Marko now ‘convinced’ Verstappen will stay at Red Bull in 2026

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Red Bull’s Helmut Marko appears far more confident about Max Verstappen’s long-term commitment to the team, softening his previously cautious tone and affirming that he now expects the Dutchman to remain in the Red Bull fold through the 2026 Formula 1 season.

With Red Bull’s form faltering and key personnel jumping ship, the rumor mill has churned relentlessly over the past fewmonths, linking the four-time world champion to rivals like Mercedes and Aston Martin.

Verstappen’s contract, valid until 2028 but with a performance-based exit clause, only fueled the speculation. Earlier this year, Marko himself admitted to sleepless nights, fretting that the Dutchman might bolt if Red Bull was unable to perform more consistently.

But Marko’s tone has shifted after last weekend’s round of racing in Miami, even despite Verstappen’s fourth-place finish, almost 40 seconds adrift of McLaren victor Oscar Piastri.

The 82-yearold Austrian, known for his blunt pragmatism, now exudes a newfound certainty that Verstappen will stay put for 2026, with loyalty and focus trumping the allure of greener pastures.

Marko Shifts Tone: "Max is Loyal"

“That’s true, but they [my worries] have already diminished,” Marko told Bild, addressing his earlier concerns.

“Max is loyal and then publicly committed to Red Bull. That fits in with how I see him at the moment. He is fully focused on his job here.

“That’s why I don’t think he’s even thinking about a change. On the contrary. I am convinced that Max will be racing for Red Bull in 2026.”

The words carried a weight of relief, a stark contrast to the unease that had shadowed Red Bull’s campaign.

“We talked about expectations for 2025 before the season,” Marko added.

“Everyone - including Max - agreed that defending the title is of course the goal, but that we can't take it for granted that it will work out.

“We will do everything we can to achieve this, but nobody can expect us to always win. We have to score the maximum number of points possible.”

Big Offers, Bigger Focus

Verstappen has reportedly drawn interest from rival teams, with Aston Martin and Mercedes linked to lucrative bids. Reports have suggested Lawrence Stroll may be prepared to offer as much as $300 million over three years to bring Verstappen to Team Silverstone.

But Marko remains unfazed by such speculation, insisting Red Bull’s primary mission is to deliver the fastest car on the grid.

“I've read that too, but I don't think that plays a big role for Max,” he said.

“On the one hand, he doesn't earn that much with us, and on the other, he just wants to win. That's why we have to provide him with the fastest car.

“We are working on that. We will soon be bringing upgrades to the car.”

With upgrades in the pipeline and Verstappen’s faith seemingly intact, Red Bull are hoping their reigning champion will stay the course – and bring the trophies with him.

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Phillip van Osten

Motor racing was a backdrop from the outset in Phillip van Osten's life. Born in Southern California, Phillip grew up with the sights and sounds of fast cars thanks to his father, Dick van Osten, an editor and writer for Auto Speed and Sport and Motor Trend. Phillip's passion for racing grew even more when his family moved to Europe and he became acquainted with the extraordinary world of Grand Prix racing. He was an early contributor to the monthly French F1i Magazine, often providing a historic or business perspective on Formula 1's affairs. In 2012, he co-authored along with fellow journalist Pierre Van Vliet the English-language adaptation of a limited edition book devoted to the great Belgian driver Jacky Ickx. He also authored "The American Legacy in Formula 1", a book which recounts the trials and tribulations of American drivers in Grand Prix racing. Phillip is also a commentator for Belgian broadcaster Be.TV for the US Indycar series.