Given his long-term deal, which theoretically kept him with Red Bull until 2028, and the presence of a strong vehicle beneath him, the Dutchman didn’t seem to have any need to look elsewhere.
However, the situation has shifted significantly due to the power struggle that has emerged within Red Bull for control of the Formula One team as a result of the aftermath of the Christian Horner inquiry.
There were hints that there were concerns about the triple world champion staying for the long run if there was no change at the top, following the concerns expressed by Verstappen’s father, Jos, that Red Bull risks being “torn apart” if Horner stays in position.
Then, in the midst of an ongoing inquiry into media leaks, things took a new turn during the Saudi Arabian Grand Prix when the driver himself threatened to depart if Red Bull motorsport advisor Helmut Marko was fired by the team.
Based on his repeated remarks during the Jeddah weekend, there was no question that his future at Red Bull depended on Marko staying with the team.
Regarding Marko, Verstappen remarked, “I think I have been very clear that he always has to stay.” “There is a role for everyone, and that has always been the case.
And some of those jobs were, of course, divided up after Dietrich’s [Mateschitz] death. For as long as Helmut is alive, I have always said that he must stay. Like I said last year after Qatar, I’ve always been quite clear about that. And I really hope that stays the same.
Although his views were evident, Formula 1 contracts are strong agreements, and drivers are not free to decide to leave a team abruptly because they disagree with particular team dynamics.
Contracts are frequently only able to be terminated by designated exit provisions, which are only activated for explicit purposes that both parties agreed upon when the agreement was signed.
The clauses may occasionally be activated based on performance; for example, a driver may be dropped if he fails to meet a predetermined goal or may be allowed to walk if the team’s vehicle performs below par and fails to produce the desired outcomes.
It is also possible to add break clauses that grant complete discretion. In order to sign with Ferrari the next year, Lewis Hamilton exercised the escape clause he had in his initial two-year deal with Mercedes for 2024–2025.
On rare occasions, however, the break clauses may pertain to more particulars; for example, they may provide drivers with an escape route in the event that senior staff changes. We are aware of other driver contracts that feature these kinds of details.
It has come to light in recent weeks that Verstappen’s contract does, in fact, contain a clause allowing him to walk if Marko is released.
That would account for his remarks, which have been extremely explicit in indicating that he would probably pursue other opportunities if the Austrian veteran were to leave Red Bull.
The most intriguing aspect of this Marko escape option, though, may be that, based on rumours, it was not included in the initial deal Verstappen and Red Bull inked back in 2022.
Instead, it is believed that the language is a part of a more recent contract addition.
More intriguingly, insiders have disclosed that Verstappens and Marko unilaterally implemented this change to the original contract without any knowledge from Red Bull’s F1 team or Horner at the time.
As one of Red Bull Racing’s two directors, Marko had the authority to speak for the team, which allowed him to take this action.
The clause’s existence only seems to have come to light in the last few weeks, when Verstappen’s future came up for discussion in public and its existence was made known.
Red Bull has refrained from commenting on the circumstances surrounding the inclusion of this clause in the contract; however, its existence would imply that Verstappen was safeguarding his position regarding senior management, and Marko was defending his standing.
Furthermore, it indicates that Verstappen has an easy route to leave Red Bull should the necessity arise, confirming the veracity of his claims to be committed to Marko.
Verstappen recently stated that having the best management structure within the team is more crucial than having the fastest car in Formula One. He remarked, “You know what it is?
In the end, communication and relationships within the team are what matter most. It would be an untenable position if things that are extremely essential to you vanished from the team.
“They are all aware of it; I have always been very transparent about that.”
Rival teams, including as Mercedes and Aston Martin, are understandably keeping a close eye on Red Bull’s current happenings since they may have a perfect opportunity to sign its star driver for the upcoming season.
