Helmut Marko gives update on rumored Max Verstappen-linked exit clause
Helmut Marko revealed that Max Verstappen's linked exit clause has been tweaked following a controversial 2024 season.
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Helmut Marko with Max Verstappen (Image Via IMAGO)
Red Bull was the center of multiple major controversies throughout the 2024 season. Christian Horner‘s alleged inappropriate behavior towards an employee started a chain reaction of multiple problems in the teams. Helmut Marko was rumored to leave the team amidst the ongoing mass exodus. However, as depicted by the events, Marko is set to continue with Red Bull alongside Verstappen continuing his contract.
Max Verstappen reportedly had an exit clause that allowed him to walk away from the team if Marko were to be sacked. Verstappen expressed his loyalty to Helmut Marko and reckoned that he would leave the team if the latter were ousted. Due to this, the 81-year-old declared that he had known the Verstappens for a very long time and claimed that they were clearly special.
Iāve known the Verstappens for quite some time now. And the Verstappens are special, thatās clear.
Helmut Marko told De Telegraaf
Marko reiterated that the Verstappens were loyal and could be counted on. The Austrian recalled that the sweet words from the 27-year-old were nice. Moreover, the 81-year-old noted that the reigning world champion stuck to his principle despite earning a lot of money and being highly achieved. Verstappen hadn’t changed since he was 14 years old and showcased great consistency.
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 hasnāt changed since he was fourteen years old.
Helmut Marko added
Marko assured that the previous exit clause had now been changed or even removed from Verstappen’s contract. The reason for this was that Red Bull wanted to lay a foundation for a successful company in the future that didn’t depend on a single person. As a result, the Dutchman wouldn’t have the courtesy of leaving the team if the Austrian were to be sacked in the coming years.
Helmut Marko provides update on development of Red Bull’s RB21 chassis
Red Bull will have to work hard on the RB21 chassis of the 2025 season in order to not suffer from a disappointing year. Milton Keynes has already worked hard on the chassis and is aiming for better predictability. Helmut Marko noted that the assignment for the engineers was to build a car that wasn’t critical of the limit and easier to drive.
The assignment for the engineers was to build a car that has a wider work window. One that is not so critical of the limit that it is very, very difficult for the drivers to control the car. That means better predictability and, if possible, such as McLaren has shown that these performance is delivered on all circuits, not just specific tracks.
Helmut Marko told Sport1.de
šØ The basic concept for RB21 is done, and is now ready for final production, Helmut Marko reveals
— RBR Daily (@RBR_Daily) December 30, 2024
The car aims for a wider operating window, better predictability and consistent performance on all tracks. Weaknesses like kerb handling are believed resolved, but Helmutā¦ pic.twitter.com/0ssmaV4fIw
Red Bull will undergo massive personnel changes in the engineer’s team alongside Sergio Perez being replaced. Milton Keynes despite dominating a majority of the ground-effect era is facing massive issues in terms of performance. Hence, the team will have the task to not only deem a better outing in the 2025 season but also start working on the regulations changes.
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Aditya Pandya
(1388 Articles Published)