Helmut Marko has planned to confront Ralf Schumacher after he proposed a Max Verstappen Red Bull exit theory during the Spanish Grand Prix weekend.

Following Verstappen’s collision with George Russell, Schumacher claimed the Dutchman initiated contact on purpose so he would fall out of the top three in the championship.

Red Bull team principal Christian Horner has vehemently dismissed Schumacher’s theory and stated that it completely contradicts Verstappen’s racing ethos, with team chief Helmut Marko also rubbishing these claims.

Marko labels Verstappen exit theory as ‘nonsense’

Verstappen received a 10-second time penalty for his incident with Russell in Barcelona and three additional penalty points, which places him one point away from a race ban.

Marko also addressed concerns that Verstappen had given up on the championship fight, emerging from Spain with one point and 49 points behind current standings leader Oscar Piastri.