Marko Warns Max Verstappen Amidst Growing Salary Concerns at Red Bull F1: “Stop at Some Point”

The existing contract between Max Verstappen and Red Bull obligates the Dutchman to drive for the team till the end of 2023. An extension to this contract is very much on the table for the world champion. Verstappen has been a part of the Red Bull team since his junior days. After making his debut at the 2015 Australian GP for Toro Rosso, he switched to Red Bull the following year.

Verstappen has started 118 races for the Red Bull team till now, winning 20 of them along with 60 podiums to his name. Moreover, his dominance in 2021 helped the team restore its presence at the top. The 24-year-old receives strong backing from the team management. He famously said on the team radio after his maiden championship win that he wants to do it for another 10-15 years with the team.

Recently, Team advisor Helmut Marko revealed to the press that he is in talks with Verstappen’s manager. The focus, obviously, will be on extending the association between the two. However, this time it comes with a limitation, and a big one – Money.

Max Verstappen is amongst the highest-paid athletes in the world. As per Forbes, his expected earnings last year were $42.5 million, second only to Hamilton among F1 drivers.

Marko wants a contract extension with Max Verstappen but………

Marko followed Verstappen’s career path closely, from his junior days. His decision to promote him to F1 at just 17 years invited a lot of criticism, but Red Bull being the team they are, went ahead with the risk. Helmut Marko truly struck gold once again. Now, almost 8 years down the line, his decision paid off but concerns have changed.

The fight now is to retain the best they have. However, in a recent interview, the Austrian advisor claimed that they are on the edge of the salary part. “We are almost at the limit with Max in terms of salary. It will stop at some point,” said Marko as reported by Formule1.com.

As per Gazzetta, in 2020, he signed a contract renewal with Red Bull until 2023, which provides for a base salary of 22 million euros per season, plus bonuses. This year, he won 10 Grand Prix and the drivers’ championship which takes the proceeds to an estimated $15 million extra.

The talks between Verstappen’s manager and Marko will proceed in the upcoming weeks. Marko categorically said that he is not afraid of any switch from the Dutchman. Verstappen will soon be back behind the wheel of his 2022 F1 car for the pre-season testing scheduled in February.

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