Verstappen’s $1 Million Per Race Gamble: Dr. Marco Weighs in on Red Bull Loyalty and a Growing Sense of Crisis
Verstappen’s Struggles: A Loss of $1 Million Per Race?
September 19, 2024 (Wood) 6:29 PM
Former F1 Champion Jacques Villeneuve Weighs In
1997 F1 world champion Jacques Villeneuve has a theory as to why Red Bull’s Max Verstappen has been feeling depressed in recent weeks and months. He said that after the Baku Grand Prix, Verstappen’s fighting attitude was gone and he was now in a “depressed” state of mind.
A Loss of About $1 Million Per Race?
Former F1 driver Ralf Schumacher spoke to Sky Deutschland about the bonuses that come with a Red Bull contract. “I think he’s losing $1 million for every race he doesn’t win. That’s a huge amount of money. He was so successful last year and he’s not doing well in the sport this season. The amount of money that’s been lost is significant.”
Red Bull’s Investigation and Contract Complications
Red Bull is currently conducting an in-depth investigation, dating back to mid-2023, to address the handling issues with the 2024 car. To make a complex situation even more complicated, despite Verstappen having a contract until 2028, there are several ‘freeze clauses’, with Mercedes and Aston Martin already openly approaching him.
Dr. Marko on Verstappen’s Loyalty and Contract
Dr. Helmut Marko, Red Bull consultant and Verstappen’s mentor, told Bild newspaper: “Max has a strong bond with Red Bull and is very loyal. When he was 17 we trusted him and gave him a seat. He hasn’t forgotten that. But like Fernando Alonso… I don’t think I’ll continue racing in F1 after 40, so now I’m looking for as much success as possible.”
Dr. Marko freely admits that Verstappen’s contract with Red Bull could be terminated. “Every driver’s contract includes a performance-based release clause. It all depends on whether he can build a car so good that he can’t and won’t trigger the release clause. In Azerbaijan we were once again very close to McLaren and Ferrari.