Helmut Marko says Max Verstappen could stay in F1 for ‘the money’ despite retirement talk

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Talk of Max Verstappen retiring from F1 amid his unhappiness with the current state of the sport has been rubbished by his close confidante, Helmut Marko, who believes the Dutchman will remain on the grid for “the money”.

The four-time world champion’s frustrations in Formula 1 came under the magnifying glass during pre-season, after Verstappen launched a scathing attack on the sport’s new technical regulations.

If you were Max Verstappen, would you stay at Red Bull or move on?

Verstappen has been linked with McLaren, but could also retire or take a sabbatical

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Some tweaks will be made to the engine formula next year, but the current ruleset will largely remain untouched until the pinnacle of single-seater racing undergoes another major overhaul. A return to naturally aspirated V8s has been touted to land in either 2030 or 2031.

Verstappen has expressed a keen desire to find success in other forms of motorsport, with endurance racing in GT3 machinery currently piquing his interest, but former Red Bull chief Helmut Marko is adamant that the Dutchman will remain in F1 for the foreseeable future.

• READ MORE: Damon Hill explains why fans are wrong to think V8 engine return could be F1’s saving grace

Helmut Marko says ‘money’ will determine Max Verstappen’s future in F1

During a recent interview with Austrian newspaper Krone, Marko was asked for his thoughts on Verstappen’s future after it emerged that the 83-year-old had met with the Red Bull ace in Amsterdam after the British Grand Prix.

Speculation over what they could possibly be discussing was rife on social media, with Marko issuing an “unbelievable” verdict on the amount of attention the meeting garnered, adding, “Especially since I visit the Verstappens every year.”

The Austrian executive then shed some light on what he may have told Verstappen during his meeting with the Red Bull ace and his father, urging the driver to remain where he is until the next set of sporting regulations are enforced.

“Real racing with a V8 engine is supposed to arrive in 2030/31, and Max has to persevere until then,” he told the Austrian newspaper.

Later asked about Verstappen’s interest in going full-time with his GT exploits, Marko then revealed the real reason why the 28-year-old remains indecisive about leaving F1: “The money is already in Formula 1.

“Therefore, I assume that we’ll see Max in the premier class even beyond his contract with Red Bull in 2028.”

Verstappen is reportedly earning around £57.4m ($76m) per year at Red Bull, in a deal laden with various clauses that will keep him at the team until 2028 at the very latest. A drive in any other form of motorsport would see him be paid a fraction of that salary.

• READ MORE: Helmut Marko blamed Jos Verstappen for Max Verstappen ‘smashing the car’ at Red Bull

Of course, Verstappen’s presence would increase the visibility of whatever category he chooses to try his hand at next, but it would still be a fraction of the attention that F1 garners at every race weekend.

In turn, his personal brand could dwindle, as sponsors may be less inclined to remain with him if he isn’t in the spotlight of the world’s most popular form of motorsport week in, week out.