Helmut Marko Blames Media for ‘Stirring Things up’ over Max Verstappen Red Bull Exit Rumors After Austrian GP DNF

Max Verstappen is the biggest talking point in the Formula 1 driver market. Despite having a contract with Red Bull till 2028, rumors have persisted that the Dutchman could leave the team by the end of this year. Such speculation has only increased following a DNF for the reigning world champion at the Austrian GP last weekend. However, Red Bull Motorsport Consultant Dr. Helmut Marko believes that the media is to blame for the amplification of such rumors.

Verstappen has raced for Red Bull since the 2016 Spanish GP. Since then, the 27-year-old has completely centered the team around him. Over the past few years, Max Verstappen has been untouched by any of his teammates, including his current partner, Yuki Tsunoda.

While this set-up did not pose a direct challenge for the Austrian team till last year, as Verstappen won four consecutive world titles, things have now changed. In 2025, Max Verstappen is struggling to match the two McLarens in the fight for the championship due to car struggles at Red Bull. This has sparked speculation over the Dutchman’s desire to use an exit clause to move to a rival team next year. With Mercedes emerging as the most likely destination in such a scenario.

The situation surrounding Max Verstappen’s future has only become more chaotic following the Austrian GP, with reports claiming that the 27-year-old has almost made up his mind to switch to the Silver Arrows. However, Helmut Marko has made it clear that the media is simply using the DNF in Austria as a way to stir things up in the paddock. The 82-year-old pointed out that it was not unusual for drivers to have exit clauses in their contracts. Marko insisted that currently, there was no reason for Red Bull to worry about Verstappen activating the clause, as the performance targets were being met.

I assume people will use a race like this to stir things up. But again: Verstappen has a contract through 2028. Like all top drivers, there are performance-based exit clauses – but as things currently stand, there is absolutely no reason that this contract won’t be fulfilled. There is currently no reason to worry about any sort of exit.

Helmut Marko said, as quoted by Motorsport.com

Christian Horner hits out at ‘noise’ over Max Verstappen’s future

Dr. Helmut Marko is not the only one frustrated with continuous speculation over Max Verstappen’s Red Bull tenure. Team Principal Christian Horner had similar comments following the last race.