Max Verstappen reacts to Helmut Marko’s departure from Red Bull
Max Verstappen has released a statement following Red Bull’s official announcement that Helmut Marko will leave the organisation, just days after the Dutch driver narrowly lost the World Championship to Lando Norris, reports BritPanorama.
Marko, who has acted as motorsport adviser for Red Bull for over 20 years, confirmed his exit in a statement issued on Tuesday. The 82-year-old Austrian indicated that the agonisingly close championship defeat played a significant role in his decision to step down.
He stated: “Narrowly missing out on the world championship this season has moved me deeply and made it clear to me that now is the right moment for me personally to end this very long, intense, and successful chapter.”
Having been instrumental throughout Red Bull’s entire existence in Formula One, Marko’s departure marks a significant shift for the team. Verstappen, who regards Marko as a father figure, expressed deep gratitude in an emotional message on X: “Thank you, Helmut. We’ve achieved everything we ever dreamed of together. I’m forever grateful for your belief in me.”
This exit is likely to unsettle Verstappen, who had previously made his concerns clear when there were rumours about Marko potentially facing suspension back in March 2024. He warned at the time, “If such an important pillar falls away, it is not good for my situation,” emphasising Marko’s role in his future decision-making.
The Verstappen family, including father Jos, reportedly accepted Marko’s decision with reluctance, as they did not wish for him to go. The departure of Marko adds to a series of major personnel changes at Red Bull in 2025, following the exit of team principal Christian Horner in September after his sacking in July amidst a tumultuous start to the season.
With Laurent Mekies stepping up to assume leadership and legendary design chief Adrian Newey leaving to join Aston Martin, the team faces a period of significant transition. Despite the upheaval, Verstappen concluded the season strongly under Mekies’s guidance, ultimately losing the championship to Norris by a mere two points.
While there is no indication that Verstappen intends to leave Red Bull, Marko’s departure could influence his long-term plans, particularly with major regulation changes set for the 2026 season, which will impact both aerodynamic specifications and power units. Should Red Bull fail to produce a competitive car, Verstappen might reconsider his position before 2027.
In sport, such shifts are often accompanied by uncertainty; how a team and its drivers adapt to these changes will be closely scrutinised as the new season looms on the horizon.
