Helmut Marko recently shared that Max Verstappen was disheartened by the news of Marko’s impending departure from the Red Bull team. Marko also expressed his belief that Verstappen may consider leaving as well if the team fails to maintain a conducive environment for his success.
Marko, an 82-year-old advisor with a 20-year tenure at Red Bull, played a pivotal role in bringing Verstappen into the team’s fold, successfully fending off competition from Mercedes. The two developed a strong bond, with Verstappen even referring to Marko as a ‘second father’ during a period of internal unrest at Red Bull.
In an interview with Austrian publication Kleine Zeitung, Marko recounted Verstappen’s emotional response to his departure, reminiscing about their shared successes and milestones. Despite the sentimental reflections, Marko dismissed any concerns about Verstappen’s loyalty to Red Bull, stating that the Dutch driver has accepted his decision.
However, Marko emphasized that maintaining a harmonious environment is crucial for Verstappen’s continued commitment to the team. Marko warned that if this condition is not met, Verstappen could abruptly leave the team, highlighting the importance of a supportive setting for the young driver.
While Red Bull officially announced Marko’s departure as a voluntary decision, reports suggest underlying tensions between Marko and the team’s leadership, fueled by public controversies and management disagreements. Marko has refuted claims of unauthorized actions, attributing them to baseless rumors circulated by certain media outlets.
Formula 1 enthusiasts can catch all the action live with Sky’s Essential TV and Sky Sports bundle, offering an inclusive package with substantial savings and access to a wide range of TV channels, as well as complimentary subscriptions to Netflix and Discovery+.