Max Verstappen makes thoughts on leaving Red Bull ‘immediately’ due to…read more
Max Verstappen has addressed rumors that he was ready to leave Red Bull immediately if Helmut Marko had been dismissed earlier this year. The Dutch driver, who secured his fourth consecutive Drivers’ Championship title during the 2024 Formula One season, took the opportunity to clarify his stance on the matter. Verstappen’s comments come after a turbulent season for the Milton Keynes-based team, marked by several off-track controversies.
While Verstappen continued to dominate on the track, his team faced a series of distractions away from racing. Just before the 2024 season began, Red Bull’s Christian Horner was accused of inappropriate behavior toward a female team member. Horner, however, denied the allegations and was ultimately cleared of any wrongdoing. In addition, rumors about the future of Red Bull’s renowned engineer, Adrian Newey, caused further speculation, adding to the team’s drama. Amid these events, there were also reports suggesting that Marko, who played a pivotal role in bringing Verstappen to the team, might be responsible for leaking information to the media, potentially jeopardizing his position within Red Bull.
In light of these issues, there were growing rumors that Verstappen and Marko might both depart the team if Marko were removed. Verstappen, however, stayed loyal to the team and continued his successful partnership with Red Bull, eventually clinching his fourth world title.
Reflecting on this period of turmoil, Verstappen spoke candidly to De Telegraaf, expressing that he had already made his views on the situation clear. The 26-year-old driver emphasized that it was crucial for him to speak up when necessary, particularly in times of uncertainty. Verstappen’s loyalty to Marko during this period became a talking point, with many speculating that the two have a close relationship.
Despite the off-track challenges, Verstappen’s focus remained on his racing, and he delivered another dominant performance throughout the 2024 season. His championship win only solidified his reputation as one of the most talented drivers in Formula One history, and his clarity on the situation with Marko served to put to rest any lingering doubts about his commitment to the team. While rumors had swirled about his future, Verstappen’s actions spoke volumes, showing his dedication to Red Bull and his ongoing ambition for success.
