Max Verstappen has revealed that his threat during the 2024 Formula 1 campaign to leave Red Bull if Helmut Marko was let go “wasn’t a bluff”.
The comments came during Round 2 of the 2024 season in Saudi Arabia, where behind-the-scenes controversy was plaguing Red Bull’s campaign.
As the 2024 campaign got underway 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.
Reports emerged during the Saudi Arabian Grand Prix weekend that Marko was under investigation for leaking details to the media surrounding the Horner allegations.
With Marko’s future in the balance, Verstappen voiced his support for the Austrian.
“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,” Verstappen said after claiming pole position in Saudi Arabia.
Verstappen’s words held weight upon the revelation of a clause in his contract that would allow him to depart Red Bull should Marko no longer be involved.
Asked to reflect on those comments by Dutch publication De Telegraaf Verstappen said: “I think I did state clearly what I thought about it.
“I also think it was important that I said that at the time,” he added. “And I meant it too. It wasn’t a bluff. And they know that within the team too.”
All of the behind-the-scenes drama did weigh on Verstappen’s mind, but he admits that a snap decision amongst the chaos wasn’t on the cards.
“Whether at that stage I had any doubts about my future at Red Bull? Well, the feeling was not quite 100 per cent,” he said. “There was a lot going on.
“But on the other hand, I also don’t think that if something goes wrong, you can immediately just say: I’m leaving. I’m not like that.”
Verstappen’s Marko Red Bull clause has been removed
The clause allowing Verstappen to leave Red Bull should Marko depart has since been removed from the Dutchman’s contract.
Marko revealed to De Telegraaf that said clause has been “changed or removed” in order to “lay a foundation for a successful company for the near future.”
As it stands, Verstappen is contracted with Red Bull through 2028 and his immediate task is securing a fifth straight F1 title in 2025.
Marko, meanwhile, is continuing his work identifying future Red Bull talents to succeed Verstappen when he eventually hangs up his racing gloves.
READ MORE – Helmut Marko explains scrapping Max Verstappen Red Bull exit clause
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