Rachel Brookes suggests key Max Verstappen ally may leave Red Bull at the end of the season

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Max Verstappen is leading the world championship by 84 points heading into the next race in Hungary. He’s firmly on course to win a fourth consecutive title at Red Bull.

But all has not been well at Milton Keynes this year. Legendary designer Adrian Newey handed in his resignation at the start of May after 18 years.

Jos Verstappen subsequently warned Red Bull were at risk of ‘falling apart’. There have been tensions between the former F1 driver and team principal Christian Horner.

They came to a head in Austria when Verstappen senior accused Horner of blocking him from taking part in the legends’ parade. The Dutchman was subsequently seen visiting the Mercedes facility in the paddock.

Sky pundit Martin Brundle says Toto Wolff is ‘hanging around’ in his pursuit of Verstappen. Even though the 26-year-old indicated that he planned to stay last month, Brundle refuses to believe that he’s 100% committed.

Mercedes still haven’t signed a replacement for Lewis Hamilton, with Kimi Antonelli and Carlos Sainz both awaiting news. They may still be hopeful of pulling off a sensational deal.

Rachel Brookes shares ‘rumours’ that Helmut Marko will leave Red Bull

One journalist warned that more senior figures were considering their futures at Red Bull after Newey’s departure. Horner has certainly managed to stave off an immediate exodus, but there could be another high-profile farewell soon.

Speaking on the Sky Sports F1 podcast, Rachel Brookes relayed ‘rumours’ that executive director Helmut Marko will leave before 2025. Marko runs the driver programme that has brought through the likes of Verstappen and Sebastian Vettel.

This could have ramifications for the team’s driver line-up. For instance, the Austrian is known to be opposed to promoting Yuki Tsunoda to replace the struggling Sergio Perez.

“If you’re looking in the Red Bull family, you’re looking at the likes of Liam Lawson [to replace Perez],” Brookes said. “Would they move Yuki Tsunoda up? I don’t think they would.

“From what we hear, Helmut Marko’s pretty strong on not thinking that’s the right answer. Although, if you believe all the rumours, Helmut Marko won’t be there next year anyway.”

How Marko’s departure could see Max Verstappen join Mercedes

The relationship between Horner and Marko has reportedly been under strain this year. The team boss may have been making a conscious effort to downplay the 81-year-old’s influence.

But Horner would be wise to repair that relationship. Marko will trigger an exit clause in Verstappen’s contract if he leaves the team.

The 61-time race-winner is ostensibly committed until the end of 2028 but he’ll be able to follow his close ally out the door. It’s unclear whether Marko would join another F1 team, given his age.

Marko has grown closer with Wolff this season, and the Mercedes chief has told Verstappen he’s willing to sign him. But Red Bull CEO Oliver Mintzlaff regards such a move as ‘impossible’.

He may have to undergo a period of gardening leave before he works for a rival. Newey managed to negotiate his way out of that obligation, but there’s no guarantee Marko could do the same.