Marko reflects on 'most intense and intimate' bond with Verstappen

Helmut Marko is closing a 25-year chapter as Red Bull's motorsport advisor, a role that saw him shape the careers of 18 drivers—most notably Max Verstappen. Their partnership, forged when Verstappen was just 17, evolved into what Marko calls the closest and most intense connection he has ever had with a driver, underpinning four world championships and 71 Grand Prix wins.

Why it matters:

Marko's departure marks the end of a defining mentorship in modern F1. His unique bond with Verstappen—built on trust, mutual growth, and a relentless pursuit of excellence—was a cornerstone of Red Bull's dominance. It highlights how a deep, personal driver-advisor relationship can transcend the cockpit and shape a team's culture and success.

The details:

• Marko described his relationship with Verstappen as "the closest connection I've ever had with a driver," noting the Dutchman's significant personal evolution from a fiery teenager to a calm, composed leader.
• Their partnership was remarkably frictionless. Marko recalled, "We hardly ever had any differences of opinion. The more successful he became, the simpler his approach became."
• Verstappen's growth into a team leader is now pivotal as Red Bull prepares for its 2026 power unit project with Ford, an operation involving around 2,000 personnel.
• Even Marko's final decision to step away was tinged with their connection. Verstappen missed the key meeting in Abu Dhabi due to travel issues, leading to a melancholic phone call where the champion reflected on his unimaginable success.

The big picture:

Marko's legacy extends beyond talent scouting. He cultivated one of the most trusted and productive driver-advisor partnerships in F1 history, a bond that delivered 71 wins—placing the duo just behind iconic pairings like Schumacher-Ferrari and Hamilton-Mercedes in the record books. It was a relationship that proved professional guidance and personal understanding could be a potent formula for sustained excellence.

What's next:

With Marko's formal advisory role ending, the dynamic within Red Bull will inevitably shift. Verstappen, now a matured and influential figure, is poised to help steer the team through its next major challenge: the 2026 regulatory revolution. The foundation built during the Marko era will be tested as Red Bull navigates this new chapter without one of its key architects.