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Max Verstappen is reportedly not looking to leave Red Bull Racing even if close ally Helmut Marko exits the outfit over the winter. The Dutchman is said to be happy at the Austrian team, which Laurent Mekies and Oliver Mintzlaff have led since Christian Horner was fired in July.
Max Verstappen has consistently maintained a strong relationship with Helmut Marko and has previously hinted that he could walk away from Red Bull if the advisor were to leave as well. Some reports have even suggested a release clause in his contract tied to Marko's presence at the team.
However, with the possibility of Marko stepping aside becoming more likely, Verstappen no longer appears to be considering a move. Dutch journalist Erik van Haren has reported that the 4x world champion is willing to stay at Milton Keynes even without Marko from 2026 onwards.
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Max Verstappen is understood to be pleased with the direction Mekies and Mintzlaff are taking Red Bull in ahead of the new regulations. If he receives a competitive package next season, with Red Bull developing its own power units in partnership with Ford, he will have little reason to explore alternatives.
He has also admitted in the past that he would like to end his F1 career with Red Bull. Van Haren has reiterated that Verstappen still holds this view. His current contract runs until 2028 but contains exit clauses that could allow him to leave earlier under certain conditions.
During the 2025 summer break, Verstappen was heavily linked to Mercedes. While that move did not materialize, the door at Brackley is believed to remain open for 2027 if he is unsatisfied with Red Bull in the new era.
Although he could have several options on the table for 2027, Verstappen’s priority appears to remain with Red Bull as long as the team stays competitive at the front of the field next season.
Red Bull focused on keeping Max Verstappen happy for 2026 and beyond
As previously mentioned, Max Verstappen is only expected to consider leaving Red Bull if the team cannot fight at the front in 2026. Erik van Haren has also reported that one of Oliver Mintzlaff’s main priorities for next season is to ensure Verstappen receives a competitive car that keeps him committed to the project beyond next year.
The CEO of Corporate Projects and New Investments at Red Bull GmbH, now holding greater control over the running of the F1 outfit, is looking to refresh the team’s structure for 2026. This shift has already become evident through reports suggesting that Helmut Marko could be moved aside, along with rumors of wider changes planned over the winter.
What Red Bull can deliver under the new regulations remains uncertain. Early reports indicate that several engine manufacturers might be chasing Mercedes heading into 2026, with Ferrari a close second. This places significant pressure on Red Bull, which is developing its own power units in partnership with Ford. The American manufacturer is set to return to F1 after more than two decades away, adding another layer of complexity to the project.
