News summary
- Helmut Marko says Max Verstappen’s contract extension brings greater stability to Red Bull through 2030.
- The former Red Bull consultant warns that performance will remain the key factor in keeping Verstappen at the team, despite the new deal.
- Marko believes potential changes to Formula 1’s engine regulations may have played a role in Verstappen’s decision to extend his Red Bull contract.
With Max Verstappen having renewed his contract with Red Bull through the end of 2030, Helmut Marko has once again commented on the Dutchman’s situation and maintained his trademark bluntness. According to the former consultant, only Red Bull’s performance will ultimately keep the four-time world champion in the team, even with the new long-term agreement.
For Marko, who left Red Bull last year after two decades with the organization, the renewal does provide greater stability to the team, especially as Verstappen had fueled speculation about his future in Formula 1 on several occasions. On the other hand, one thing remains unchanged: only the quality of the car can keep Max at Milton Keynes.
“It is the right signal at the right time,” Marko told Austrian newspaper Kronen Zeitung. “This will bring calm and stability to the team, but it is about performance, and emotions can flare up. The result is what matters most, and he made his conditions [for staying] clear,” he analyzed.
Marko also stressed that potential changes to Formula 1’s engine regulations may have been factored into Verstappen’s contract renewal. The Austrian stopped short of predicting what will happen, but emphasized that, given Max’s dissatisfaction with the current regulations, the issue was certainly part of the discussions.
“Max is the face of the entire team, a leadership figure,” Marko highlighted. “Every ambitious engineer wants to work with the best driver. Whether a new engine will be introduced in 2030 or 2031, we will have to see. But that certainly played a role,” the former Red Bull consultant concluded.
Formula 1 returns this weekend, from September 4 to 6, at Monza. GRANDE PRÊMIO’s F1 coverage will follow all the action from the Italian GP, the 13th round of the 2026 season. Fans can also check the Italian GP 2026 schedule and full Monza session times ahead of the weekend.
FAQ
1. How long is Max Verstappen’s new Red Bull contract?
Verstappen’s renewed contract keeps him with Red Bull through the end of the 2030 Formula 1 season.
2. What does Helmut Marko say will determine Verstappen’s future at Red Bull?
Marko says performance will remain decisive. Despite the new contract, Red Bull needs to provide a competitive car to keep Verstappen satisfied.
3. Could changes to F1 engine regulations have influenced Verstappen’s renewal?
Yes. Marko believes future changes to the engine regulations were likely part of the discussions, particularly given Verstappen’s concerns about the current technical rules.
