Marko: Keeping Verstappen past 2021 “a difficult story” if Honda leaves F1

Verstappen signed a lengthy contract extension with Red Bull earlier this month, keeping him with the team until the end of the 2023 season.

But their current engine supplier, Honda, are only contracted to be with the team until the end of 2021, with Marko stating that the Dutchman’s new contract is fixed “in principle”.

"In principle, this contract is fixed,” he said to Motorsport-Magazin. “With a normal course everything is arranged.

The possibility of this doesn’t faze Marko at the moment as they are focused on making Verstappen the youngest F1 champion.

"We are especially happy, this [Verstappen's contract] gives us stability and gives the entire team an incredible amount of motivation," he added.