Helmut Marko, former motorsport advisor at Red Bull, has spoken out about the performance clause in Max Verstappen’s contract ahead of the Austrian Grand Prix.
The 83-year-old Austrian, who retired from daily F1 duties late last year, remains a close confidant of the four-time world champion and stays in regular contact with him.
Speaking to Krone Zeitung in the build-up to the race weekend at the Red Bull Ring, Marko was clear about what drives Verstappen’s thinking.
“For him, competitiveness always comes first,” Marko said, offering a direct insight into what could ultimately trigger an exit from the team.
Verstappen currently sits seventh in the championship standings, reflecting a difficult season for both him and the wider Red Bull operation.
Red Bull Racing has struggled to match the pace of the frontrunners this year, with much of the blame attributed to persistent issues with their new Red Bull-Ford power units.
Speculation over a potential Verstappen departure has intensified following a string of disappointing results, with the escape clause in his contract becoming a central talking point in the paddock.
Marko acknowledged the sensitivity of the situation, confirming that discussions are already in motion: “All top drivers have performance-based clauses in their contracts.”
“Negotiations are likely underway at the moment, and it would be best if an agreement is reached quickly,” he added, outlining the urgency surrounding the talks.
Internal disagreement within the Red Bull parent company has complicated matters further, with Thai shareholder Chalerm Yoovidhya reportedly wanting to buy out the clause, while German managing director Oliver Mintzlaff considers the financial move unnecessary.
Verstappen’s manager Raymond Vermeulen recently addressed the situation in Sport Bild, stating clearly where the preference lies for the driver’s future.
“We’ve always been loyal and intend to stay loyal. We want to continue our journey with Red Bull and have Max finish his career here,” Vermeulen said.
However, Vermeulen added a firm condition to that loyalty: “But we must have a realistic chance of winning.”
With Oscar Piastri and Lando Norris among the title contenders putting pressure on further down the standings, the challenge for Red Bull to demonstrate competitiveness is significant.
Four race weekends remain on the calendar before the summer break, including this weekend in Austria, followed by Silverstone, the Hungaroring, and Spa-Francorchamps.
The summer pause is set to begin at the end of July, with drivers returning on August 21 for the Dutch Grand Prix at Zandvoort, the weekend that could prove pivotal for Verstappen’s decision.