Helmut Marko Reflects on Proudest Red Bull Achievement: Verstappen's 2021 Title
In his first comments since leaving Red Bull, Helmut Marko names Max Verstappen's 2021 title win over Lewis Hamilton as his proudest career achievement. He praised Verstappen's ability to win multiple championships in competitive cars and suggested internal team management cost Verstappen the 2025 title.
Helmut Marko, the recently departed Red Bull Racing advisor, has pinpointed Max Verstappen's dramatic 2021 world championship victory over Lewis Hamilton as the crowning achievement of his two-decade tenure with the team. He highlighted Verstappen's ability to win multiple titles in cars that were not always the fastest, crediting their partnership for successes "we never could have dreamed."
Why it matters:
Marko's reflections come at the end of an era, following his official departure from Red Bull after 20 years. His comments underscore the profound impact of the Verstappen-Marko partnership, which transformed Red Bull from a title contender into a dominant force and redefined the team's modern legacy. Identifying the 2021 triumph as the peak moment highlights its significance in breaking Mercedes' stronghold and launching Verstappen's own dynasty.
The details:
- Marko specifically cited Verstappen beating Lewis Hamilton for the 2021 title, the driver's debut win for Red Bull at the 2016 Spanish Grand Prix, and the record-breaking 2023 season as his proudest accomplishments.
- He emphasized Verstappen's skill in winning championships "in not the best car," a nod to the competitive battles against Mercedes.
- In a pointed remark, Marko suggested that had the team parted ways with Team Principal Christian Horner earlier, Verstappen would have secured a fifth consecutive drivers' championship in the recently concluded season, indirectly pinning the 2025 title loss on internal team dynamics.
The big picture:
Marko's departure marks the closing of a central chapter in Red Bull's history. His role was pivotal in identifying and nurturing Verstappen's talent, creating one of the most successful driver-advisor partnerships in modern F1. His comments not only celebrate past glories but also cast a shadow over the team's recent internal strife, suggesting that management decisions directly impacted their on-track performance. As Red Bull moves forward without two of its foundational figures—Marko and the recently ousted Horner—the team faces the challenge of maintaining its competitive edge in a new era.