Max Verstappen has signed until 2028 but suggested in Saudi Arabia he would consider leaving if Red Bull part ways with his long-time mentor Helmut Marko.
Max Verstappen has said he intends to honor his contract with Red Bull, insisting he is happy despite weeks of off-track turbulence.
The Dutchman is signed until 2028, but suggested during the last race in Saudi Arabia that he would consider leaving if Red Bull parted ways with his long-time mentor Helmut Marko in a power struggle threatening to envelop the team.
It followed his father Jos saying earlier this month that Red Bull risked being “torn apart” if team boss Christian Horner remained in his job.
Horner was accused of inappropriate conduct involving a female colleague, but was later cleared of any wrongdoing before the season opener in Sakhir.
When asked during the Australian Grand Prix in Melbourne if he would honor his contract, Verstappen replied: “Of course, that’s why I signed the contract in the first place.
“Of course, with the deal in place, that’s my intention, to be here until the end.
“It would be a great story for me to see it through to the end because it would mean that I am part of a family and a team.
“I always felt comfortable (at Red Bull) because for me it’s like a second family, it’s good.”
The 26-year-old’s career has been overseen by Marko, 80, and Verstappen reiterated that it was important to maintain a team that has enjoyed so much success.
“I think we all want the same thing, we all want to perform well on the track, that’s what we want to focus on as a team,” he said.
“In general, when you have a high-performing team, when you have a good core group of people, it’s important to keep them together, happy and in the same roles.”
His veiled threat to leave Red Bull has piqued the interest of Mercedes boss Toto Wolff, who needs a replacement next season when Lewis Hamilton leaves for Ferrari.
“It’s always nice to hear that,” said Verstappen, who added that he did not know what would happen after 2028.
“I don’t know what will happen after 2028, if I have to continue, sign a new agreement, I don’t know.”
Verstappen dominated the first two Grands Prix of the season in Bahrain and Saudi Arabia to put him on a nine-race winning streak.
If he crosses the finish line first in Australia, he will equal his own record of winning 10 consecutive races.
