Verstappen's Future in Crisis: Red Bull Under Scrutiny

Helmut Marko of Red Bull raises concerns about Max Verstappen's loyalty if the team fails to deliver a competitive car. Verstappen, struggling at the Bahrain Grand Prix, faces increased pressure as he falls behind Lando Norris. A potential move to rival teams looms, intensifying the urgency for improvements.

Red Bull Racing's motorsport consultant Helmut Marko has voiced fears over Max Verstappen's future with the team. The reigning F1 champion's dissatisfaction comes after an underwhelming performance at the recent Bahrain Grand Prix.

Verstappen, who struggled to secure sixth place in Bahrain, has slipped to third in the drivers' standings, trailing McLaren's Lando Norris by eight points. This decline follows his previous victories in Sakhir. The pressure mounts on Red Bull to provide a faster car to retain their star driver.

Concerns grow that Verstappen might consider defecting to rival teams such as Mercedes or Aston Martin, especially with his contract featuring a release clause. The team faces an urgent need to regroup ahead of the upcoming Saudi Arabian Grand Prix in Jeddah.

(With inputs from agencies.)