Topics: Max Verstappen, Formula 1, Red Bull Racing
Red Bull have reportedly made a change to Max Verstappen’s contract.
On Sunday, the Belgian Grand Prix was won but Mercedes star George Russell ahead of teammate Lewis Hamilton and McLaren star Oscar Piastri.
However, it was revealed after the race that Russell’s car was underweight and as a result, he was disqualified.
This meant that Hamilton was handed the victory, his second win in three races.
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Meanwhile, reigning Formula 1 world champion Verstappen was promoted to fourth place due to Russell’s disqualification.
It was a tough weekend for the Red Bull superstar after he started in 11th place to due a 10-place grid penalty on the back of an engine change.
Verstappen has now gone four races without a victory, with his last win coming at the Spanish Grand Prix back in June.
Over the last few months, there have been talks surrounding Verstappen’s Red Bull future with Mercedes touted as a potential destination if the Dutchman decides to leave.
Now, it has been claimed that Red Bull have changed Verstappen’s contract in a bid to keep hold of their man.
Sky Sports’ Martin Brundle said, as per The Express: “There is talk that Max Verstappen could leave the team if Dr Helmut Marko left.
“My understanding is that all that paperwork has been changed, and that cannot happen, at least until 2026. Max is nailed on.”
Helmut Marko is currently Red Bull’s senior adviser and has a close relationship with Verstappen.
Earlier in the season, Verstappen said: “I have a lot of respect for Helmut, and what we have achieved together. It goes very far.
“My loyalty to him is very big, and I have always expressed this to everyone within the team, everyone high up, that he is an important part in my decision making for the future.”
He added: “It is very important that he stays. I feel like if such an important pillar falls away, and I have told the team this, that it is not good for my situation as well.
“I think it’s also very important that you give the man a lot of respect for what he has done. That comes back also to loyalty, you know, and integrity. So, yeah it’s important that he stays part of the team, also for me.”
