Verstappen Vows Lunch Dates With Marko After Emotional Farewell

Max Verstappen has promised to maintain his close bond with Helmut Marko following the advisor's departure from Red Bull. After an emotional conversation post-Abu Dhabi, Verstappen vowed to meet for lunch in Graz, closing a chapter on a partnership that delivered four world titles and 71 Grand Prix victories.

Why it matters:

Marko was instrumental in Verstappen’s rise, signing him to the junior program and giving him his F1 debut at just 17. Their relationship was the cornerstone of Red Bull's recent success, making Marko's exit a pivotal moment for the team's culture and Verstappen's future at Milton Keynes.

The details:

• The Call: Verstappen revealed he had a "very emotional call" with Marko after the season finale in Abu Dhabi, where he lost the title by two points to Lando Norris.
• Lunch Promise: Despite the professional split, Verstappen assured fans that their personal relationship remains intact. "If I’m going to Graz, we’ll have lunch together!" he told Sky Sports.
• Legacy: The pair achieved immense success together, with Verstappen noting that these shared victories "will always stay on our minds."

What's next:

Red Bull enters a new era without its long-time motorsport advisor. While the dynamic changes, Verstappen's loyalty suggests the personal bridge remains unburned as the team prepares for the 2026 regulatory reset.