Helmut Marko explains ‘danger’ scenario that could see Max Verstappen retire from Formula 1

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Red Bull Racing driver Max Verstappen will be enjoying the four-week break in the Formula 1 calendar before the chaos of the final six races of the season.

Max Verstappen will go into the final half a dozen races with more than a 50-point advantage over his closest rival Lando Norris, but that gap has been narrowing for some time.

The Dutchman hasn’t stood on the top step of the podium since the Spanish Grand Prix but three podium finishes in that time have limited the damage McLaren have done to his lead.

However, Verstappen has been far from happy during this period, both with events on and off the track.

Verstappen was furious with his strategy in Hungary and his Red Bull has become more and more difficult to drive.

Team principal Christian Horner believes he knows the cause of Red Bull’s issues but fixing them is another matter.

Chief advisor Helmut Marko has targeted the United States Grand Prix for when Red Bull can expect their next major update to be delivered and plenty hinges on its success.

READ MORE: Red Bull driver Max Verstappen’s life outside F1 from net worth to girlfriend

Marko was speaking to sport.de about Verstappen and his long-term future in Formula 1.

The 27-year-old was embroiled in controversy at the Singapore Grand Prix after swearing in a pre-race press conference.

Verstappen garnered the support of many of his rivals with his stance on the matter but admitted that he was frustrated with some aspects of the sport.

Marko has now shared the scenario where he could see Verstappen retire from F1 sooner rather than later, putting more pressure on Red Bull to deliver on their promise to build the fastest car on the grid.

Helmut Marko explains how he could see Max Verstappen retire from Formula 1

Asked about Verstappen potentially walking away from the paddock, Marko said: “This danger is there. Max is not the type of person who wants to beat the records of [Michael] Schumacher or [Lewis] Hamilton.

“When he’s in the car, he wants to win. But the environment has to be right.

“If he doesn’t like the whole thing anymore, you can expect him to say from one day to the next: That’s it!

READ MORE: Who is Red Bull motorsport advisor Helmut Marko? Everything to know

“Most top drivers have exit clauses that are performance-related. Max has something like that too.

“That means If we can’t give him a car that he can drive at the front with, that’s definitely something he’ll think about.”

Red Bull performance clauses could impact Sergio Perez and Max Verstappen’s futures

As Marko mentions, Red Bull have put plenty of measures in place to protect their position when it comes to their drivers.

Daniel Ricciardo may have been racing for RB, but he, Yuki Tsunoda and Liam Lawson are all signed up to central Red Bull contracts, meaning they can be promoted – or dismissed – at the drop of a hat.

Verstappen is currently tied down to a contract until the end of 2028. Still, if Red Bull can’t deliver a quick enough car during the new regulations in 2026, Verstappen can walk away if certain conditions in his deal aren’t met.

READ MORE: Everything you need to know about Red Bull Racing from engine to Ford links

Sergio Perez also faces an uncertain future with his performances flattering to deceive this year.

Lawson’s promotion to RB is seen as an audition for a 2025 Red Bull seat if the Mexican driver doesn’t improve enough over the final six races.

In a year where the driver’s market has been more turbulent than ever, Red Bull could deliver at least one more twist before the beginning of next season.