Former Red Bull advisor Helmut Marko was recently photographed in Amsterdam, meeting with Max Verstappen’s father, Jos Verstappen, and manager, Raymond Vermeulen. The sighting, which occurred last week, immediately generated significant discussion regarding Verstappen’s Formula 1 future.
Marko officially retired from his role as Motorsport Advisor for Red Bull at the conclusion of the 2025 season, ending a long tenure with the Milton Keynes-based outfit.
His first official involvement in Formula 1 since his departure from Red Bull was confirmed in April 2026, when he took on an ambassadorial role for the Austrian Grand Prix.
Marko was present at the Austrian Grand Prix in June 2026 in his capacity as ambassador for the event.
Despite the intense media scrutiny surrounding the Amsterdam meeting, Marko has stated that his visit was purely private. He indicated he was in the Netherlands to attend the wedding of Max Verstappen’s sister, Victoria.
Marko explicitly denied that the discussions involved Max Verstappen’s Formula 1 career. When questioned about Verstappen’s future, he stated, ‘No idea. I’m no longer in charge.’
He further directed inquiries about Verstappen’s contractual situation to Laurent Mekies, who assumed the role of CEO and Team Principal at Red Bull Racing in July 2025, succeeding Christian Horner.
The meeting’s timing coincided with ongoing speculation about Verstappen’s commitment to Red Bull, particularly given the team’s performance during the current 2026 season.
Reports suggest that a performance-based release clause in Verstappen’s contract is now active. This clause would allow him to depart Red Bull if he is outside the top two in the drivers’ standings by the summer break, a condition that is now mathematically certain.
Red Bull has undergone several organisational changes in late 2025 and early 2026, including technical and administrative reshuffles, following the departures of key personnel.
The Belgian Grand Prix is scheduled for July 17-19, 2026, followed by the Hungarian Grand Prix from July 24-26, 2026.
The Dutch Grand Prix, set for August 21-23, 2026, will mark the final Formula 1 event at Circuit Zandvoort.
