Rumours pointing to Verstappen's Red Bull exit quelled by Marko (for now)

Since Red Bull Racing's form began to dip, rumours about a potential Verstappen exit from the Austrian team began to swirl, with Toto Wolff's Mercedes and Andy Cowell's Aston Martin ringing loudly as the Dutchman's potential destinations.

“Summer break, same story. Everything is far too early,” said the Austrian to Viaplay, reiterating prior statements where he pointed to the summer break as the potential tipping point.

Is Verstappen truly going to remain at Red Bull in 2026? “He has a contract until '28." When told of the clauses that can be found in F1 drivers' contracts that can trigger a premature exit from their respective teams, Marko was quick to reply. "All contracts have clauses which are mainly on performance, but that's not relevant at the moment.”

For the Austrian the quick-fix to the rumours that are swirling around is in Red Bull Racing's hands.“No, we hope that we bring the necessary quality of our car, then all these discussions are gone.”

“But at the moment everything is clear. He (Verstappen, ed.) also said he wants to fulfill this contract. But we have to deliver a car which makes him winning, But we have to deliver a car which makes him winning, or at least have a chance to fight for the championships,” says Marko.