Amidst swirling rumors of a power struggle within the Red Bull hierarchy, Max Verstappen’s allegiance to his mentor, Dr. Helmut Marko, shines like a beacon.
Speaking to De Telegraaf newspaper in Abu Dhabi, Verstappen cut through the speculation with the same precision that he navigates a high-speed corner. “You should actually describe it as it is,” he said, his voice carrying the weight of respect and gratitude. “Red Bull should not want to continue without Helmut,” he stated firmly, acknowledging the pivotal role Marko has played in his career. “For me, that has to do with respect and loyalty. That’s number one for me. That’s how I feel when I look at the contract between me and the team. I also feel that mutual respect from Helmut. I will not let him fall.”
Verstappen’s support for Marko comes on the heels of a season that can only be described as sensational and unprecedentedly successful for the energy drink-owned team. Reflecting on the remarkable journey, Verstappen mused, “The problem is that it can hardly get any better. I don’t think there have been many seasons in the history of the sport that have gone this way.”
He reminisced about the days when a single victory was a rare treasure. “There have been years when I was lucky if I won one or two races, and they were special moments. Now, during a year like this, it is more a matter of ticking the boxes.” His words revealed a champion’s mindset where triumph becomes routine but never loses its sheen.
The Abu Dhabi weekend was also rife with rumors linking Lewis Hamilton to Red Bull. Some speculated that Verstappen might benefit from a more competitive teammate than Sergio Perez. Addressing this, Verstappen acknowledged the potential of future challenges. “There may well come a time when someone comes next to me and makes things a little more difficult for me,” he concedes. “But I’m not concerned with that now. It is sometimes said that as a driver you need the pressure of a teammate. But I don’t need that.”
Verstappen, whose contract runs until 2028, expressed his current contentment with Red Bull and speculated on his future beyond Formula 1. “That is my thought at the moment,” he said about his commitment to Red Bull. “I have a contract until 2028. Maybe I’ll stop in Formula 1 after that and I won’t drive for another team anyway. It would also be a nice story if I could spend my entire career for one team.”
He pondered the possibility of a comeback, like Michael Schumacher or Fernando Alonso, but remained true to his nature. “Normally I am a person who sticks with something once I’m done with it. I might miss things but after I’ve done it for a long time, I think I’ll be ok.” Verstappen then hinted at other racing horizons that might capture his interest post-Formula 1. “And if you stop Formula 1, there are plenty of other racing categories in which I can compete. That’s also in my thoughts.”
