Max Verstappen to miss the Canadian Grand Prix — Reason revealed in the comments
Helmut Marko has downplayed fears that Formula 1 would struggle if Max Verstappen decided to walk away from the sport, insisting that new stars would naturally emerge to fill the void left by the four-time world champion.
The comments from the veteran Helmut Marko come amid growing speculation over Verstappen’s long-term future with Red Bull Racing. Although the Dutch driver is officially contracted until the end of the 2028 season, reports suggest there are performance-related clauses in his deal that could allow him to leave earlier if the team fails to meet expectations.
Verstappen’s 2026 Formula 1 campaign has not begun as strongly as many anticipated. After four races, he sits seventh in the drivers’ standings with only 26 points, a position that has sparked questions about both Red Bull’s competitiveness and the reigning champion’s motivation. While the F1 season has been challenging, Verstappen has found a fresh source of excitement in endurance racing.
Over the weekend, the 28-year-old took part in the prestigious Nürburgring 24 Hours, driving a Mercedes-AMG GT3 entered by Verstappen Racing. The team enjoyed an impressive outing, leading the race for 85 laps and looking like a genuine contender for victory. However, heartbreak struck in the closing stages when a mechanical issue forced the car back into the pits, ending their hopes of winning on Verstappen’s debut in the iconic event.
Despite the disappointing result, those around Verstappen noticed how much he appeared to be enjoying himself outside the Formula 1 environment. His teammate, Dani Juncadella, revealed that the Dutchman seemed noticeably more relaxed and enthusiastic throughout the weekend.
In an interview with Mundo Deportivo, Juncadella said it was obvious from Verstappen’s demeanor that he was genuinely happy. According to the Spanish driver, Verstappen was smiling frequently and looked completely at ease, suggesting he was in exactly the kind of racing environment he loves most.
Juncadella also stressed that Verstappen’s competitive edge remains as sharp as ever. He explained that even though the reigning F1 champion was enjoying himself, his sole objective was still to win. That relentless determination, Juncadella said, made it a privilege to race alongside him.
One factor contributing to speculation over Verstappen’s future is his frustration with Formula 1’s upcoming technical regulations. Both Verstappen and Marko have expressed concern about the sport’s increasing dependence on electrical energy and strict energy management systems.
Under the 2027 rules, power units will use a 60/40 split between electric power and internal combustion. Marko believes these adjustments do not go far enough to preserve the essence of Formula 1. He has argued that the sport should place greater emphasis on traditional combustion engines and reduce the role of electric systems to ensure that racing remains exciting and less artificial.
Marko warned that Formula 1 has drifted away from its original identity and fears that excessive regulation could diminish the spectacle for both drivers and fans.
These concerns, combined with Verstappen’s underwhelming start to the season, have fueled rumors that he could decide to retire earlier than expected or pursue other forms of motorsport full-time.
Still, Marko remains philosophical. While acknowledging that losing a driver of Verstappen’s caliber would be a significant setback, he believes Formula 1 would continue to thrive.
According to the Red Bull advisor, every era eventually comes to an end. Great champions leave, but the sport always produces another extraordinary talent to capture the imagination of fans around the world.
For Marko, the bigger challenge facing Formula 1 is not whether Verstappen stays or goes, but whether the championship can preserve the pure racing spirit that made it the pinnacle of motorsport in the first place.