Marko reflects on Red Bull era with Verstappen: 'No one could have imagined'

Helmut Marko, the architect behind Red Bull's driver program, is stepping down at the end of 2025, marking the end of an era. In a reflective interview, the 82-year-old advisor praised Max Verstappen's immense growth, noting that the four-time champion has matured into a leader who no longer requires his guidance or management.

Why it matters:

Marko has been a constant figure in Verstappen's career since his debut at 17, overseeing his rise alongside Sebastian Vettel. His departure signals a significant shift in Red Bull's leadership structure just as the team faces stiff competition. However, Marko's confidence in Verstappen's ability to lead the team and secure more titles remains unshaken, suggesting the driver is fully prepared to stand alone at the pinnacle of the sport.

The details:

• Matured Mindset: Marko highlighted how Verstappen has evolved from a teenage prodigy into a balanced individual and team leader. "Max is now a father, has cats and dogs, a balanced life – and is clearly one of the greats in motorsport, if not the greatest," Marko told F1 Insider.
• Independence: The Austrian advisor admitted that his role in Verstappen's development is effectively over. "He has developed to such an extent that he no longer needs guidance. It would be presumptuous of me to add anything to that."
• A Shared Legacy: Discussing their partnership, Marko revealed he intended to break the news of his departure over a planned dinner in Dubai. Reflecting on their journey, he noted, "We talked about the past, not nostalgically, but: what we've achieved is something no one could have imagined."

What's next:

Despite his exit, Marko is bullish on Verstappen's future prospects. He emphasized that the Dutchman's "incredible driving skills and technical intuition" show no signs of fading. If Red Bull can provide a competitive car, Marko is certain Verstappen will add several more World Championships to his already impressive tally.