Beaten for the fifth time in six Grands Prix, Max Verstappen will have a lot to do to defend his four consecutive titles of world champion of Formula 1. What to let go of the case, and seal his departure from Red Bull? Not sure.
Was the Japan Grand Prix a simple baroud of honor? In any case, Max Verstappenundisputed boss of Formula 1 in the past four years, has been going through a much more complicated 2025 start to the 2025 season. After the premature departure of his teammate Liam Lawsonthe leader from Red Bull above all must compose with strong competition from McLaren.
After the inaugural victory of Lando NorrisIt is Oscar Plastri who won four of the last five races. With 32 points behind the Australian, Verstappen can always dream, mathematically, of a fifth consecutive crown. For the Austrian firm, third in the classification of F1 manufacturers 141 lengths from McLaren, it may already be time to prepare 2026.
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Helmut Marko sees Max Verstappen stay after 2026
Today, the figures do not lie. Whether in terms of pure speed or tire wear, McLaren is the patron of the paddock on this start to the season. If Max Verstappen must never bury too early, the title of world champion could be played between Oscar Piastri and his teammate Lando Norris.
In the columns of Bild, Helmut Markothe illustrious Red Bull advisor, tried to reassure everyone concerning the future of Max Verstappen, whose departure during the summer break has already been mentioned: “He is fully focused on his work here. This is why I don’t think he is considering a change. On the contrary. I am convinced that Max will continue to run for Red Bull in 2026.”
Helmut Marko also took the opportunity to recall that this season’s goal was to “win as many points as possible“, In other words, to limit breakage, and to best prepare for a 2026 season which promises to be very delicate for a lot of people, new regulations in terms of motorization requires.
