Max Verstappen expressed his dissatisfaction with the Canadian Grand Prix from the previous year, disclosing that it was Helmut Marko who directly objected to the concept, citing possible dangers.
Following a disappointing DNF at the Melbourne Grand Prix, Red Bull’s top advisor, Helmut Marko, revealed a bit too much about Max Verstappen’s pursuits between races, particularly his skiing trip in Japan.
Verstappen’s premature departure in Melbourne hindered his endeavor to establish a new F1 record of 10 consecutive victories, a setback he aimed to overcome at the Japanese Grand Prix.
Verstappen has a track record of triumph at Suzuka and was eagerly anticipating adding another triumph to his repertoire.
However, Marko’s remarks regarding Verstappen’s skiing activities raised eyebrows, given Verstappen’s substantial contract with Red Bull, which prohibits engaging in hazardous sports, such as skiing, to avoid the risk of injury.
Marko confessed to OE24 that Verstappen was skiing in Japan, boasting about the “wonderful, finest deep snow in the world.”
This admission came as a surprise, considering Verstappen had previously stated that he hadn’t skied in five years due to the associated risks and the explicit ban in his contract, which extends until the end of 2028.
When confronted about the breach of contract, Marko conceded that he may have divulged too much, emphasizing the sensitive nature of Verstappen’s extracurricular pursuits.
This isn’t the first instance where Verstappen’s adventurous spirit has been constrained by contractual obligations.
In September 2023, he was denied participation in the Red Bull Formula Nürburgring event, an opportunity to drive an F1 car around the demanding Nordschleife, due to the same provision.
These occurrences highlight the delicate equilibrium between athletes’ personal interests and professional responsibilities, particularly in high-pressure environments like Formula 1, where physical well-being and safety are of utmost importance.
Despite the setbacks and limitations, Verstappen remains unwavering in his focus on his racing career, striving for ongoing success on the circuit while navigating the intricacies of his contract and the expectations of his team.