Helmut Marko Reflects on a Changed Max Verstappen and His Future Without Red Bull’s Guiding Hand
Helmut Marko may have stepped away from Red Bull, but his belief in Max Verstappen remains rock solid. The recently retired motorsport advisor has offered a candid assessment of the four-time world champion’s future, insisting that Verstappen is more than capable of adding to his Formula 1 trophy collection — even without Marko’s influential presence in the garage.
For more than a decade, Marko and Verstappen were inseparable forces within Red Bull’s rise to dominance. It was the outspoken Austrian who first spotted Verstappen’s raw, extraordinary talent, pushing him into Formula 1 at the unprecedented age of 17 and fast-tracking him into the senior Red Bull team soon after. What followed was one of the most successful partnerships in modern F1 history: four drivers’ championships and an era-defining run at the front of the grid.
That streak, however, came to a heartbreaking halt at the end of the 2025 season. Verstappen narrowly missed out on a fifth consecutive world title, losing the championship to McLaren’s Lando Norris by just two points in a dramatic Abu Dhabi finale. The fine margins of that defeat, Marko admitted, played a major role in his decision to walk away from Red Bull at the end of the year.
Speaking after the season finale, the 82-year-old explained that the emotional weight of the near-miss brought clarity about his future. “Narrowly missing out on the world championship this season has moved me deeply,” Marko said. “It made it clear to me that now is the right moment for me personally to end this very long, intense, and successful chapter.”
As Formula 1 heads into a transformative 2026 season — complete with sweeping technical regulation changes — Verstappen now faces a new reality. For the first time in his F1 career, he will compete without Marko’s guiding voice in the Red Bull setup. Questions have naturally followed: can Verstappen continue to dominate without the man who helped shape his career from the very beginning?
Marko’s answer is unequivocal.
In an interview following his departure, he dismissed any suggestion that Verstappen’s best days are behind him. “Max will continue,” Marko said confidently. “I don’t see any end to his abilities, his incredible driving skills, or his technical understanding.” According to Marko, Verstappen’s capacity to extract performance from a car — and to communicate precisely what he needs from engineers — remains as sharp as ever.
However, Marko was clear about one crucial condition for future success. “If he has the right car at his disposal, he will win several more world championship titles,” he said, underlining that Red Bull’s ability to adapt to the 2026 regulations will be decisive. In Marko’s view, Verstappen’s talent alone is not in question; the true variable lies in the competitiveness of the machinery beneath him.
Beyond the technical side, Marko also painted a picture of a Verstappen who has evolved significantly on a personal level. The once fiery, single-minded teenager has matured into a more rounded individual, something Marko believes could extend his longevity at the top of the sport.
“Max has changed,” Marko noted. “He is now a father, has cats, dogs, and a balanced life.” That balance, he suggested, has brought a new calm and perspective to Verstappen’s approach, without dulling the ruthless edge that makes him so formidable on track.
Far from seeing this evolution as a weakness, Marko views it as a strength. With experience, stability, and an ever-deepening understanding of the sport, Verstappen is better equipped than ever to navigate the challenges ahead — including the pressure of a new era and the absence of a long-time mentor.
Marko’s admiration ultimately went beyond statistics and titles. He placed Verstappen firmly among the all-time greats of motorsport, offering one final, emphatic verdict. “He is clearly one of the greats in motorsport,” Marko said. “If not the greatest.”
As Formula 1 prepares for a reset in 2026, Verstappen’s next chapter will unfold without one of his most influential allies. Yet if Marko’s words are any indication, the story is far from over. With the right car and the same relentless hunger, Max Verstappen’s reign at the top of Formula 1 may still have several chapters left to be written.
