Why Helmut Marko wasn't worried about Max Verstappen and Mercedes

Helmut Marko is very pleased with the continuation of Max Verstappen. According to the CEO of Red Bull Racing, Max Verstappen is very important to the team, even though Marko claimed he was not worried that Verstappen would leave.

''Max is a very important part of our team. He has achieved all his successes with Red Bull Racing. He has only ever driven Red Bull cars in his Formula 1 career. And in addition to his driving potential, he is simply an important member of our family,'' Marko started in conversation with F1-insider.

While there were months of talk about the future of Max Verstappen and his possible transfer to Mercedes, Verstappen remained loyal to Red Bull Racing. However, Marko saw it differently: ''He had a contract until 2028 and there was nothing that would have spoken against the continuation of this contract.''

After the Grand Prix of Belgium, Max Verstappen could no longer use his performance clause. The Dutchman could leave Red Bull Racing if he was not in the top three in the world championship. The third place was however already secured after Belgium, so Max could no longer use the clause.

With or without the clause, Verstappen would have stayed with Red Bull anyway, as GPblog reported earlier. For Verstappen's camp, it was important that Christian Horner was replaced and the sporting performance would improve.

Max Verstappen in the F1-paddock in Hungary - Red Bull Contentpool

Why does Max Verstappen stay at Red Bull?

''I don't know what considerations he made, personally and with his management. But it was clear from his statements that he wanted to stay. Even if the exit clause had hit – no one knows what the situation will be in 2026.''

''Mercedes declares itself the series leader, but there is no evidence. Even with the chassis, you don't know who will hit the jackpot. There is a lot of uncertainty. From his perspective, it makes much more sense to stay, to look at it and if we are not competitive next year, that he reconsiders his decision.''

Max Verstappen put an end to all rumors about his future on Thursday. During the media day in Budapest, Verstappen decided to inform the media about his stay at Red Bull Racing. It also means that Mercedes will continue with George Russell and Andrea Kimi Antonelli.

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