Helmut Marko’s presence remains one pillar keeping Verstappen grounded at Red Bull, but contractual escape routes are already in place. One clause reportedly allows Verstappen to exit if he’s outside the top three in the standings by mid-season — a possibility that’s swung wildly across the first five rounds.

The Australian driver calmly navigated his way to his third victory of the season, winning the Saudi Arabian Grand Prix and placing himself 10 points ahead of teammate Lando Norris in the driver standings. Piastri is the first Australian driver to lead the championship since his manager, Mark Webber, did so 15 years ago at Red Bull.

Johnny Herbert believes Max Verstappen was “unprofessional and disrespectful” on the Saudi Arabian GP podium after finishing second to Oscar Piastri on Sunday. Former F1 race winner Herbert added that Verstappen should have been given a 10-second penalty for the incident at turn one on lap one with Piastri,