Helmut Marko says Max Verstappen is his 'most intimate' driver connection
Helmut Marko, in his final interviews as Red Bull's advisor, calls his bond with Max Verstappen the "most intimate" of his career, praising the champion's relentless improvement and maturity. He revealed Verstappen missed the meeting about his exit and was melancholic upon hearing the news.
Outgoing Red Bull advisor Helmut Marko has revealed that his closest and most intense relationship with any Formula 1 driver has been with Max Verstappen, a driver he believes continues to improve and mature even as a four-time world champion.
Why it matters:
Marko, the architect of Red Bull's driver development program for over two decades, has overseen the careers of stars like Sebastian Vettel and Daniel Ricciardo. His unique bond with Verstappen, forged from the Dutchman's teenage years, underscores the personal foundation behind one of the sport's most dominant partnerships. As Marko departs, his insights highlight Verstappen's evolution from a raw talent into a complete team leader.
The details:
- Marko described his connection with Verstappen as "the most intimate" and "the closest" he has ever had with a driver in his long career.
- He emphasized Verstappen's continual growth, stating, "The fascinating thing was that with each passing year, Max Verstappen became faster, more mature, better. And to this day, I can't see an end to this development, even though he is already the best driver."
- The relationship evolved from early "silly" disagreements to one of remarkable calm and simplicity as success mounted. Marko noted Verstappen now "hardly ever has any lapses or outbursts" and has become "an incredibly perfect personality for his age."
- Verstappen was notably absent from the dinner where Marko's exit was finalized with Red Bull sporting CEO Oliver Mintzlaff. A delayed flight meant the driver learned the news in a melancholic phone call the next day.
The big picture:
Marko's departure marks the end of an era for Red Bull's driver development structure, which he built from the ground up. His role was pivotal in identifying and promoting 18 drivers to F1, creating a pipeline that sustained the team's success. His comments affirm Verstappen as the pinnacle of that system—a driver whose talent was not only spotted early but whose personal and professional growth was deeply intertwined with Marko's guidance.
What's next:
With Marko's chapter closing, the focus shifts to how Red Bull's leadership dynamic evolves. Marko himself pointed to the team's expanding future, including its 2026 power unit project with Ford involving "2,000 people." He believes the 28-year-old Verstappen is perfectly positioned to thrive in and lead this new environment, suggesting the driver's influence within the team will only grow as its technical ambitions expand.