Helmut Marko has shared that Max Verstappen was saddened by the news of the veteran Austrian’s upcoming departure from Red Bull. Marko also expressed concern that the four-time Formula 1 World champion may also leave if the team fails to maintain a conducive environment for his success.
At the age of 82, Marko will retire at the end of the year after serving as an advisor to the team for two decades and overseeing their junior driver program. Marko played a crucial role in bringing Verstappen into the Red Bull family, outbidding competitors like Mercedes for the talented young driver’s signature.
Their relationship grew strong over the years, evident when Verstappen defended Marko during internal team turmoil, referring to him as a “second father.” In an interview with Austrian publication Kleine Zeitung, Marko revealed that Verstappen was nostalgic about their shared journey and significant achievements, highlighting key moments in Verstappen’s career.
Marko dismissed concerns about Verstappen leaving Red Bull following his departure, stating that the Dutch driver has accepted his decision. However, Marko emphasized that Verstappen seeks success in a harmonious environment and may consider leaving abruptly if that requirement is not met.
Red Bull officially announced Marko’s departure as his personal decision, with Red Bull’s head of sporting projects expressing regret over his choice. Sources suggest that tensions between Marko and Red Bull’s leadership had been escalating, notably due to Marko’s controversial remarks and unauthorized decisions.
Despite reports of conflicts, Marko refuted claims of improper actions, attributing them to baseless rumors. Fans of Formula 1 can now enjoy live coverage of all events through Sky’s new Essential TV and Sky Sports bundle, offering significant savings and additional benefits like access to various TV channels and streaming services.