Former motorsport racer and Red Bull senior adviser Helmut Marko believes defending F1 champion Max Verstappen might not stay with the team that has won him numerous championships if their car does not deliver in 2026.
So far, Verstappen has committed to stay with the team in the face of uncertainty surrounding Formula 1’s 2026 regulations – a decision Marko has called the ‘logical’ choice.
However, he may reassess his future if the project fails to deliver.
Speaking on a recent F1 Insider podcast, Marko said Verstappen’s current stance was clear.
“From his statements, it was clear that he wanted to stay, and it makes sense, even if the exit clause had become actionable,” he said.
“No one knows what the situation will look like in 2026.
“On the engine side, Mercedes declare themselves the class leader, but there is no proof.
“On the chassis side, you don’t know whether someone will hit the jackpot.
“So there is a lot of uncertainty and, purely from his perspective, it makes more sense to stay, look at all of this, and if perhaps, we are not competitive next year, then reconsider his decision.”
Verstappen’s contract contains exit clauses, and speculation about a potential move intensified earlier this year after Mercedes team principal Toto Wolff confirmed holding talks with the four-time world champion.
Formula 1 will undergo a major overhaul next season, with new powertrain and aerodynamic rules reshaping the competitive order.
Red Bull faces additional pressure as it prepares to field its first in-house power unit, developed in partnership with Ford.
Despite the risks, Verstappen has committed to Red Bull for now.
“Max is a very important part of our team,” Marko added.
“He has achieved his successes with Red Bull Racing; in his Formula 1 career he has only ever driven Red Bull cars, and beyond his driving potential he is simply a very important family member for us.”
Verstappen himself has played down the speculation, explaining why he remained silent during the rumours of a Mercedes switch.
“There’s always other people speaking a lot, while I’m not really talking, because first of all I don’t need to,” he said.
“I’m very focused on 2026 with the team, to look ahead and make sure that we nail the regulations, and that we are competitive from the start.”
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