Max Verstappen’s potential departure from the Red Bull F1 team before 2028 has surfaced, driven by an exit clause in his contract amidst the ongoing turbulence involving Christian Horner, the team principal.
According to revelations from F1-Insider, the three-time world champion could exercise the option to depart from Red Bull should Helmut Marko, a pivotal figure within the team, cease to be associated with it.
This revelation comes amidst swirling rumours hinting at a remarkable switch for Verstappen to Mercedes by 2025.
Despite Red Bull’s recent on-track success, exemplified by a 1-2 finish in the season’s inaugural Bahrain Grand Prix, off-track affairs paint a starkly contrasting picture.
The genesis of this tumult can be traced to allegations surrounding Christian Horner’s purportedly inappropriate behavior, allegations he has vehemently denied and which were dismissed following an independent inquiry.
However, the saga continued to unfold as, during the Bahrain Grand Prix, a flurry of journalists, team principals, and senior F1 figures received purported evidence from the investigation via an anonymous email account.
Despite maintaining his innocence, Horner refrained from commenting on the alleged evidence, presenting a united front with his wife, Geri Horner, who appeared alongside him at the race.
Post the Bahrain Grand Prix, Max Verstappen’s father, Jos Verstappen, voiced concerns that the ongoing turmoil surrounding Horner could destabilize the team, suggesting Horner’s resignation might be a necessary step. Jos Verstappen’s interaction with Mercedes chief Toto Wolff post-race fuelled speculation that Verstappen could potentially fill the void left by Lewis Hamilton should circumstances within Red Bull deteriorate.
It is now apparent that Verstappen’s future with Red Bull hinges directly on the presence of Helmut Marko.
Marko, a pivotal figure as a Red Bull advisor, has overseen the team’s acclaimed young driver program, nurturing talents such as Verstappen, Sebastian Vettel, and Daniel Ricciardo from junior ranks to the senior team.
In statements relayed by F1-Insider, Marko expressed a non-interference stance, indicating he wouldn’t obstruct Verstappen’s departure should he choose to pursue it.
“The internal investigations have concluded. I will refrain from further comments,” stated Marko. “As far as my stance goes: I won’t impede Max’s decision [if he elects to depart].”
The potential departure of Max Verstappen from Red Bull before 2028 due to contractual clauses and its connection to the ongoing saga involving Christian Horner underscores the intricate interplay between off-track dynamics and on-track performance within the realm of Formula 1.
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