SUMMARY
- Red Bull shocked by Max Verstappen's hidden exit clause, potentially tied to Helmut Marko.
- Verstappen's loyalty questioned amid doubts over Red Bull's leadership, emphasizing Marko's crucial role in his future.
The existence of a certain departure clause in the Red Bull contract signed by the reigning champion Max Verstappen has caused an uproar within the team. As per the recent developments, it came to light that the contract was amended to include an exit clause without the knowledge of Red Bull. Due to the ongoing scandals involving the team principal, Christian Horner, Verstappen’s future with the team seems blurry.
The Austrian outfit was taken aback when this information regarding the Dutchman’s contract was revealed, and additionally, the exit clause is closely tied to advisor, Helmut Marko. Reports suggest that in case Marko decides to leave, Verstappen is free to do the same.
There is allegedly an exit clause in Max Verstappen’s contract that allows him to leave Red Bull if Helmut Marko does.
Marko said: “As far as I’m concerned, I won’t get in Max’s way.”.
Toto Wolff now sees a real chance to put Verstappen in a Mercedes next year.
[@F1insidercom] pic.twitter.com/tAZkgcV7cB
— Mercedes-AMG F1 News (@MercedesNewsUK) March 4, 2024
The situation took a dramatic turn before the Saudi Arabian Grand Prix when Marko faced an internal probe over leaked information about the Horner scandal.
Verstappen’s exit clause kept under cover without the knowledge of Red Bull
Max Verstappen has no reason to go elsewhere since he is been bound into a long-term contract that would last until 2028. The success of the RB19 has left no doubt that Red Bull is the most successful team in recent times. However, reports by Motorsport suggest that the Dutchman has potentially amended the terms and conditions of his contract.
⚠️ In recent weeks, News broke out that Max Verstappen’s Red Bull contract includes an exit clause that allows him to leave the team if Helmut Marko is removed.
Interestingly, this exit clause was not originally part of the contract Verstappen and Red Bull signed in 2022.… pic.twitter.com/D3BOOVCYy9
— F1 News (@octagram_f1) March 18, 2024
Doubts about Verstappen were raised when his father Jos voiced concerns about Red Bull perhaps failing under Horner’s lasting guidance. However, the 26-year-old asserted that his loyalty to Red Bull was contingent on Marko’s presence during the Jeddah weekend. Nonetheless, if not entirely, Formula 1 insists that the drivers follow the terms of the contract and remain dutiful towards it.
While speaking of Marko’s stay at Red Bull, Verstappen said, “I think I have been very clear that he always has to stay. And, of course, after Dietrich’s [Mateschitz] death some of those tasks were split up. I’ve always indicated that Helmut has to stay for the future, as long as he’s alive.” The 3x champion went on to state that he hopes that there is no change in the current arrangement.
Ferrari-Max Verstappen links surface amidst contract clause fiasco
Mike Hezemans, racer and F1 pundit sparks fresh discussion on how the Dutch driver could be a valuable addition to Ferrari alongside Lewis Hamilton. Ever since Verstappen’s debut back in 2015, he has been steadfast at driving for championship titles. Over the last three campaigns, Verstappen won three impressive championships back-to-back.
The 2024 season kicked out with success in store for the Dutch sensation. Another win in the upcoming Australian Grand Prix would equal his record of 10 consecutive wins. However, the recent turmoil within Red Bull has raised serious concerns regarding his future with the team. Amidst the speculations, the driver has been linked with Mercedes as well as Ferrari as potential alternatives.
According to Hezemans, who believes that Hamilton and Verstappen’s partnership is an ideal one, “If I were [Ferrari team principal Fred] Vasseur, I say yes. Then you do bring in the best. But does Hamilton want that? Maybe he does, I would think that would be clever…But if Verstappen were to go to Ferrari, that would give a kind of boost to Ferrari.”
However, Hezemans believes that it is much unlikely to happen as Charles Leclerc has extended his contract with Ferrari.