Helmut Marko: Max Verstappen Has Outgrown the Need for a Guiding Hand at Red Bull
Recently retired Red Bull advisor Helmut Marko has suggested that Max Verstappen has reached a stage in his Formula 1 career where he no longer requires close mentorship, describing the four-time world champion as a fully formed leader within the sport.
Marko stepped down from his long-standing role as Red Bull’s motorsport advisor at the conclusion of the 2025 season, bringing an end to one of the most influential partnerships in modern F1. Speaking about his departure, Marko revealed that he shared an emotional phone conversation with Verstappen to personally inform him of the decision, underlining the depth of their relationship.
The Austrian played a pivotal role in Verstappen’s rise through the motorsport ranks, having overseen his development from karting to Formula 1 via Red Bull’s junior programme. Verstappen was one of Marko’s most successful proteges, and their bond extended well beyond a standard driver–advisor dynamic.
That relationship was highlighted in early 2024 when Marko’s position within Red Bull briefly appeared under threat. At the time, Verstappen made it clear that Marko’s removal could have serious consequences for his own future with the team, openly warning that he would consider leaving if the veteran advisor was forced out.
However, with Marko now choosing to retire on his own terms, tensions have eased. Reflecting on Verstappen’s evolution, Marko explained that the Dutch driver has matured into a figure who no longer relies on guidance to succeed at the highest level.
“Max has become such a personality now that he no longer needs advice – he’s more like a team leader,” Marko told F1-Insider. “He has developed to the point where he no longer needs guidance.”
Marko’s departure is part of a broader transformation at Red Bull Racing, which has seen several key figures exit the team in recent years. Former team principal Christian Horner was dismissed midway through the 2025 season, while legendary designer Adrian Newey and long-time sporting director Jonathan Wheatley have also moved on. Together, these changes signal the end of a dominant era for the Milton Keynes-based squad.
The team has now entered a new chapter under Laurent Mekies, who became only Red Bull’s second-ever team principal following Horner’s sudden exit. Mekies faces the difficult task of overseeing a rebuild while maintaining competitiveness during a major regulatory reset for Formula 1.
Adding to the challenge is Red Bull’s decision to produce its own power units from 2026 onwards, following the end of its highly successful partnership with Honda in 2025. The new Red Bull Powertrains project represents one of the biggest technical risks in the team’s history, with the competitive order expected to shift significantly under the revised engine and aerodynamic regulations.
Against this backdrop, questions about Verstappen’s long-term future are growing louder. Although the Dutchman remains under contract, several rival teams are expected to have vacancies beyond the end of 2026, and Verstappen’s proven ability to influence team direction makes him the most sought-after driver on the grid.
If Red Bull fail to deliver a championship-contending car in 2026, Verstappen could be tempted to reassess his options. The upcoming season may serve as a “scouting year”, allowing him to evaluate which teams adapt best to the new regulations before committing to his next move for 2027 and beyond.
Despite the uncertainty, Marko’s comments suggest confidence in Verstappen’s independence and resilience. Having already demonstrated that he can perform at an elite level regardless of internal upheaval, Verstappen appears well equipped to navigate Red Bull’s rebuilding phase — whether that ultimately leads him to remain loyal or seek a fresh challenge elsewhere.
For Red Bull and Mekies, the priority will be convincing their star driver that the team’s future vision aligns with his own ambitions. With Verstappen now viewed as a leader rather than a protégé, the coming seasons could define not only the next era of Red Bull Racing, but also the next chapter of Formula 1’s most dominant driver.
