Because of new contract

Max Verstappen’s “Marko clause” now useless

Max Verstappen and Helmut Marko(Bild: AP/Associated Press)

A change with a big impact: due to an amendment to the contract of Red Bull advisor Helmut Marko, world champion Max Verstappen is also more closely tied to the racing team.

As has often been reported in recent months, Verstappen's contract states that he can leave Red Bull if his Austrian mentor leaves the team.

This clause has now apparently become ineffective, as reported by the Dutch newspaper "De Telegraaf". Marko has signed a new contract with Red Bull until 2026, meaning that Verstappen (contract until 2028) cannot leave the team before the end of this period. On Saturday, Marko confirmed on the sidelines of the Hungarian Grand Prix that there had been a change in his contract, but did not go into detail.

Power struggle at an end?
After the power struggle between team boss Christian Horner and Marko, which has kept Red Bull busy in recent months, the contract amendment is now intended to restore calm and at the same time prevent the departure of Max Verstappen, who has already been openly courted by Mercedes.