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Max Verstappen’s Future at Red Bull Hinges on Competitive Machinery, Says Helmut Marko

Carl Harrison by Carl Harrison
January 9, 2025
in Motorsports
Reading Time: 3 mins read
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Max Verstappen’s FIA Community Service Sends Shockwaves: Formula 1 Champion Takes on Rwanda in High-Stakes Motorsport Mission

LAS VEGAS, NEVADA - NOVEMBER 22: Max Verstappen of the Netherlands and Oracle Red Bull Racing prepares to drive in the garage during qualifying ahead of the F1 Grand Prix of Las Vegas at Las Vegas Strip Circuit on November 22, 2024 in Las Vegas, Nevada. (Photo by Mark Thompson/Getty Images) // Getty Images / Red Bull Content Pool // SI202411230168 // Usage for editorial use only //

Four-time world champion Max Verstappen remains the crown jewel of Red Bull Racing, dominating Formula 1 since joining the Milton Keynes-based outfit in 2016. While Verstappen clinched his fourth consecutive title in 2024, questions about his long-term future with the team have loomed large. Now, Red Bull advisor Helmut Marko has spoken candidly about what it will take to keep Verstappen loyal to the Austrian team.


The Key to Retaining Verstappen: A Competitive Car

Marko emphasized that Verstappen’s loyalty is deeply tied to Red Bull’s ability to deliver a race-winning car. While the Dutch driver is contracted with the team until the end of 2028, whispers of a potential exit clause tied to Red Bull’s performance have fueled speculation about his future.

“We [Red Bull] have the fastest and best driver in the field in Max. It is only natural that we take his preferences into account when it comes to developing the car’s handling characteristics. I am sure that as long as we give him a competitive car, he will stay at Red Bull Racing,” said Marko.

This statement underlines the importance of Red Bull maintaining their edge in a rapidly tightening field as rivals like McLaren and Ferrari close the gap.


2025: A Battle of Equals?

Looking ahead to the 2025 season, Marko expects fierce competition among Formula 1’s top teams. With the current regulations entering their final year before a major overhaul in 2026, the gap between teams is expected to narrow significantly.

“I am sure that we will be facing a close battle at the top next year. That is normal in the last year of a regulation period. The field will be closer together. It is common practice in Formula 1 to copy successful concepts. And the longer the specifications remain stable, the more similar the cars will become. This automatically increases the level of performance,” Marko explained.


Challenging McLaren’s Dominance

The Lando Norris-led McLaren emerged as a dominant force in 2024, clinching the Constructors’ Championship with their MCL38 operating in a league of its own. Red Bull, along with Ferrari, struggled to match McLaren’s pace over the course of the season, raising the stakes for 2025.

For Verstappen and Red Bull, a strong showing in 2025 is not just about reclaiming dominance—it’s about securing the future. If Red Bull’s RB20 falls short of expectations, the Dutch star could begin to explore other opportunities, triggering the rumored exit clause in his contract.


A High-Stakes Year for Red Bull

The pressure on Red Bull to deliver is immense. While Verstappen remains committed for now, 2025 could be pivotal for the team’s trajectory. If they fail to meet the challenge posed by McLaren, Ferrari, and even a resurgent Mercedes, Verstappen’s patience could wear thin.

With 24 races on the calendar and a field growing increasingly competitive, Red Bull faces a grueling season ahead. Can they rise to the occasion and keep their golden boy, or will the Verstappen-Red Bull era face an untimely conclusion?

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