Marko clear about the future: 'Verstappen knew 2025 title might not work out'

21:35, 04 May

byNorberto Mujica

Helmut Marko has expressed complete confidence that Max Verstappen will stay at Red Bull in 2026 - not beyond? - The reason? The Dutchman knew 2025 title fight might not work out.

Whereas the season started with uncertainty for Red Bull due to its inconsistent performance level stemming from the car's precarious balance and their subpar tyre management, it now seems to be turning around with Verstappen securing back-to-back pole positions in Jeddah and Miami, two very different track layouts.

That Red Bull are - or aren't - the second fastest car, depends on the track layout, said Marko in an interview with german journal, Bild.de.

"That depends on the circuit layout. We are struggling above all with the balance of our car. Mercedes and Ferrari also have problems. Only McLaren is good in all conditions."

"But only five of 24 Grands Prix have been driven and we are in third place in the world championship standings. Nothing is lost yet. We still have every chance of winning both world championship titles. It would be fatal if we gave up just because things are not going according to plan at the moment," the Red Bull chief advisor says.

Verstappen knew 2025 title fight might not work out

After Bahrain Marko himself sounded the alarms regarding the possibility of Verstappen taking his leave from Red Bull's ranks. Now, however, the situation has changed.

"They [his concers around Verstappen's future] have already become smaller. Max is loyal and has subsequently publicly committed himself to Red Bull. That fits with the way I am currently experiencing it."

"He is fully focused on his task here. That's why I don't think he's wasting a single thought on a move. On the contrary. I am convinced that Max will continue to compete for Red Bull in 2026." What of the Dutchman's future after 2026, Marko does not say.

According to the Red Bull Racing top man, Verstappen was perfectly aware that the 2025 title might not work out since it's unrrealistic to expect the team to always win.

"Before the season, we talked about the expectations for 2025. Everyone – including Max – agreed that defending the title is of course the goal, but we can't assume that it will work out."

"We will do everything we can to achieve this, but no one can expect us to always win. We have to take the maximum number of points possible."