Red Bull has reportedly made adjustments to Max Verstappen’s contract.
During the Belgian Grand Prix on Sunday, Mercedes’ George Russell initially claimed victory, followed by teammate Lewis Hamilton and McLaren’s Oscar Piastri. However, it was later discovered that Russell’s car was underweight, leading to his disqualification.
As a result, Hamilton was awarded the win, marking his second victory in three races. Verstappen was elevated to fourth place due to Russell’s disqualification.
It was a challenging weekend for Verstappen, who started from 11th place due to a 10-place grid penalty for an engine change. This extends his winless streak to four races, with his last victory coming at the Spanish Grand Prix in June.
There has been speculation about Verstappen’s future with Red Bull, with Mercedes mentioned as a potential new destination if he decides to move.
Now, it is reported that Red Bull has modified Verstappen’s contract to secure his position. Sky Sports’ Martin Brundle mentioned, according to The Express: “There’s speculation that Max Verstappen might leave if Dr. Helmut Marko departs. My understanding is that all related paperwork has been updated, and he cannot leave until at least 2026. Max is firmly committed.”
Helmut Marko, Red Bull’s senior adviser, has a close bond with Verstappen. Earlier in the season, Verstappen expressed his admiration for Marko, saying:
“I have immense respect for Helmut and the achievements we’ve accomplished together. My loyalty to him is very strong, and I’ve made it clear to everyone in the team, especially those in high positions, that he plays a crucial role in my future decisions.”
Verstappen also noted, “It’s vital for him to remain with the team. I’ve told the team that losing such a key figure would negatively impact my situation as well. It’s important to show respect for what he has done, which ties into loyalty and integrity. So, it’s crucial for me that he stays with the team.”
