May 22 (GMM) Two Formula 1 insiders think the risk that Red Bull might lose Max Verstappen to a rival team next year has faded.
Team advisor – and Verstappen’s long-time mentor – Dr Helmut Marko admitted after the quadruple world champion’s win from pole at Imola that it had been an “important” result.
Felix Gorner, an experienced F1 reporter for German broadcaster RTL, concluded in his latest column for sport.de: “Max Verstappen will 100 percent drive for Red Bull next year.
“He has now been shown that he can fight with the two McLaren drivers,” he added.
Not only have rumours Verstappen might trigger a performance-related exit clause during the summer break subsided, so too has the talk that team boss Christian Horner’s job may be on the line.
“I don’t know who started that nonsense,” Marko told Osterreich newspaper. “But everything has changed now anyway.”
Gorner agrees: “Verstappen saved Christian Horner’s job. He was under a lot of pressure. Does the update work? It works.
“And now Horner can sleep soundly again as the head of Red Bull.”
Meanwhile, former F1 driver and Verstappen’s fellow Dutchman Christijan Albers also thinks no team – neither Mercedes nor Aston Martin – can offer the 27-year-old the conditions he currently has at Red Bull.
For instance, Verstappen went straight from Miami to a high-speed test in a GT3 car at the treacherous Nordschleife. “Max is a thoroughbred racing driver who enjoys getting into a GT car and racing, even on Formula 1-free weekends,” Marko said.
“It builds him up, so we will never forbid him from doing that.”
Verstappen and Lance Stroll, meanwhile, were the only race drivers absent on Wednesday from a private Monaco screening of the new Brad Pitt movie ‘F1’. At the time it was happening, the Red Bull driver was live streaming from his nearby apartment as ‘Franz Hermann69’ on his racing sim.
Albers commented to De Telegraaf: “There is no team where Max could be given as much freedom as he has at Red Bull. Basically, he has carte blanche. Everyone adores him.
“He is not under pressure from the second driver, because he is always faster than everyone else. It is just very calm for him at Red Bull,” the former Minardi driver added.
The Indianapolis 500 is an American tradition, and the 2026 race marks the 110th year of this historic event. Guests of Grand Prix Tours will enjoy premium accommodations, options for exclusive suite access, and unforgettable race-day experiences, including a police escort to the track. Highlights include visits to the newly renovated Indy 500 Museum, Gasoline Alley, and the Dallara IndyCar Factory, plus patriotic pre-race festivities like the singing of “Back Home Again in Indiana.” Join us for our 41st trip to the legendary Indy 500!
SHOW PACKAGES
The Monaco Grand Prix, often called the crown jewel of Formula 1, is one of the most prestigious races in the world and part of the Triple Crown of Motorsport alongside the Indy 500 and 24 Hours of Le Mans. Starting in 2026, the race will move from May to June to better align with the F1 schedule, placing the Canadian Grand Prix earlier in the season. Grand Prix Tours has taken care of all of the details and has arranged an amazing motorsports vacation. Call 949 719 3350 to book your trip or to contact us with any questions.
SHOW PACKAGES
Join Grand Prix Tours for the 2026 Austrian Grand Prix at the iconic Red Bull Ring; a fan favorite that rarely disappoints. Set in Austria’s stunning Styrian Hills, this scenic circuit is famous for its dramatic elevation changes and thrilling uphill turns. We’ve planned every detail so you can relax and enjoy an unforgettable motorsport getaway.
SHOW PACKAGES
Join Grand Prix Tours at the legendary Silverstone Circuit for the 2026 British Grand Prix; the birthplace of modern F1. This isn’t just race weekend; you’ll visit the British Motor Museum, explore the Silverstone Museum, and enjoy an exclusive behind-the-scenes tour of the Oracle Red Bull Racing Factory. With over 40 years of experience hosting this trip, we’ve thought of every detail for the ultimate F1 fan experience.
SHOW PACKAGES
Join Grand Prix Tours for the 32nd Goodwood Festival of Speed in the South of England, a long summer weekend celebrating the greatest moments in motorsport. Held at the magnificent Goodwood House, this world-renowned event showcases an unparalleled collection of historic and modern racing cars from the past 125 years. We’ve taken care of every detail so you can enjoy an unforgettable motorsport getaway.
SHOW PACKAGES
Join Grand Prix Tours for the 2026 Canadian Grand Prix in Montreal, a fan favorite on the F1 calendar. The city comes alive for race week packed with energy, events, and unforgettable nightlife. This year, the action shifts to Memorial Day weekend (late May), part of F1’s new, eco-friendly schedule. Don’t miss your chance to be part of the atmosphere where motorsport meets Montreal magic. Book your spot now this one sells out fast!
SHOW PACKAGES