Helmut Marko’s concern over Max Verstappen’s departure from Red Bull seems to have eased.
- Despite initial worries, Verstappen remains committed to Red Bull, easing Marko’s fears.
- McLaren’s dominance challenges Verstappen, but he’s still fighting for the championship.
- Rumors swirl about a $300 million offer from Aston Martin, but Marko remains unbothered.
- Red Bull is focusing on car upgrades to support Verstappen’s championship pursuit.
Helmut Marko, once deeply concerned about Max Verstappen’s potential exit from Red Bull, has found his worries all but diminished. Initially, the speculation emerged due to Red Bull’s inconsistent performances, leaving their star driver with a tough task if he aims to clinch a fifth consecutive title. He’s among three Grand Prix winners in the 2025 season, yet dominating the field has become increasingly challenging.
McLaren’s new MCL39 has thrown a wrench in the works, dominating the long races and leaving Verstappen with just one victory despite snagging three pole positions. Oscar Piastri, one of McLaren’s formidable drivers, has claimed four wins, with Lando Norris adding one more to the team’s tally. As a result, Verstappen trails Norris by 16 points in the Drivers’ Championship, illustrating the fierce competition he’s up against.
Following the Bahrain Grand Prix where Verstappen finished sixth, Marko expressed significant concern, fearing their champion might seek greener pastures if performance improvements were not imminent. The concern is great, Marko confessed, acknowledging the need for a competitive vehicle capable of contending for the World Championship.
In response, updates to the RB21 were made, placing Verstappen on pole in Saudi Arabia and Miami. Yet, victories evaded him in both instances, with Piastri taking the lead. Despite being nearly 40 seconds behind the championship frontrunner, Marko’s apprehensions have lessened. “Max is loyal and has publicly committed to Red Bull,” Marko stated, reinforcing his belief that Verstappen is not considering a move.
Rumors have circulated about Aston Martin making a substantial $300 million bid for Verstappen over three years. However, Marko dismissed this chatter, focusing instead on the Dutchman’s desire to win rather than any lucrative offers. “I don’t think that plays a big role for Max,” he remarked, emphasizing that their priority is to give him the fastest car possible and hinting at forthcoming upgrades.
Marko explained the strategic vision for the 2025 season, acknowledging that while reclaiming the title remains the goal, it’s not a guaranteed outcome. “Before the season, we talked about our expectations for 2025,” he noted. The Red Bull team is determined to maximize their points tally and remains the only competitor alongside McLaren to have clinched a Grand Prix this year.
Despite setbacks, Marko insisted Red Bull is not experiencing a crisis. “Crisis is too much to say,” he said, pointing out their recent improvement and reiterating a fervent ambition to secure more victories. Nevertheless, the journey demands not only exceptional driving talent but also the need for a vehicle that matches their ambition — something Red Bull acknowledges they currently lack.
Marko is confident in Verstappen’s commitment to Red Bull, brushing off Aston Martin rumors and focusing on car improvements for title contention.
