Max Verstappen isn’t going anywhere – at least that’s what Red Bull’s top advisor Helmut Marko is telling everyone. He’s convinced the three-time world champion will stick with the team well beyond 2024, and even predicts he’ll have five titles to his name by then.
All those rumors about Verstappen jumping ship to Mercedes? Marko’s not buying it.
There was plenty of buzz earlier this year about secret talks between Verstappen’s team and Mercedes boss Toto Wolff. But the Dutch superstar chose to stay put with Red Bull, a team he’s called his “second family” since joining them back in 2016.
“Max has a contract with us until the end of 2028,” Marko told Sport Bild. Pretty straightforward.
The big question mark hanging over Red Bull is whether they can bounce back after missing out on the constructors’ title last year. Verstappen’s always been clear – he’ll stick around as long as he’s got a car that can win races.
But Marko isn’t worried at all.
The 81-year-old Austrian says there aren’t any special clauses in Verstappen’s contract that would let him walk if the car isn’t up to scratch. In fact, he’s feeling pretty confident about their chances.
“I don’t comment on the content of the contract, but we’re confident we can give Max a good car,” Marko explained. “Our engineers have made good progress with the data. We’re optimistic.”
Mercedes might be making eyes at Verstappen, especially now that Lewis Hamilton‘s headed for Ferrari. But Marko knows his star driver better than most.
“I know how loyal and grateful he is to Red Bull,” Marko said. “That’s why he’ll still be a Red Bull driver in 2026 – and as a five-time world champion.”
