Helmut Marko Warns FIA to Take Max Verstappen’s Retirement Hints Seriously
Red Bull advisor Helmut Marko has issued a strong warning to Formula 1 and the FIA, urging them to take Max Verstappen’s recent retirement hints seriously. The reigning world champion has been open about his potential exit from the sport, despite being contracted with Red Bull until 2028.
Verstappen’s comments stem from his frustrations with the expanding race calendar and recent disciplinary actions against him, particularly during the 2024 Singapore Grand Prix, where he was handed a community service penalty for using inappropriate language during a press conference.
Marko, a key figure in Verstappen’s career, stressed that these warnings should not be underestimated. “Max has to be taken seriously,” Marko told *Formel1.de*. “Max has achieved an awful lot. But for him, it’s important that he still has the passion and fun in the sport. If that’s increasingly being taken away from him, knowing his character… when he says, ‘Okay, that’s it’, he really means it.”
Verstappen’s growing discontent became more evident after his penalty at the Singapore GP. The two-time world champion expressed his frustration after being punished for using the f-word to describe his car, indicating that such decisions could influence his long-term commitment to the sport.
Marko acknowledged that Verstappen’s dissatisfaction with the current state of F1, particularly the crowded race calendar set to feature 24 Grands Prix this season, could lead him to reevaluate his future in the sport. “I hope the current situation doesn’t actually lead to an early retirement,” Marko said. “But it’s clear that if the sport becomes less enjoyable for him, it will affect his decisions.”
While some drivers, like Lewis Hamilton, have expressed interest in racing well into their 40s, Verstappen, at 26, has shown no desire for a long career in F1. He has been clear that he is not motivated by breaking longevity records and has voiced concerns about the increasing demands of the sport.
With Verstappen currently leading the 2024 championship standings, Red Bull not only faces the challenge of addressing their car’s performance issues but also the critical task of keeping their star driver motivated and engaged. While discussions of retirement may seem premature, Verstappen’s recent comments have sparked serious concern, and his potential departure would be a seismic shift for both Red Bull and Formula 1.
