Max Verstappen stated that his priority is to contribute to the improvement of Red Bull`s car. This comes in response to Helmut Marko`s suggestion that he has `great concern` regarding the world champion`s future with the team, the reasons for which Verstappen claims to be unaware.
Speculation about Verstappen`s future was reignited following comments from team advisor Marko. Speaking after Red Bull`s underwhelming performance at the Bahrain Grand Prix, where Verstappen finished sixth, Marko expressed concern that the four-time champion might consider leaving if the team does not enhance the car`s competitiveness.
Verstappen is under contract with Red Bull until the end of 2028. However, it is widely understood that the contract includes performance-based clauses that could allow him to depart earlier under certain conditions, should he choose to do so.
When questioned about Marko`s comments during a press conference ahead of the Saudi Arabian Grand Prix, Verstappen responded, `I don`t know, to be honest. I just keep working, keep trying to improve the car.`
He added, `Bahrain was not a good weekend for us, and I think we were all quite disappointed. We are focused on improving the car, generating new ideas to implement. The competition is strong, and my focus is on improving our situation.`
In response to a question about whether he was considering leaving Red Bull, Verstappen playfully retorted, `Focus on commentating, and I`ll focus on driving. Then we won`t need to consider any other scenarios.`
Verstappen acknowledged the ongoing speculation linking him to teams like Mercedes and Aston Martin over the past year, stating, `Many people are talking about it, but I am not.`
He continued, `My only focus is on my car and working with the team. That`s my sole concern in F1 right now. I am very relaxed.`
Verstappen Addresses Manager`s Discussion with Marko
Verstappen also clarified the reportedly heated discussion between his manager, Raymond Vermeulen, and Helmut Marko in the Red Bull garage post-Bahrain race.
`From what I understand, they were simply discussing everything, which is normal,` Verstappen explained.
`People may interpret their discussions in various ways. We were all frustrated by the race outcome and the issues encountered. My manager Raymond and Helmut, along with Christian [Horner], were discussing these points. It was a conversation among concerned team members.`
`It`s understandable. We all care about the team, the people involved, and achieving results. It`s a natural reaction.`
Reflecting on a turbulent period last year in Saudi Arabia, where he questioned his Red Bull future amid rumors of Marko`s potential departure, Verstappen emphasized Marko`s importance to his own commitment to the team.
Asked about the current internal atmosphere at Red Bull, Verstappen commented, `I am happy, though admittedly not with our car`s current performance. I believe everyone feels the same; we all want to see improvements. That`s our collective goal.`
He concluded, `We`ve had productive discussions about the car in recent weeks and are aligned in our objectives for improvement.`
Verstappen Remains Optimistic About Championship
Despite last year`s off-track tensions, Verstappen won the Saudi Arabian race, highlighting Red Bull`s then-dominant performance.
However, the competitive landscape has shifted, with McLaren and other teams challenging Red Bull`s lead. Verstappen is currently a few points behind in the driver standings, and Red Bull recognizes the need for rapid car development to maintain their competitive edge.
When questioned about his chances for a fifth consecutive title if the car`s performance doesn`t improve, Verstappen remained pragmatic, `I`m not focused on that. I`m taking it race by race. Hopefully, we`ll perform better than in Bahrain. If we can achieve a result somewhere in the middle, that would be a positive step, and we`ll proceed from there.`
`Ultimately, much is beyond my control. Currently, we aren`t the fastest, which makes championship contention challenging. But it`s still early in the season. Last year at this time, things looked very promising for us, and we know how the season unfolded. I`m optimistic we can make improvements and see where it leads.`
