Red Bull has locked Max Verstappen in with the longest contract in Formula 1 history, supposedly tying him to Milton Keynes until 2028. But behind this facade of stability, doubt lingers. And this time, that doubt doesn't come from outside. It comes from within Red Bull itself. Helmut Marko, The architect of Verstappen's contract, thus let slip a loaded statement: if the Red Bull 2026 engine is not up to standard, retaining Max will no longer make any sense.
After his first world title, Red Bull did not hesitate for a second. In March 2022, Max Verstappen He signs a historic contract, extended until 2028. An extraordinary commitment, accompanied by an equally extraordinary salary: 66 million euros in 2025making him the highest-paid driver on the grid for the fourth consecutive season.
And yet, despite this contractual arsenal, the future of Verstappen is a recurring topic in the paddock.
For example, this rumor was not unfounded. Toto Wolff confirmed it: Classic Mercedes for sale He discussed a potential transfer with Verstappen's management in 2025. But the contractual lock held firm. Verstappen did not meet the conditions to activate its exit clause, and Classic Mercedes for sale had to secure George Russell and Andrea Kimi AntonelliFor now.
The contract of Verstappen It contains a time bomb: a release clause linked to results.
In 2025, Max He had to be off the podium in the championship at the summer break to be able to leave. This scenario did not occur. But in 2026, He only needs to be out of the top 3 this summer to consider leaving..
In other words: if Red Bull misses its opportunity in 2026. Verstappen will have a perfectly legal way out.
Marko reveals the truth: “We can’t keep Max at all costs.”
It is Helmut Marko He himself acknowledges it. Without hesitation. I negotiated the contract "Marko told OE24. We have always maintained a fair relationship. And it's obvious we can't keep Max if the new engine doesn't work. »
A phrase unthinkable just two years ago. And Marko to drive the point home: " It was, in any case, the longest contract ever signed in Formula 1.. " Translation : Red Bull has done its part. Now it's up to the technical side to follow.
The 2026 engine will therefore be the true arbiter. Red Bull is gambling with its future… against itself. For the first time in its history, the team will approach 2026 with its own engineDeveloped by Red Bull Powertrains in partnership with Ford.
A colossal gamble, born after the initial withdrawal of Honda, before the latter finally committed to Aston MartinEven at Red BullNo one is under any illusions. Laurent mekies admitted it: to think that Red Bull To dominate immediately would be “naive”.
Marko knows it, and he accepts it: That makes perfect sense. Max wants to keep all his chances of breaking records. The new engine represents a riskWe'll see what happens. »
Verstappen doesn't race for symbols. He races for absolute records. If Red Bull If he no longer offers her the tool to beat them, loyalty will not be taken into account.
On paper, the 2026 engine revolution could favor VerstappenMore electrical energy, sustainable fuels, the phasing out of MGU-H: the F1 shift towards fine-tuning energy management, an area in which Max excels.
Marko believes in it: the new regulations will favor pilots capable of managing their energy while flying at full speed But even the best driver in the world can't do anything with an average engine.
Red Bull built his empire around VerstappenBut for the first time, it's no longer Max which depends on Red Bull. This is Red Bull which depends on its engine… so as not to lose it. The contract is long. Patience, however, is not. 2026 will not only decide the future of Red BullHe will decide the future of Max Verstappen.
