent. Aston Martin is among those teams, having recently signed Red Bull’s legendary designer Adrian Newey. Newey-designed cars have helped Verstappen secure three consecutive F1 titles, so partnering the Dutchman with him might bring great success to Aston Martin.