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Red Bull Racing senior advisor Helmut Marko recently discussed the reason behind the removal or change of a special exit clause in Max Verstappen's contract. Marko reasoned that the change was made for the betterment of the team as a whole.
Red Bull Racing faced a rocky start in the 2024 F1 season after Christian Horner was accused of inappropriate behavior towards a female employee. Though he was cleared after the team's parent company concluded their investigation, rumors emerged that Helmut Marko could be removed due to a power struggle inside the team.
The rumors of Marko's departure triggered Max Verstappen to hint that he could also leave the team if the 81-year-old Austrian departs. This was because of an interesting exit clause in Verstappen's contract, which allowed him to exit the team if Marko left.
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However, Helmut Marko recently told De Telegraaf that this clause was slightly changed or removed from the four-time world champion's contract. When the Dutch publication asked for the reason behind the change, Marko simply said that it was done to further strengthen the team's future.
"To lay a foundation for a successful company for the near future," Marko said.
Later on, Marko praised the Verstappen family, including Max and his father, Jos Verstappen, for their loyalty towards an individual or a team. He added that he was pleased with the Dutchman's loyalty to leave the team if he departs.
"I've known the Verstappens for quite some time now. And the Verstappens are special, that's clear. And one thing is for sure: they are loyal. You can count on them. For me, of course, those words from Max were very nice. He is one of the greatest sportsmen in the world, earns a lot of money, but above all he sticks to his principles. That hasn't changed since he was fourteen years old," he added.
Max Verstappen opens up on his relationship with Helmut Marko
Max Verstappen recently talked about his relationship with Red Bull Racing senior, Helmut Marko. Speaking to De Telegraaf, the four-time world champion stated that his bond with the Austrian has reached a personal level after all the ups and downs they experienced together at Red Bull Racing.
"I think our relationship is even more personal now than it was then. We get along very well. We've been through a lot together. Many good moments, but also bad moments like a crash or things like that. He's straightforward, very honest and open," Verstappen said.
Max Verstappen explained how Marko was a straightforward person, who might look like he was angry at times, but was quite friendly in reality. The 81-year-old's passion for F1 was also praised by the Dutchman.
"Maybe he looks a bit angry sometimes and it seems like it's hard to get in touch with him, but actually he's very friendly. When everything is going well, that's easy to say, but in general I get along very well with Helmut. A very driven person," he added.
Ever since the Red Bull Racing team was created in 2005, Helmut Marko has been working in it as a senior advisor and driver scout, bringing in talents like Sebastian Vettel, Carlos Sainz, Max Verstappen, and others.
