Max Verstappen will enter the 2025 Formula 1 season without Helmut Marko in the Red Bull Racing garage for the first time in his career, but the Austrian has made clear the four-time world champion can still call on his counsel whenever needed. Despite stepping away from his operational role after more than two decades with the team, Marko insists he remains available as a trusted advisor to the Dutchman, though he believes Verstappen has evolved beyond needing regular guidance.
Marko’s longstanding role in Verstappen’s rise
The departure marks the end of an era for one of Formula 1’s most successful partnerships. Marko witnessed Verstappen’s entire journey through the Red Bull system, from his 2015 debut with Toro Rosso to his promotion to the senior team in 2016, where he immediately claimed victory in his first race for Red Bull Racing in Barcelona. That early promise has blossomed into one of the sport’s most dominant runs, with Verstappen collecting 71 race wins and four consecutive world championships between 2021 and 2024.
Throughout this period, Marko served as both mentor and advocate for Verstappen within the complex political landscape of Red Bull’s racing operations. The Austrian’s influence extended beyond race strategy into contract negotiations and team dynamics, helping shield the Dutchman from distractions while he focused on performance. That relationship has now evolved as Marko steps back from his day-to-day involvement with the team.
Always available as trusted confidant
When asked by ServusTV whether he would remain Verstappen’s “joker to call” in difficult moments, Marko responded affirmatively but with an important caveat. “Of course I will do that,” he confirmed. “But Max Verstappen is a four-time world champion and has now grown into one of the best drivers in the world. He doesn’t need me anymore. He knows so much himself and has developed such incredible knowledge and such incredible skills.”
The assessment reflects Marko’s view that Verstappen has matured into a complete driver capable of navigating the technical and political complexities of modern Formula 1 without constant guidance. The Dutchman’s technical feedback has become increasingly sophisticated, allowing him to work directly with engineers on car development and race strategy. His ability to manage tyre degradation, adapt to changing conditions, and extract maximum performance from machinery has reached a level where external counsel becomes less critical.
“He will bring us to some great things, I’m convinced of that,” Marko added, suggesting confidence in Verstappen’s prospects for continued success even without his daily presence in the team.
Unexpected conversation in Dubai
Marko revealed that his exit from Red Bull Racing came about through an impromptu meeting in Dubai, where he reached out to Oliver Mintzlaff, the executive overseeing Red Bull’s motorsport operations. “I didn’t discuss it with anyone, but called Oliver Mintzlaff, the responsible manager at Red Bull, in Dubai and asked if we could meet briefly,” Marko explained. The timing coincided with a planned championship celebration dinner following Red Bull’s successful 2024 campaign.
The meeting expanded to include representatives from the Yoovidhya family, the Thai shareholders who jointly own Red Bull Racing alongside the Austrian energy drink company. Despite the significance of the discussion, Marko characterised the conversation as cordial and straightforward. “The other shareholder from the Thai family was also present. But it was all very friendly and went very well,” he noted.
The amicable nature of the departure suggests Marko’s decision was respected by Red Bull’s ownership structure, avoiding the acrimonious splits that have occasionally marked high-profile exits in Formula 1. His legacy within the organisation remains secure, having helped build the Red Bull junior programme into one of the sport’s most successful driver development systems.
What this means for Verstappen and Red Bull
Verstappen enters 2025 alongside new teammate Liam Lawson, who replaces Sergio Pérez in what represents the most significant lineup change for Red Bull Racing since the Dutchman’s own arrival in 2016. Without Marko’s daily presence, the dynamic within the team will inevitably shift, though Christian Horner remains as team principal to provide continuity.
The four-time champion’s technical maturity and established position within the team should cushion any impact from Marko’s departure. Verstappen’s contract runs through 2028, and his status as Red Bull’s lead driver and principal asset remains unchallenged. The knowledge that he can still reach out to Marko when needed provides a safety net, even if both men expect those calls to be infrequent. As Formula 1 prepares for the season-opening race in Australia, Verstappen faces the challenge of defending his title without the man who helped guide him from teenage prodigy to multiple champion.
