Red Bull advisor Helmut Marko recently clarified Max Verstappen’s current involvement with the team, addressing ongoing questions about the Dutch driver’s future in Formula 1. Despite recent rumors linking Verstappen to other teams, Marko emphasized that the four-time world champion remains dedicated to his Max Verstappen Red Bull involvement and their shared goals.
Speculation about Verstappen’s future intensified following Red Bull’s struggles with the RB21 car. Rumors suggested possible transfers to teams such as Mercedes and Aston Martin, fueled by the team’s difficulty keeping pace with McLaren. However, Marko quickly dispelled doubts about Verstappen’s loyalty, reaffirming the driver’s commitment to Red Bull’s cause.
In a conversation with the Austrian newspaper Kleine Zeitung, Marko, who leads Red Bull’s driver development program, revealed insights into Verstappen’s mindset:
“As soon as Max is at the track, he’s fully focused. It’s true that he doesn’t spend as much time on the simulator anymore, and that’s no secret: He enjoys the GT appearances of his team ‘Verstappen.com.’ It’s a massive organization, and he’s heavily involved in it. That keeps him in a good mood. If you want to see him smile, you have to talk to him about GT racing.” —Helmut Marko, Red Bull Advisor
Despite challenges facing Red Bull Racing and questions about Verstappen’s long-term plans, the 27-year-old driver continues to emphasize improving the team‘s results. With the Formula 1 calendar soon arriving in Austria, Verstappen aims to build on his promising performance at the Canadian Grand Prix, seeking to close the gap to McLaren once again.
Insight on Max Verstappen’s Prospects Beyond Formula 1
Helmut Marko also offered perspectives on Verstappen’s potential career path once his time in Formula 1 concludes. Discussing the 27-year-old’s future options, Marko pointed to endurance racing as a likely direction if Verstappen decides to continue racing after leaving F1.
Specifically, Marko highlighted prestigious endurance events such as Le Mans and the 24 Hours of Nürburgring as appealing to Verstappen’s interests. However, he noted Verstappen’s current restrictions on driving top-tier cars in these competitions.
“Certainly not. If he quits Formula 1, he’ll probably be interested in Le Mans. And the 24 Hours of the Nürburgring—that appeals to him even more. But that’s a farce; he’s not allowed to race a top-of-the-line car right now.” —Helmut Marko, Red Bull Advisor
Verstappen has openly discussed his curiosity about endurance racing beyond his existing contract, which runs through 2028. He often mentions the allure of competing in varied motorsport classes, broadening his racing repertoire once his F1 career ends.
Recently, Verstappen took part in an open test with his GT3 team car, Team Redline x MaxVerstappen.com Racing, at Belgium’s Spa-Francorchamps circuit. Additionally, he participated in an open test at the Nürburgring under the alias Franz Hermann, drawing media attention to his off-season activities.
While it remains uncertain whether Verstappen will fully transition to endurance racing, his recent engagements and Marko’s comments suggest a growing likelihood that he will pursue such challenges after retiring from Formula 1.
Next Steps for Verstappen and Red Bull in the Championship
As Formula 1 prepares for its Austrian Grand Prix, Verstappen’s focus will be on leveraging the upcoming races to help Red Bull recapture its competitive edge. The team aims to replicate or exceed recent successes, including the strong outing in Canada, where Verstappen demonstrated his ability to battle with the front runners.
Helmut Marko’s reassurances about Verstappen’s dedication highlight the driver’s importance to Red Bull’s strategy. The collaboration between Verstappen and the Milton Keynes-based team continues as they seek to close performance gaps and aim for further championship success in the 2024 season.
