Helmut Marko Claims $53 Million a Year Max Verstappen Had Considered Leaving Red Bull for Mercedes

At the age of 25, Max Verstappen is already a 2-time World Champion. And with another decade of racing left in him, Max could level with or even break Lewis Hamilton and Michael Schumacher’s record of 7 titles.

However, fans questioned the Dutchman’s ability to win races a few years back. And when Red Bull prioritised him over Daniel Ricciardo, it was clear that Verstappen was the team’s future.

Red Bull advisor Helmut Marko has always been an admirer of his talent. The Austrian had made the calls regarding giving Max his debut at the age of 17, putting him in a Red Bull seat at 18, and even offering him one of F1’s biggest contracts ever worth $53 Million per season.

 

Marko has always considered Max a future champion. But there was once a time when he feared that Red Bull’s prodigal son would consider leaving the team for their rivals.

Also Read: Formula 1 Trolls Max Verstappen For ‘Maxsplaining’ Things to Charles Leclerc

Marko was worried Max Verstappen would leave Red Bull

Max Verstappen was already making a name when racing in Karting and F3. Apart from Red Bull, Max’s performances had also gathered the attention of Mercedes, who were keen on adding him to their Driver Academy.

However, Helmut Marko persuaded Max’s parents and promised him an F1 test in 2014 and possibly a seat in 2015. This got the attention of the Dutchman, but Marko knew it wasn’t enough to hold on to him.

Between 2014-2018 Red Bull wasn’t competitive enough. Mercedes dominated F1 for 8 consecutive seasons with Ferrari being the closest title rival. Red Bull was often left to fend for the odd win.

Max had always wanted to drive for a winning team and was pretty ambitious about this. So Marko feared that Red Bull would lose their biggest talent.

The Austrian recalled, “When weren’t able to deliver a championship-winning car, I was afraid he might leave Red Bull.” However, Verstappen was pretty patient with Red Bull.

Eventually, Max won his first World Championship title in 2021, defeating Hamilton in the last race of the season. He would secure another title in 2022, delivering Red Bull their first constructor’s title since 2013.

Also Read: “It’s Going to Be a Time Bomb”: Red Bull Reportedly Trying to Fire Chief Advisor Helmut Marko

Verstappen deserves his $53 Million contract

Max Verstappen completed his first F1 test at FP1 of the 2014 Japanese GP at the age of 17, becoming the youngest to drive an F1 car. Max Verstappen was only 18 when he made his Red Bull debut at the Spanish Grand Prix in 2016.

And has since then completed 7 seasons with the team, delivering 2 titles, 35 race wins and 77 podiums. In 2014 many criticised Red Bull for promoting such a young and inexperienced driver to F1. But the gamble paid off well for the team.

Marko refuted, “It validates that bringing him to Formula 1 at the time was the best decision. Moreover, it has put an end to all of the initial scepticism.”

After his title win in 2021, Max was offered a bumper new extension with Red Bull until 2028. The Dutchman is paid $53 Million a season, which critics argue is inflated. But according to Marko, it was a no-brainer.

The Austrian clarified, “It’s understood that Max will earn more as world champion. We only had to change the number of years in the new contract.”

Verstappen is the best driver in the current F1 grid and will most likely defend his crown in 2023. If he does so, Verstappen will join the likes of Ayrton Senna, Niki Lauda, and Nelson Piquet as a 3-time World Champion.

Also Read: Sophie Kumpen Leaves Max Verstappen’s Third Title in God’s Hands as Once Mocked Superstition Rekindles Ahead of 2023 Season