Max Verstappen’s contract saga took an unexpected turn as it emerged that his Red Bull deal once contained multiple secret exit clauses—one of which he inserted alongside Helmut Marko without the team’s knowledge. Verstappen, who narrowly lost the 2025 title to Lando Norris by just two points, now faces a period of transition at Red Bull following Marko’s departure after 21 years.
The Austrian advisor, long seen as Verstappen’s mentor and protector within the team, admitted in late 2024 that the clause allowing Verstappen to leave if he did was real—before confirming it had since been removed. He explained that the decision was made to stabilise the team’s long-term future, praising Verstappen’s loyalty and unwavering principles.
Reports suggest that the clause was quietly added after Verstappen signed his 2022 contract, bypassing both Christian Horner and Red Bull Racing’s management. Marko’s dual role as a director gave him the authority to negotiate its inclusion despite his formal employment being with Red Bull GmbH rather than the F1 outfit.
News of the clause resurfaced as Red Bull announced Marko’s exit in a joint statement from Oliver Mintzlaff and Laurent Mekies, who highlighted his immense contribution to the organisation and described his departure as the end of an era. Verstappen’s close bond with Marko had been well-documented, with the Dutchman once threatening to quit Red Bull if Marko were suspended amid media leak allegations.
As Red Bull enters a new chapter without the man who discovered and accelerated Verstappen’s rise, all eyes are on how the separation will influence the team’s internal dynamics—and the future of its biggest star.
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