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.

Are incessant questions over his future and the FIA's clampdown on driver speech sapping Verstappen's enthusiasm for Formula 1?