Max Verstappen’s contract can be broken if ‘number one’ Red Bull man leaves the team

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Max Verstappen may be signed up to a contract with Red Bull until 2028, but if Helmut Marko leaves the team that reportedly provides the three-time world champion with an exit clause.

The Dutchman has become a shock candidate to replace Lewis Hamilton when he heads to Ferrari in 2025.

A report from F1 Insider suggests that while he might be tied down for the next four years, that could all change if Helmut Marko departs the team.

Verstappen can walk away from contract if Marko leaves

Red Bull have picked up where they left off already in 2024 with a dominant display in Bahrain.

Max Verstappen completed the Grand Slam, taking pole position, leading every lap and winning the race with the fastest lap too.

He was followed by Sergio Perez although he was more than 20 seconds behind his teammate.

That wasn’t good enough for David Coulthard but will suit the team for now as long as he’s scoring the maximum number of points behind his teammate.

However, the Dutchman’s long-term future with the team is suddenly in jeopardy.

And Verstappen can reportedly exit his contract with Red Bull if Helmut Marko departs.

The 26-year-old sees Marko as a key asset to the team, saying last season: “Red Bull should not want to continue without Helmut.

“For me, that has to do with respect and loyalty.

“That’s number one for me. That’s how I feel when I look at the contract between me and the team. I also feel that mutual respect from Helmut.”

Marko still key asset when connected to Verstappen future

The report from F1 Insider states Verstappen can immediately leave Red Bull if Marko departs the team.

While it seems very unlikely that he would go before the end of the season as he wouldn’t have a seat to walk into, the threat looming over Red Bull will concern them.

Marko is a key asset to Red Bull, acting as an advisor to their drivers and overseeing their junior team.

Verstappen has worked alongside him for years and clearly sees him as an important figure in his career.