Helmut Marko reacts to Max Verstappen retirement warning over ‘gradually ruined’ F1

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Max Verstappen has enjoyed a superb Formula 1 career so far, winning three world championships for Red Bull.

The Dutchman won his first world championship in controversial circumstances in 2021, overtaking Lewis Hamilton on the last lap of the final round of the season at the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix.

Verstappen’s following two world titles were clinched in much more relaxed situations before the final round of the season, as Red Bull were the class of the field.

The team were in superb form at the start of the 2024 season, taking a dominant one-two finish at the season opener in the Bahrain Grand Prix.

The Austrian team have since struggled, and Sergio Perez has floundered, failing to score a podium since the Chinese Grand Prix in April.

McLaren have also developed their car and snatched the lead in the Constructors’ Championship after consistently challenging for race wins.

Formula 1 has been caught up in needless drama off the track as Verstappen was punished for swearing over the Singapore Grand Prix weekend.

The Dutchman is signed to a long-term contract at Red Bull, which expires at the end of 2028 and may not continue for much longer after his agreement runs out.

Helmut Marko hinted that Max Verstappen may retire from Formula 1 if the sport goes in the wrong direction

Verstappen is now one of the most successful drivers in Formula 1’s history and is one of just three drivers to have won more than 60 races, alongside Lewis Hamilton and Michael Schumacher.

The 26-year-old is still the favourite to clinch his fourth world championship this year and holds a 52-point advantage over his nearest rival, Lando Norris.

Marko explained on the Formel1.de YouTube channel that it is vital for Verstappen to be enjoying Formula 1.

He said: “Max has achieved great achievements. But it’s important for him to have fun and enjoy the sport. If that is gradually ruined for him, then his personality is. If he says, ‘Ok, that’s it’, then he means it. But I don’t hope that the current situation will really make him retire any time soon.”

Max Verstappen retiring would be a big loss for Formula 1

Verstappen is one of just three world champions on the grid, alongside Hamilton and Fernando Alonso, and broke the British driver’s dominance.

Drivers such as Norris and Charles Leclerc are very popular and have impressively won races, but neither have won a title.

Formula 1’s popularity in The Netherlands is largely due to Verstappen, who is one of the reasons the Dutch Grand Prix returned.

He has an interest in GT3 cars and endurance racing and is often competing in those cars online while sim racing.