Red Bull's internal turmoil has taken another dramatic turn as motorsport advisor Helmut Marko made a startling admission about triple world champion Max Verstappen's future with the team.
The ongoing power struggle within the championship-winning outfit has raised serious questions about whether they can retain their star driver, despite Verstappen being contracted until 2028.
The Contract Clause That Changes Everything
In a bombshell revelation, Marko confirmed that Verstappen's massive £42m-per-year deal contains exit clauses that could see the Dutch sensation walk away from Red Bull earlier than expected. "There are clauses in every contract," Marko told Austrian publication Kleine Zeitung, sending shockwaves through the F1 paddock.
This admission comes amid growing speculation that Mercedes is preparing a blockbuster offer to lure Verstappen as a replacement for Ferrari-bound Lewis Hamilton. The seven-time world champion's surprise move to Maranello has created a domino effect that could ultimately benefit their German rivals.
Team Turmoil Threatening Championship Dominance
The atmosphere at Red Bull has been increasingly tense since the investigation into team principal Christian Horner, who was cleared of alleged inappropriate behaviour. The situation escalated when Verstappen's father, Jos, publicly declared that Horner's continued presence risked "tearing the team apart."
Marko himself faced suspension threats before being reinstated, highlighting the deep divisions within the organization. These internal conflicts couldn't come at a worse time, with the team enjoying unprecedented success and Verstappen dominating the current season.
Mercedes Waiting in the Wings
Toto Wolff, Mercedes team principal, hasn't been shy about his interest in securing Verstappen's services. With Hamilton departing and the team struggling for performance, the Austrian sees the Dutch champion as the perfect candidate to lead their revival.
The combination of Red Bull's internal strife and Mercedes' desperate need for a top driver creates the perfect storm for a sensational transfer that would reshape the F1 landscape for years to come.
What Happens Next?
While Verstappen currently leads the championship and Red Bull remains the car to beat, the political warfare behind the scenes threatens to undermine their technical superiority. The coming weeks will be crucial in determining whether the team can resolve their differences or face the unthinkable - losing the most dominant driver of his generation.
As the F1 circus moves to Australia for the next Grand Prix, all eyes will be on the Red Bull garage, watching for any signs of the internal tension affecting their on-track performance.
