Red Bull is doing great on the track, but internally it is slowly disintegrating. Team advisor Helmut Marko has revealed that the possible departure of Adrian Newey, due to tensions with team boss Christian Horner, could trigger the departure of Max Verstappen.
Although the reigning champion’s contract with Red Bull extends until 2028, it contains a clause that would allow him to leave if Newey leaves the team. This situation has caught the attention of numerous teams, especially Mercedes, who want to have the insatiable Dutch driver.
According to Marko, who has spoken to OE24, Verstappen’s departure or continuity at Red Bull would not depend so much on what happens internally, but on the car they offer him. “Max will drive where he has the best car,” he said.
So far, in view of the results achieved in recent years, there is no doubt that this is offered by the energy drink team, so Marko is calm: “And Max in the Red Bull? That’s a unbeatable combination. There is nothing else on the horizon”.
Jos Verstappen, the driver’s father, has hinted that they are carefully evaluating the future of the current champion beyond the current situation, as he understands that there is uncertainty in the team that could end up affecting Verstappen.
In this sense, during an interview with RaceXpress at the Wallonie Rally, he mentioned that although Red Bull currently has a fast car, it is also important to consider the regulation changes planned for 2026. Therefore, they are open to analyzing the options that they can arrive. “We’re letting everything come to us right now,” he slipped.