Verstappen’s stance is clear. The 27-year-old is in F1 to fight for World Championships, rather than podiums or top-five finishes. Unlike Charles Leclerc at Ferrari and George Russell at Mercedes, he does not want to lead a long-term rebuild project - he wants immediate success.

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

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.