Red Bull’s Formula 1 advisor, Helmut Marko, has issued a stark warning about Max Verstappen’s future with the team, admitting that the Dutch superstar has “no reason” to stay if Red Bull fails to deliver a competitive package by 2025. The reigning four-time champion, who is contracted to Red Bull until 2028, has fueled speculation of a potential move, with top teams like Mercedes and Aston Martin reportedly monitoring the situation closely.
Verstappen’s patience tied to Red Bull’s performance
Despite Verstappen’s dominance in recent seasons, Red Bull’s mid-season struggles in 2024—coupled with internal turmoil—have cast doubt over their ability to sustain their edge. Marko candidly acknowledged that Verstappen’s continued loyalty hinges on the team producing a championship-caliber RB21 car in 2025.
“We have to provide him with a car with which he is able to win under his own steam,” Marko told F1-Insider. “It can be one to two tenths of a second slower than others, but unlike last year’s car, it has to be competitive throughout the season and on every track. If we don’t succeed, there is no reason for Max to stay with us. You have to be realistic about that.”
Jos Verstappen stokes speculation
Adding to the intrigue, Verstappen’s father, Jos, has echoed Marko’s concerns. In a pointed statement, he made it clear that Max’s Red Bull future depends on whether the team can maintain its winning ways.
“He can stay with Red Bull if he sees a point to it,” Jos said. “His goal is still to win races. If he feels that this is no longer possible at Red Bull, a move is not out of the question.”
Jos, who shares a close relationship with Mercedes boss Toto Wolff, has reportedly kept lines of communication open with other teams. Wolff has previously expressed interest in Verstappen and has not ruled out the possibility of signing him in the future.
Mercedes and Aston Martin loom as potential destinations
Toto Wolff, a known admirer of Verstappen’s talents, revealed that discussions took place with the Dutchman’s camp last summer. While these talks didn’t result in a move to replace Lewis Hamilton—who is set to join Ferrari—they signaled a clear willingness to pursue Verstappen down the road.
“What I like with Max, Raymond [Vermeulen, Verstappen’s manager], and Jos is that we talk straight,” Wolff told Motorsport.com. “That doesn’t close the door on Max being with us in 2026 or beyond, because we want to still keep all the options open in the same way he does.”
Aston Martin has also been linked as a potential destination, buoyed by their rapid rise in competitiveness and strong financial backing.
A pivotal moment for Red Bull
Marko’s comments highlight the urgency for Red Bull to maintain its dominance in a rapidly evolving Formula 1 landscape. With Verstappen at the peak of his career and other teams circling like sharks, Red Bull must deliver a car that keeps its star driver in the hunt for titles—or risk losing one of the most gifted drivers of his generation.
