Red Bull preparing for the future beyond Verstappen

      For Red Bull's leading Formula 1 team, the situation regarding drivers can be viewed as either optimistic or pessimistic. On one hand, Dr. Helmut Marko describes Max Verstappen as the "perfect driver," but this also means that the Dutchman could escape his lengthy contract if he so chooses.

      "Red Bull isn’t foolish," stated 2016 world champion Nico Rosberg in an interview with Sky Deutschland. "They pay Max a significant amount and have him signed for multiple years. I don't believe he can simply walk away. However, you can't force anyone to stay either," the German acknowledged. "If he decides he wants to go, that’s something you'll have to accept eventually."

      If Verstappen were to move to Mercedes or Aston Martin, Red Bull Racing would be left with only Yuki Tsunoda and potentially George Russell. "It's clear how substantial Max's role is," team principal Christian Horner told De Telegraaf. "And I am aware that eventually we will have to carry on without him. Let’s hope that is still a few years away. His performances are extraordinary, and they elevate the entire team."

      Horner insists he is not concerned about Verstappen's potential departure anytime soon. "No, he has always been loyal to the team and to Red Bull in general. He came in as a teenager and is now a 27-year-old father and four-time world champion. With Max, you always know where you stand. I still believe he is very happy here," Horner added.

      Despite this, Red Bull is proactively planning for the future, recognizing that Tsunoda is not yet ready to step up as the leader. "He had one of his best qualifying sessions," Marko remarked in Montreal, "and now he receives a ten-place grid penalty." Verstappen indicated that he is trying to assist the Japanese driver in improving. "It’s tough to articulate why there is this gap," said Verstappen. "You offer guidance, for instance, on what I do with the car and how to warm up the tires, but ultimately he must figure it out on his own."

      Conversely, Marko has been consistently praising the performance of rookie Isack Hadjar. "Isack continues to impress," he noted. "He is consistently qualifying in Q3, which is remarkable that he can achieve this repeatedly." Red Bull is also considering another prospect in Arvid Lindblad, who has recently obtained his super license at just 17 years old.

      When Sky Deutschland inquired if this means the British-Swedish driver could participate in official practice sessions, Marko responded, "He is now permitted to race in grands prix as well." However, he played down the notion that Lindblad could replace Verstappen in the event of a race ban. "Lindblad is still just 17," the Austrian remarked. "He has shown impressive speed in all racing categories. He is also very mentally strong and extremely eager to learn."

      Elaborating on the strategy, Marko continued, "We only had one reserve driver in Ayumu Iwasa, who has commitments in Super Formula as well. So it was crucial for us to find another option. Lindblad has all the qualities to potentially become an excellent driver." Another possible option for Red Bull is 35-year-old Nico Hulkenberg, whom Marko admits to respecting.

      "You really have to acknowledge that he performed well after his unexpected return," he said. "Perhaps it was beneficial that he didn’t get the seat next to Max so that he could relax a bit more," Marko smiled. When asked if Red Bull might consider signing the German again, Marko replied, "He has a long-term deal with Audi. That’s not something I would give up."