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.

Max Verstappen was left furious at being handed a penalty during the Saudi Arabia Grand Prix, but his actions following the race have landed the Red Bull star in more hot water

“These are the best drivers in the world, they have the best judgement and the best awareness, so if you're making an overtake into Turn 1, but you completely go off track then it’s a ten-second penalty, but a five-second penalty was applied and I’m not a fan of this.