Verstappen may leave Red Bull early: 'Money will not be the reason'

Helmut Marko has made an interesting statement about Max Verstappen's contract. The Dutchman is tied up with Red Bull Racing until 2028, but that will not stop him from leaving if the team can no longer give him a competitive car.

Marko acknowledges clause in Verstappen contract

Earlier, Marko stated that Toto Wolff will undoubtedly make an attempt to bring Verstappen to Mercedes to take over Lewis Hamilton's seat in 2025. However, the Red Bull adviser does not see that happening, pointing out that Verstappen had not forgotten how Wolff and his team behaved after the controversies at Silverstone and Abu Dhabi in 2021.

Still, it cannot be ruled out that the three-time world champion will swap Red Bull for another team before the end of his contract term. That has everything to do with the car the team can give him. Marko confirmed that there is a clause in Verstappen's contract for this purpose: "There are clauses in every Formula 1 contract, including Max's," he told ServusTV.

"Max is not getting any younger. If we are not able to give him a car with which he can win, it is clear that he will look around to find something better," the 80-year-old Austrian adds. He stresses that the Dutchman cannot be bought out whatever amount.