Max Verstappen’s F1 Future in Jeopardy: Helmut Marko Highlights Serious Quit Threat Amid ‘Silly’ Rules Controversy

Helmut Marko emphasizes that Max Verstappen's threat to leave Formula 1 should be taken seriously.

Helmut Marko, the motorsport consultant for Red Bull, asserts that Max Verstappen's threat to leave Formula 1 should be regarded with gravity.

The triple world champion confessed that "foolish" regulations in Formula 1 might influence his decision to stay in the sport long-term following a directive from the FIA to complete a "public interest task" due to his use of profanity during the press conference before the Singapore Grand Prix.

Verstappen demonstrated his objection to the penalty by providing brief responses during the post-qualifying and post-race media briefings in Singapore. He then conducted an independent press meeting with the journalists present, outside the official FIA press conference venue.

The 26-year-old driver, under contract with Red Bull until 2028, expressed frustration and hinted that issues with the FIA might hasten his departure from Formula 1.

"The Dutchman expressed, "Such matters certainly influence my future too, especially when being oneself isn't an option or when faced with these types of trivial issues."

"Currently, I've reached a point in my career where constantly facing these issues is exhausting. It's definitely not a sustainable approach to remain in the sport for me."

Marko has cautioned that Verstappen's warnings should be taken seriously.

"Max must be considered with seriousness," Marko conveyed to Motorsport-Total. "He has accomplished a lot, yet it's crucial for him to also find joy in the entire sport.

"If his enjoyment continues to be marred, he possesses a temperament that, upon declaring, 'Alright, I'm done,' he truly intends it. However, I remain hopeful that the present circumstances won't actually lead him to an early retirement."

Marko criticized the sport for having inconsistent rules, pointing out how the Netflix series Drive to Survive features profanity yet has played a significant role in increasing Formula 1's popularity, especially in the United States.

"The Austrian pointed out the lack of clarity and highlighted the presence of inconsistent criteria," he mentioned. "Furthermore, Max was not referring to an individual. His comments were directed at a vehicle, an inanimate object, and were made in a non-serious manner.

"Alright, perhaps during an afternoon media briefing, if everything is going to be managed so rigorously, you'll simply adopt a new strategy moving forward. However, it's obviously excessive."

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