Helmut Marko offers continued support to Max Verstappen after Red Bull exit

Helmut Marko has stated his phone line will remain open for Max Verstappen, despite the influential advisor's impending departure from Red Bull Racing at the end of 2025. Marko, who was instrumental in bringing Verstappen to the team, confirmed he would still be available as a sounding board for the four-time champion, even as their formal working relationship concludes.

Why it matters:

Marko's exit marks the end of a defining era for Red Bull, severing one of the team's last direct links to its founder, Dietrich Mateschitz, and the architect of its most successful driver program. His continued, albeit informal, connection to Verstappen underscores the deep personal bond formed over a decade, which could remain a subtle but significant factor in the driver's career long-term decisions and mindset.

The details:

• Red Bull announced last week that Marko will not return in 2026, ending his 20-year tenure in a senior role overseeing the driver program and strategy.
• Verstappen publicly thanked the 82-year-old on social media following the news, highlighting the respect between them.
• When asked if he would act as a "phone a friend" resource for Verstappen, Marko affirmed, "Of course I will," but added that the champion has matured beyond needing direct guidance.
• Marko pointed to the simultaneous risks and opportunities facing Red Bull in 2026, with new chassis and power unit regulations coinciding with the team producing its first in-house F1 engine.

The big picture:

Marko's departure is part of a broader leadership transition at Red Bull, occurring alongside the team's most ambitious technical project yet. His reference to the late Mateschitz's "no risk, no fun" philosophy frames the 2026 engine project as a high-stakes gamble essential to the team's identity. While Marko downplays his future role, his availability symbolizes an enduring mentorship that shaped Verstappen's career from its earliest days in F1.

What's next:

The focus shifts to Red Bull's dual challenge: navigating a post-Marko leadership structure while executing a flawless transition to its new power unit division. Success or failure in 2026 will test whether the team's competitive philosophy can thrive without one of its original architects. For Verstappen, the 2025 season may involve adjusting to a new support system within the team while knowing a trusted confidant remains just a phone call away.