Helmut Marko remained very discreet after a meeting with Jos Verstappen and Max Verstappen’s manager. Enough to further fuel speculation about the future of the four-time world champion.
Rumors about the future of Max Verstappen continue to grow. A few days after the British Grand Prix, Helmut Marko was seen in the company of Jos Verstappen and Raymond Vermeulen, the manager of the Dutch driver.
A meeting that comes as speculation about a departure from Red Bull to McLaren multiplies. Asked about this meeting, the former Austrian executive was, however, particularly evasive.
A meeting that is making waves in the paddock
According to several reports circulated in recent days, Max Verstappen is engaged in advanced talks with McLaren for the 2027 season.
In this context, a photo published by journalist Erik van Haren of De Telegraaf showing Helmut Marko alongside Jos Verstappen and Raymond Vermeulen (see above) immediately attracted the paddock’s attention.
The meeting took place just a few days after a particularly difficult British Grand Prix for Red Bull, strengthening questions about the future of the four-time world champion.
Although he left Red Bull GmbH at the end of 2025, Helmut Marko remains very close to Max Verstappen, whom he had himself integrated into the Red Bull program at the start of his career.
Marko refuses to reveal the content of the discussions
Asked by GPBlog about this meeting, the Austrian carefully avoided fueling the rumors.
“My visit was private, if that’s what you want to know.”
When then questioned about Max Verstappen’s intentions for the 2027 season, Marko was just as closed.
“I have no idea. I’m no longer in charge.”
The former Red Bull advisor also refused to say whether an improvement in the team’s performance could convince the Dutchman to stay.
“That’s no longer my business. You have to ask Laurent Mekies.”
An exit clause still at the heart of speculation
Questions about Verstappen’s future are explained notably by the presence of a performance clause in his contract.
The driver would be able to leave Red Bull if he is not among the top two in the world championship at the summer break.
Before the Belgian Grand Prix, Verstappen is 78 points behind George Russell, currently second in the standings. However, only 50 points remain to be awarded before the summer break, which could allow the Dutch driver to activate this clause.
At the same time, several paddock sources mention very advanced negotiations with McLaren for a move in 2027.
Verstappen remains cautious about his future
The difficulties encountered by Red Bull this season also fuel speculation.
At Silverstone, Max Verstappen retired after another failure of his rear wing in the fast Stowe corner. It was the second consecutive breakage of this component after the incident during qualifying in Austria.
After the race, the four-time world champion did not wish to comment on his future.
“I’m not going to say anything about it. It wouldn’t be fair to comment on it right now.”
His manager, Raymond Vermeulen, had however hinted a few weeks earlier that Verstappen’s loyalty to Red Bull would depend primarily on the competitiveness of the car.
“We will observe the car’s development over the next few weeks. We want to stay at Red Bull, but only with a car capable of winning.”
While Helmut Marko refuses to fuel the rumors, this meeting with the Verstappen clan only strengthens questions around one of the most closely watched files in the Formula 1 transfer market.
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