Marko reflects on most ‘intense and intimate’ bond with Verstappen

Helmut Marko is closing the chapter on a remarkable 25-year career as Red Bull’s motorsport advisor, a role in which he shaped some of the most successful drivers in modern Formula 1.

Over that time, he helped launch the careers of 18 drivers into Red Bull’s F1 teams, including Sebastian Vettel, Daniel Ricciardo, Carlos Sainz — and, most notably, Max Verstappen. But for the 82-year-old Austrian, none of those relationships matched the intensity and closeness he shared with the Dutchman.

Verstappen, snapped up by Red Bull at just 17 after only a single season in single-seaters, has gone on to secure four world championships and establish himself as one of the sport’s all-time greats – all under Marko’s watchful eye.

Reflecting on their partnership, Marko described it as “the closest connection I've ever had with a driver,” emphasizing not only Verstappen’s talent but also his personal growth.

Even after four titles, Marko believes the 28-year-old’s development is far from complete, making their bond both professional and deeply personal.

“We hardly ever had any differences of opinion. There were a few silly things, especially in the early stages. But the more successful he became, the simpler his approach became. He has become much calmer.

“He hardly ever has any lapses or outbursts, which were of course present in the early stages. And he has become an incredibly perfect or incredible personality for his age.”

Max – A Genuine Leader

Marko emphasized that Verstappen’s influence goes beyond his driving talent. With Red Bull set to deploy its own power units in collaboration with Ford from 2026 – encompassing around 2,000 personnel — the 28-year-old is more than capable of steering the operation.

“Max has become such a personality that, despite his relatively young age, he leads a team and can lead it the way he does,” Marko said.

Even as Marko’s departure was being finalized, Verstappen’s absence from last Monday’s decision-making meeting in Abu Dhabi underscored the deep respect between the pair.

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• Marko lifts the veil: Why he walked away from Red Bull

“Max should have been there too,” Marko explained. “There were some problems with his flight, so he wasn't there.

“I called him the next day. It wasn't a normal conversation. There was a certain melancholy in the air. He said he never could have imagined that he would ever achieve such success.”

A Legacy of Wins and Trust

Under Marko’s guidance, Verstappen and Red Bull became one of F1’s most dominant pairings, amassing 71 Grand Prix victories – placing them just behind Michael Schumacher’s 72 wins with Ferrari and Lewis Hamilton’s 84 triumphs at Mercedes.

As he steps down, Marko leaves a legacy not only of talent spotting but also of mentorship, having cultivated one of the most intense and uniquely trusting partnerships in the sport’s modern history – a bond built on mutual growth, respect, and a shared pursuit of excellence.

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