Helmut Marko has shared that Max Verstappen felt sorrowful upon learning about the veteran Austrian’s upcoming departure from Red Bull. Marko also indicated that the four-time Formula 1 World champion would leave the team if they fail to uphold a positive and supportive environment for his success.
At 82 years old, Marko is set to retire by the year-end after serving as an advisor to Red Bull for two decades and overseeing their junior driver program. Marko played a pivotal role in bringing Verstappen into the Red Bull team, outbidding Mercedes for his talent.
The bond between Marko and Verstappen has been notably strong. Verstappen had openly supported Marko during internal team challenges, hinting that he might consider leaving if Marko was no longer with the team, emphasizing the significant role Marko played in his career.
In an interview with Austrian publication Kleine Zeitung, Marko shared Verstappen’s emotional response to his decision, reminiscing about their shared success and memorable moments. Marko reassured that despite past warnings, Verstappen has accepted his departure, indicating stability in their relationship.
While Marko’s exit was presented by Red Bull GmbH as his own choice, there were reports of growing tensions between Marko and the team’s Salzburg leadership. Allegations of unauthorized decisions, like signing Alex Dunne to the junior program, had caused friction and led to compensation payments.
Marko refuted these claims and dismissed them as baseless rumors propagated by certain media outlets. He emphasized that maintaining a harmonious environment is crucial for Verstappen’s continued success with Red Bull, highlighting the driver’s requirement for a supportive team dynamic.
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