Red Bull advisor Helmut Marko has claimed that retaining Max Verstappen is the “most important” thing amid the impending exodus occurring at the Formula 1 team.
McLaren announced earlier this week that it has poached Red Bull’s long-serving Head of Race Strategy Will Courtenay, who has been with the champions since 2003.
READ MORE: McLaren poaches Red Bull’s long-time F1 Head of Race Strategy
Courtenay is contracted to Red Bull through mid-2026, but his move to McLaren will see him reunite with Rob Marshall, who has been integral to the side’s turnaround.
The experienced Briton has become the latest name to be revealed to be leaving Red Bull, which has been stripped as its F1 rivals strive to unsettle the Austrian outfit.
Red Bull’s regression in competitiveness coincided with the news earlier this term that design legend Adrian Newey will be vacating his role to switch to Aston Martin.
Newey will start work in his new position in 2025, while next season will also notice Red Bull Sporting Director Jonathan Wheatley exit to become Sauber’s team boss.
However, Marko has stressed that movement between F1 teams is “natural” as he divulged that Principal Strategy Engineer Hannah Schmitz is in line to be promoted.
“It is a natural development, when you are so successful, that people are poached,” Marko told Motorsport-Total.
“There is someone with us who can take over this position and that is Hannah Schmitz.
“What we offered Will Courtenay did not interest him. And he had an offer for this position [from McLaren], something that is also more financially attractive.”
Verstappen is Red Bull’s most important asset
The upheaval in the Red Bull ranks and the decline in on-track results have heightened rumours that Verstappen could emerge as the next high-profile name to depart.
Verstappen has been linked with a prospective switch to Mercedes, with boss Toto Wolff having insisted that the Dutchman’s path will cross with the German marque.
Marko, who has close ties with the reigning champion’s entourage, accepts that it is imperative that Red Bull delivers the equipment that ensures Verstappen remains.
“But it is clear, together we have to make sure that the World Championship can be won this year and we also build a fast car for next year,” the Austrian, 81, added.
“But the most important thing is that we can keep Max Verstappen.”
Verstappen’s second place in Singapore at the last race has meant that he will venture into the remaining six rounds with a 52-point lead over McLaren’s Lando Norris.
READ MORE: Jos Verstappen tells Christian Horner to ‘cut the c***’ on Red Bull’s Singapore F1 turnaround
