Helmut Marko comments suggest Max Verstappen will be able to activate Red Bull exit clause in 2026

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Red Bull will debut their first-ever Formula 1 power unit in 2026. Throughout their F1 history, they have been a customer team.

But as their partnership with Honda comes to an end, Red Bull have now set up their own Powertrains division. Naturally, they aren’t expecting to be on the same level as long-established manufacturers straight away.

One well-informed source told James Allen that Red Bull’s engine will be two-tenths off next year. This could be significant in determining Max Verstappen’s future.

Verstappen’s run of four consecutive titles looks like it’s about to come to an end, and he may consider joining another team if he doesn’t have the tools to win for a second consecutive year.

Helmut Marko doesn’t expect Red Bull to be winning in the first half of 2026

Verstappen thought about joining Mercedes for 2026 but decided to stay at Red Bull. He had an exit clause in his contract that allowed him to leave if he was outside the top three midway through the season.

That particular clause wasn’t triggered, but Verstappen’s contract is changing for 2026. According to various reports, he will be free to go if he’s outside the top two when the season reaches the summer break.

Speaking to oe24, Red Bull motorsport advisor Helmut Marko admitted that Red Bull aren’t targeting race wins until after the summer break next year. On that basis, there’s a strong probability that Verstappen is third or lower when the clause kicks in.

“Nothing’s proven just because Mercedes has declared itself the favourite,” Marko said of the 2026 engine landscape. “But of course, it’s unlikely that we’ll show up with our own engine and be the fastest right away.

“As long as we’re not completely out of contention like we were back then with the Renault engine, that’s fine. Besides, there’s the FIA ​​regulation that allows for adjustments after six months.

“As long as we see progress with the new car, we’re happy. Being able to win is the ultimate goal. In other words, we want to be winning races again in the second half of the year.”

George Russell’s bold declaration may have caught Max Verstappen’s attention

As Marko alluded to, F1 has introduced a catch-up mechanism for the teams that are lagging behind in the power unit department. If that group includes Red Bull, they will be afforded extra testing time.

Verstappen would love to finish his career at Red Bull but if he believes the team will be at a lasting disadvantage, he will surely go.

Indeed, a report from the Italian press says Verstappen is already in talks with Mercedes for 2027.

George Russell says Mercedes are in an enviable position heading into next year, claiming that only the two McLaren drivers would turn down a seat swap.