Red Bull advisor Helmut Marko has reminded Max Verstappen that he has a “valid contract” with Red Bull, amid growing speculation he may switch to Formula 1 rivals Mercedes.
Verstappen’s whereabouts in 2026 have been the subject of increasing speculation, with a myriad of different accounts all pointing towards discussions with Mercedes.
A Verstappen exit from the Milton Keynes-based squad would thoroughly put the icing on the cake of what has been a tumultuous period for the team, exacerbated by the shock firing of Team Principal and CEO Christian Horner.
The team is also bracing itself for a tough first year under the new regulations next year, with Horner warning that it would be “embarrassing” if Mercedes were to be outperformed by Red Bull, in its new partnership with Ford.
But when asked by OE24 about the rumours of Verstappen’s potential switch to the ‘silver arrows’, Marko replied: “Max can meet with whoever he wants.”
It is widely believed that Verstappen can trigger an exit clause in his Red Bull contract if he is below fourth place in the Drivers’ Championship at the summer break.
Verstappen is currently third in the standings, with 46 points separating him from that and fifth place, currently occupied by Charles Leclerc.
A bigger dip in form for the team would place it in an invidious position, but assumption dictates that if Verstappen is able to hold on to his current placing, the hierarchy in Milton Keynes can temper its nerves.
Marko doubled down on the contractual situation that Verstappen has, reminding the four-time World Champion that his deal runs through 2028.
“We have a valid contract and we assume that Max will stay with us,” he said.
However, it was reported last week that Mercedes’ CEO Ola Kallenius has given the green light for the team to try and sign Verstappen, which could mean that it is prepared to pay the necessary compensation in order to spring Verstappen from his current deal.
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