Red Bull advisor Helmut Marko has confirmed that Max Verstappen remains deeply involved with the team despite ongoing speculation about his future. Marko emphasized the four-time world champion’s continued commitment to Red Bull Racing as questions arise about Verstappen Red Bull involvement amid recent performance challenges.
Max Verstappen has been the subject of rumors connecting him to rival teams such as Mercedes and Aston Martin, especially following the underperformance of the RB21 car this season. Nonetheless, Marko reassured fans that the Dutch driver’s focus remains with the Milton Keynes-based outfit. He underlined that Verstappen is still very much a key figure within the team, balancing his Formula 1 duties with other motorsport interests.
Helmut Marko Highlights Verstappen’s Engagement Beyond F1
In an interview with Kleine Zeitung, Helmut Marko offered a glimpse into Verstappen’s daily involvement and personal interests beyond F1 racing. Marko noted that while Verstappen may spend less time on the simulator now, it is because he is highly active in his other racing pursuits, notably GT racing through his own team “Verstappen.com.”
“As soon as Max is at the track, he’s fully focused. It’s true that he doesn’t spend as much time on the simulator anymore, and that’s no secret: He enjoys the GT appearances of his team ‘Verstappen.com.’ It’s a massive organization, and he’s heavily involved in it. That keeps him in a good mood. If you want to see him smile, you have to talk to him about GT racing.”
—Helmut Marko, Red Bull advisor
Despite some doubts caused by Red Bull’s recent struggles to keep pace with the McLaren team, Verstappen’s dedication to improving his team’s performance remains clear. The 27-year-old driver looks forward to upcoming races, including the Austrian Grand Prix, with ambitions to help restore Red Bull’s competitiveness.
Potential Path for Max Verstappen After Formula 1
Looking beyond Max Verstappen’s current racing career, Helmut Marko also discussed possibilities for the future once Verstappen decides to retire from Formula 1. According to Marko, endurance racing, including iconic events like Le Mans and the 24 Hours of Nürburgring, could offer attractive options for Verstappen to continue his motorsport journey.
“Certainly not. If he quits Formula 1, he’ll probably be interested in Le Mans. And the 24 Hours of the Nürburgring—that appeals to him even more. But that’s a farce; he’s not allowed to race a top-of-the-line car right now,”
—Helmut Marko, Red Bull advisor
Max Verstappen has consistently expressed enthusiasm for endurance events and his intention to explore different motorsport categories beyond the lifespan of his current F1 contract, which runs until 2028. Recently, he participated in an open test session driven by his GT3 team, Team Redline x MaxVerstappen.com Racing, at Spa-Francorchamps in Belgium. Moreover, Verstappen took part in a Nürburgring test where he competed under the pseudonym “Franz Hermann,” further fueling speculation about his future direction.
While it remains uncertain if Verstappen will make a full transition to endurance racing after Formula 1, his growing involvement in GT activities and expressed interest hint at a likely continuation of his racing career beyond F1. His expanding presence in these arenas provides fans and experts an intriguing prospect to watch.
With the Formula 1 championship progressing toward the Austrian Grand Prix, Verstappen’s role within Red Bull and his potential ventures into endurance racing have become subjects of intense attention. How he balances these commitments will likely shape his career trajectory in the coming years, reflecting both his passion for motorsport and his vital importance to Red Bull Racing’s future success.