Marko Declares the End of Verstappen’s Dominant Era with Red Bull.
After four years of unprecedented success, Red Bull’s golden era with Max Verstappen at the helm appears to have come to an abrupt halt. Helmut Marko, the team’s long-time advisor, has openly stated that the Verstappen-Red Bull dominance in Formula 1 is officially over, marking a dramatic shift in the competitive landscape.
Verstappen’s run between 2021 and 2024 was nothing short of historic. The Dutch driver secured four consecutive world titles, shattered numerous F1 records, and was widely regarded as virtually unbeatable during that period. However, 2025 has painted a very different picture.
With 12 races remaining this season, Verstappen currently trails McLaren’s Oscar Piastri by a daunting 69 points in the Drivers’ Championship. This significant gap has led Marko to publicly write off Red Bull’s title hopes. “The championship is still over,” Marko told oe24. “It’s now only between Norris and Piastri, with Norris making an impressive comeback with two sensational races.”
It’s not just the Drivers’ Championship that Red Bull is struggling with. The team is also falling short in the Constructors’ standings, currently languishing in fourth place—a dramatic decline for a team that once appeared untouchable.
Will Verstappen Move On?
Amid Red Bull’s decline, questions are intensifying about Verstappen’s future with the team. Several key changes are looming: Christian Horner has been removed as team principal, a new leadership structure is emerging, and Red Bull is preparing to manufacture its own power units in collaboration with Ford from 2026.
All these changes have raised speculation about whether Verstappen will choose to stick around through this transitional period. Though his current contract extends through 2028, it’s widely rumored that there are exit clauses that could allow him to leave early under specific circumstances.
The team most often linked with a potential Verstappen move is Mercedes. Team principal Toto Wolff has confirmed that discussions have taken place, hinting at genuine interest. Mercedes driver George Russell has also acknowledged the situation, expressing concern about his own future as Verstappen’s possible arrival could displace him beyond 2025, when his contract ends.
Despite all the speculation, Verstappen himself has made no public suggestion that he intends to leave Red Bull in the near term. Yet, the possibility cannot be ignored, especially if the team’s performance continues to decline.
The End of an Era
Regardless of what Verstappen decides, one thing is becoming increasingly clear: Red Bull’s era of dominance, led by the relentless consistency and brilliance of Verstappen, has come to a definitive end. As Marko bluntly stated, Red Bull is no longer in the fight for the 2025 titles.
With the sport evolving rapidly, new challengers like McLaren and Mercedes are stepping up, and Verstappen now faces a different reality—one where race victories may be fewer and farther between, unless significant changes are made.
The next chapter of Verstappen’s career could bring a new team, new regulations, and new rivalries. But for now, the dynasty he built with Red Bull is firmly in the rearview mirror.
