Helmut Marko has shared that Max Verstappen was disheartened by the news of the veteran Austrian’s upcoming departure from Red Bull. Marko also suggested that the four-time Formula 1 World champion may leave the team if they fail to maintain a conducive environment for his success.
The 82-year-old will be stepping down at the end of this year after serving as an advisor to the team for two decades and overseeing their junior driver program. Marko played a pivotal role in bringing Verstappen into the Red Bull family as a promising young talent, beating out competition from Mercedes.
The bond between the two has been notably strong. Verstappen publicly supported Marko during internal team challenges last year, indicating that he might consider leaving Red Bull if Marko was no longer part of the setup, referring to him as a paternal figure.
In an interview with Austrian publication Kleine Zeitung, Marko shared Verstappen’s reaction to his decision to leave, highlighting their memorable moments together, including Verstappen’s achievements and growth in the sport.
Marko dismissed any concerns about Verstappen leaving Red Bull following his departure, stating that the Dutch driver has accepted his choice. However, Marko emphasized that Verstappen values a harmonious environment for success and could leave abruptly if that is compromised, although he believes Verstappen is not at that stage yet.
Red Bull’s official statement portrayed Marko’s exit as voluntary, with the team expressing regret over his decision. Reports suggest that tensions between Marko and Red Bull’s leadership had been escalating, particularly due to public controversies and unauthorized decisions regarding junior driver signings.
Despite rumors and media reports, Marko refuted claims of improper actions, attributing them to unfounded speculation. The situation has led to a reshuffling within the team structure as they navigate Marko’s departure and potential repercussions.
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