World champion can leave Red Bull if top advisor leaves
Mercedes is keeping an extra eye on Max Verstappen due to 'Marko clause'
MOTORSPORT

The consequences of the crisis surrounding Christian Horner at Red Bull Racing may be incalculable for the team. After the first rumors about a flirt between Mercedes and Max Verstappen, it appears that the three-time world champion can leave Red Bull much earlier than expected due to a special clause in his contract. Top advisor Helmut Marko plays a crucial role in this.

Verstappen's super deal, signed in 2022, runs until 2028 and it is no surprise that it contains (performance) clauses. But now it appears that the Limburger is free to go where he wants after every year, if top advisor Helmut Marko leaves the team. Several sources around the top team confirmed this after earlier reporting from F1-Insider and Bild . Verstappen's manager Raymond Vermeulen does not want to respond to the story.