Marko surprised by Newey's departure: 'But Verstappen stays another year'

Max Verstappen will stay with Red Bull Racing for at least another year, according to Helmut Marko. Despite the departure of Adrian Newey, Red Bull's top adviser thinks Verstappen still sees plenty of reason to stay with the team.

Toto Wolff would be only too happy to add Max Verstappen to his line-up at Mercedes. There is reportedly even a mega-contract ready for the Dutchman, which he just needs to sign. However, Verstappen already revealed that it is not about the contract, but about a fast car. That fast car Red Bull Racing will have in 2024 and probably also in 2025.

''Max will go to the team where he thinks he can get the best technical package. At the moment, that is at Red Bull Racing. Next year there are no different rules either, so I assume he will still drive for us,'' Marko told Sky Germany.

Newey's departure also came as a surprise to Marko: "But if the motivation is no longer there, then it is a kind of burn-out for him. Then you have to accept that. Because of his enormous merits for Red Bull Racing, we decided together to terminate his contract.''

Marko, however, is concerned that Newey may find his fire again at another F1 team. ''After a period of reflection, I am afraid he will have the spirit and hunger again and then he will be available again for another team.'' Marko calls Newey's departure mainly a psychological weakening of the team.