Verstappen Reacts to Helmut Marko's Official Departure from Red Bull

Max Verstappen has publicly thanked Helmut Marko, expressing he is "forever grateful" for the advisor's belief in him, following the official announcement that Marko will depart Red Bull after two decades. The move comes just days after the conclusion of a 2025 season where Verstappen narrowly lost the Drivers' Championship to Lando Norris by two points.

Why it matters:

Marko's departure marks the end of a foundational era for Red Bull Racing. As the architect of the team's driver development program and a key strategic figure, his exit signals a significant shift in the team's leadership structure. His role was pivotal in building Red Bull into a championship-winning powerhouse, making his departure a major moment for the sport's competitive landscape.

The details:

• Verstappen's reaction came via an Instagram post, where he stated, "We’ve achieved everything we ever dreamed of together. I’m forever grateful for your belief in me."
• Marko's tenure spanned from Red Bull's takeover of Jaguar in 2005, overseeing six Constructors' Championships and eight Drivers' Championships.
• As head of the Red Bull Junior Team, he was responsible for bringing 17 drivers into Formula 1, including four-time world champions Sebastian Vettel and Max Verstappen.
• Red Bull Managing Director Oliver Mintzlaff also commented, stating Marko will be "deeply missed—both personally and professionally" and expressed hope for a continued warm connection.

The big picture:

Marko's influence extended far beyond the race team, shaping the careers of a generation of drivers. His departure closes a chapter defined by aggressive talent scouting and a winning culture. For Verstappen, Marko was a constant figure from his junior career through four world titles, making this a poignant personal and professional transition.

What's next:

The focus now shifts to how Red Bull Racing will restructure its senior advisory and talent development roles in the post-Marko era. The team must navigate this leadership change while aiming to reclaim the championship in 2026, a task that will test the resilience of the organization Marko helped build.