Helmut Marko has disclosed that Max Verstappen was deeply affected by the news of the veteran Austrian’s departure from Red Bull. Moreover, he has indicated that the four-time Formula 1 World champion will leave the team if the conducive environment for his success is not upheld.
After serving as an advisor to the team for two decades and overseeing the junior driver program, the 82-year-old will step down at the end of the year. Marko was instrumental in bringing Verstappen to Red Bull and nurturing his talent, resisting competition from Mercedes.
The bond between the two has been exceptional. Verstappen had publicly supported Marko during internal turmoil at Red Bull, even hinting at a potential departure if Marko left, describing him as a mentor akin to a ‘second father.’
In an interview with Austrian publication Kleine Zeitung, Marko shared Verstappen’s emotional response to his impending departure. He reminisced about their shared achievements, including Verstappen’s notable victories and growth throughout their time together.
Although Marko dispelled any immediate concerns about Verstappen’s future with Red Bull, he emphasized that maintaining a harmonious environment is crucial for the driver’s satisfaction. Marko highlighted that if this condition is not met, Verstappen could abruptly exit the team.
Red Bull GmbH officially presented Marko’s decision to step down as his own choice, with the head of sporting projects expressing regret over the departure. Reports suggest that tensions between Marko and Red Bull’s leadership had been mounting, with incidents involving public remarks and unauthorized actions.
Despite circulating rumors, Marko firmly refuted claims of improper conduct, attributing them to misinformation propagated by certain media outlets. The situation between Marko and Red Bull remains complex, with ongoing developments expected.
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