The Formula 1 world was shaken by an unexpected announcement: Helmut Marko, long-time advisor to Red Bull Racing and architect of its success for nearly twenty years, is leaving the team. This decision immediately fueled wild rumors, particularly concerning the future of Max Verstappen, a perennial protégé and pillar of the team.
Helmut Marko puts an end to the rumors: No, Max Verstappen will not be leaving. »
Faced with the media frenzy, Marko He was quick to clarify the situation. According to him, a departure of Verstappen is absolutely not being considered.
“No. Max doesn’t just want to succeed, he wants to do it in a harmonious environment.” says Marko.
The three-time world champion, with his 71 victories and four consecutive titlesplaces great importance on internal stability.
Marko adds: "When he no longer has that, he stops overnight. But he is still much too young for that." »
Si Verstappen does not intend to follow Marko towards the exit, the departure of the advisor is nonetheless a difficult moment for him on an emotional level.
Marko he confided: Max It's a little sad. We reminisced together about the incredible time we spent side by side. »
The bond between the two men is unbreakable. It is Marko which, defying criticism, allowed Verstappen to start in F1 at 17, before becoming one of the most dominant drivers of his generation.
Marko reveals that the 2025 season, which ended with a narrow defeat against Lando Norris, weighed heavily in his decision.
The advisor recalls:I was the first, then with Gianpiero Lambiase the only one on the team who believes in winning the title this season."
This battle lost by only two points against Norris left its mark.
Marko admits that this disillusionment sealed his choice: “From this disappointment, the decision matured that it is now time to stop.”
Following the successive departures of Christian Horner, Adrian Newey et Jonathan Wheatley, that of Marko marks a new stage in a major overhaul of the organizational chart of Red BullA transformation that could redefine the team's dynamics in the years to come.
Despite the turmoil, Verstappen appears determined to continue his adventure with Red Bulat least as long as the sporting environment remains in line with its expectations. The team will now have to prove that it can continue to dominate the F1 without one of its most influential strategists.
The departure ofHelmut Marko opens a new chapter for Red Bull Racing. Was it Verstappen seems determined to stay for now, the stability of the team, the cornerstone of its success, has never been so fragile.
The upcoming season could well define not only the future from Red Bull, but also that of one of the greatest talents that the Formula 1 knew
