Helmut Marko Reveals 'Melancholy' Final Call With Max Verstappen After Red Bull Exit

Helmut Marko has shared details of his final conversation with Max Verstappen, describing a "melancholy" mood as he informed the three-time champion of his departure from Red Bull after over two decades. Marko, who played a pivotal role in discovering and mentoring both Verstappen and Sebastian Vettel, called the Dutch driver his closest connection in Formula 1.

Why it matters:

Marko's exit marks the end of an era for Red Bull, severing a key pillar of the team's success story and removing a central figure in Verstappen's career. His departure follows a season of internal management shifts and a heartbreaking two-point championship loss to McLaren, signaling a significant cultural shift within the reigning constructor's champion as it heads into the 2026 regulation overhaul.

The details:

• Marko revealed the decision to leave was made ad-hoc in Dubai after the Abu Dhabi finale, where he met with Red Bull GmbH's Oliver Mintzlaff and a representative of the Yoovidhya family.
• Verstappen was scheduled to be at the same dinner but missed it due to flight issues, leading to a farewell phone call the next day.
• "It wasn't a normal conversation. There was a certain melancholy in the air," Marko said of the call, adding that Verstappen reflected on never imagining he'd achieve such success.
• The 81-year-old advisor stated he would have likely left even if Red Bull had won the 2025 title, calling the narrow loss a "very bitter disappointment" that hit the team hard.
• He confirmed his relationship with key Red Bull figures, including Mintzlaff and new CEO Laurent Mekies, had deteriorated in recent months, though the official split is described as amicable.

The big picture:

Marko's role was once seen as indispensable to Verstappen's future at Red Bull, with the driver making his continuation conditional on Marko's presence in early 2024. However, the landscape changed completely with Christian Horner's mid-2025 departure and Mekies' ascent. Marko's exit coincides with Red Bull's transition to a full works manufacturer for 2026, removing a legendary talent scout who helped shape the careers of not only Verstappen and Vettel, but also Daniel Ricciardo, Carlos Sainz, and Pierre Gasly.

Looking ahead:

Despite the emotional split, Marko believes Verstappen's development is far from over. "The fascinating thing is that with each passing year, Max Verstappen became faster, more mature, better," he said, noting the driver's increased calmness and leadership. Verstappen now faces his first Red Bull season without the man who helped guide his career, as the team navigates a new management structure and the immense technical challenge of the 2026 regulations.