Helmut Marko has explained why a Formula 1 contract clause allowing Max Verstappen to leave Red Bull if the Austrian departed has been removed.
The clause in question was brought to light earlier this year amid controversy at Red Bull.
Team Principal Christian Horner was accused of misconduct of which he was later cleared, but not before whistleblowing, speculation and alleged rifts had played in the public arena.
Amid the drama, reports emerged during the Saudi Arabian Grand Prix weekend that Marko was under investigation for leaking details to the media surrounding the Horner allegations, fuelling talk of the Austrian’s potential dismissal.
At this point, Verstappen spoke in support of Marko after claiming pole position at the Jeddah Corniche Circuit.
“I have a lot of respect for Helmut [Marko] and what we have achieved together, it goes very far,” Verstappen said.
“Of course, my loyalty to him is very big and I’ve always expressed this to everyone within the team, everyone high up, that he’s an important part in my decision-making for all the time in the future as well within the team.”
Harmony restored and a fourth world title for Verstappen later, Marko revealed to De Telegraaf that the aforementioned clause in the Dutchman’s contract has since been “changed or removed” in order to “lay a foundation for a successful company for the near future.”
“I’ve known the Verstappens for quite some time now. And the Verstappens are special, that’s clear,” Marko added.
“And one thing is for sure: they are loyal. You can count on them.
“For me, of course, those words from Max were very nice.
“He is one of the greatest sportsmen in the world, earns a lot of money, but above all he sticks to his principles.
“That hasn’t changed since he was fourteen years old.”
‘Passion’ keeping Marko working at Red Bull
Marko, 81, has no immediate plans to stop working as an advisor to Red Bull and a leading figure in its junior driver programme.
Pondering “What’s the secret” to De Telegraaf, Marko said: “Passion.”
That passion is helping Marko look beyond Verstappen’s time at Red Bull by identifying future world champions.
The Austrian has already earmarked Red Bull junior Arvid Lindblad for success and has sung the praises of 14-year-old Rocco Coronel.
Verstappen, meanwhile, is contracted with Red Bull through 2028 and has no intention to move on anytime soon meaning he and Marko will remain with the Milton Keynes-based outfit for some time.
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