Max Verstappen has been dealt a significant setback ahead of the 2026 season, with Helmut Marko reportedly 'set to leave' Red Bull at the end of the year.
Following the final race of the season in Abu Dhabi, Marko admitted he would consider his future over the winter break.
The 82-year-old has been instrumental in Red Bull's success over the past two decades, playing a key role in the team's successful driver development programme.
Marko said: “It’s not in doubt, I will have a discussion and then I see what I do.
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"It’s a complex [set] of different things. I have to sleep over it and then we will see.”
However, The Telegraph reports that sources within the paddock believe Marko has already made the decision to leave Red Bull.
They also claim his exit will not affect Verstappen's future at the team heading into what is expected to be a transformative season, with new regulations on the way.
DRS will be scrapped and major changes to power unit regulations could create the biggest shake-up of the grid in years.
Although the four-time world champion is committed to Red Bull for 2026, there are no guarantees beyond that if the team can not provide a car capable of winning world titles.
After the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, Verstappen's future was a talking point on Sky Sports F1.
Simon Lazenby said: "He'll be in the best car for 2027, won't he?
"He has that luxury that's been afforded to him by being a generational talent, the best probably in the field."
Former world champion Nico Rosberg replied: "Yes you're right, I would tend to agree with that.
"He's going to see how the season starts next year and then potentially switch to whichever team has the best car because he can pick and choose.
"I think he's going to be a bit impatient because he wants to keep winning and get that fifth world championship."
While Rosberg urged caution about predicting Verstappen's long-term future, Marko's departure could still have repercussions.
The Austrian was considered a 'father figure' to the Dutchman and his exit comes at a time of transition at Red Bull.
His retirement decision follows the replacement of Christian Horner with Laurent Mekies as team principal.
Despite the changes, Mekies recognised that tough decisions would need to be made during the off-season.
He told therace.com: “Helmut has been incredible in how supportive he has been in helping us turn things around this year.
“Obviously, him and top management had quite a few difficult decisions to make in the year, and of course, we always know F1 is not a static environment."
Topics: Formula 1, Max Verstappen, Red Bull Racing, Helmut Marko, Christian Horner
James Taylor