Marko dismisses Verstappen exit speculation amidst excitement surrounding Nurburgring.

      Dr. Helmut Marko stated that if Max Verstappen were to leave Formula 1, the sport would quickly welcome another superstar. His remarks come as Verstappen gears up for his first serious challenge at the Nurburgring 24 Hours, where the four-time world champion made a striking impression during wet nighttime GT3 sessions in Germany.

      Verstappen has expressed frequent criticism of Formula 1’s contentious new regulations this season, while his long-term commitment to grand prix racing remains uncertain. His teammate for the Nurburgring 24h, Dani Juncadella, noted that the Dutch driver seems to be enjoying racing outside of Formula 1 at the moment.

      "I see Max Verstappen having a good time, clearly,” Juncadella told Mundo Deportivo. “You can see it in the photos and videos. He appears happy and smiling, which suggests he’s where he wants to be."

      Juncadella added that despite his evident enjoyment of GT racing, Verstappen’s fierce competitiveness is still very much present. "He’s extremely competitive and he’s here because he aims to win," he remarked. "Being part of this project is fantastic for me."

      Meanwhile, Marko reiterated his criticism of Formula 1’s 2026 regulations, despite recent adjustments from the FIA following widespread backlash from drivers and teams. "What has been done so far is clearly insufficient," the 83-year-old former Red Bull advisor and Verstappen mentor told RTL.

      Formula 1 already modified the electrical deployment rules after just three races this season, with plans for further changes in 2027 and potentially a significant philosophical shift around 2030-2031, possibly involving a return to V8 engines. Marko believes the sport needs to shift much further away from energy management.

      "Gasoline engines need more power again," he stated, advocating for even less electric deployment. "I don’t know to what extent we can return to pure racing."

      The Austrian acknowledged that Verstappen's exit from Formula 1 would be detrimental, though not disastrous. "Max’s departure would certainly be a significant loss," Marko said. "But that's how sports work. When someone leaves, another emerges and takes their place as the star."

      However, he emphasized ongoing concerns regarding the current trajectory of modern Formula 1. "It’s not just about whether Max enjoys it," Marko noted. "It concerns racing as a whole. Formula 1 has strayed far from its original character."