Dr Helmut Marko is eager for speculation surrounding Max Verstappen's future to end soon.
The quadruple world champion has been linked with potential moves to Mercedes, Aston Martin, Ferrari, McLaren, and even Alpine. In Saudi Arabia, Verstappen remained unfazed by the rumours.
When questioned about Marko's post-Bahrain remark that he fears Verstappen might depart, the 27-year-old replied, "I don't know, to be honest. Naturally, Bahrain wasn't a great weekend for us. I think we were all pretty disappointed with that. But I mean, honestly, a lot of people are talking about it, except me."
Addressing lead British commentator David Croft, Verstappen told him pointedly, "I think just focus on commentating, I'll focus on driving."
Verstappen did not deny reports of a tense exchange between his manager, Raymond Vermeulen, and Marko following the chaotic Bahrain Grand Prix weekend. "I think, to my knowledge, they were just having a conversation about everything—which I think is allowed," he told reporters. "Now, if someone picks up on it, people can always see it in their own way. But I think we were all left frustrated with the result and, of course, the things that went wrong in the race."
Marko recently acknowledged that performance-related exit clauses in Verstappen's contract could be activated around "summer." Speaking to Kleine Zeitung, the 81-year-old Red Bull advisor now clarifies: "I've said it many times. Max's primary goal is the world championship. If we give him the car he needs for that, the question of a change won't even arise."
However, Marko expressed concern about upcoming races, admitting that Jeddah this weekend and Miami after that will be "really difficult for us."
Red Bull's first significant car upgrade is reportedly planned for Imola, following Jeddah and Miami. "If we want to stay in the title fight, we have to achieve a podium finish in the next three races," Marko insisted.
