Marko declares Max Verstappen Red Bull per..read more
Red Bull Racing’s long-standing supremacy in Formula 1 may be approaching a turning point, according to the team’s senior advisor Helmut Marko. In a stunning admission, Marko has publicly acknowledged that Max Verstappen’s dominant era with Red Bull is effectively “over,” as the intense grip the team once held on the championship battle seems to be slipping away. His comments come amid a highly competitive 2025 season that has seen Red Bull struggle to maintain the dominance they enjoyed in previous years.
Max Verstappen, a three-time world champion and the poster boy of Red Bull’s F1 project, had established a nearly unbeatable presence on the grid since 2021. With numerous pole positions, fastest laps, and race wins under his belt, Verstappen became synonymous with excellence and consistency. However, the 2025 season has presented a different narrative altogether—one where the reigning champions are no longer at the top of the field.
Speaking candidly, Helmut Marko didn’t hold back his assessment of the current state of affairs. He openly stated that Red Bull is no longer in control of the championship race, and that the era of dominance they shared with Verstappen has come to a close. “We have to accept reality,” he said. “The period of overwhelming success is over. We’re now the hunters, not the hunted.”
This confession reflects a broader shift within Formula 1 in 2025. Rivals like Ferrari, Mercedes, and even Aston Martin have significantly closed the performance gap. Innovations in car design, better race strategies, and more consistent results from competing teams have seen them challenge Red Bull in ways not seen for several years. Red Bull’s early-season technical issues, as well as questionable strategic decisions, have contributed to their fall from grace.
For Verstappen himself, the situation marks unfamiliar territory. Known for his competitive edge and fierce commitment to winning, the Dutch driver has been visibly frustrated with the team’s inability to match the pace of their rivals this season. Although he has managed a few podium finishes, his dominance has clearly been curbed. He now finds himself battling for position rather than simply defending the lead.
Despite the setbacks, Verstappen has not publicly criticized the team. However, his body language, radio messages, and occasional media comments suggest growing tension and concern about Red Bull’s direction. Rumors have also begun to swirl about potential changes in the team’s structure and engineering department as they attempt to regroup and rebuild for the rest of the season and beyond.
Marko’s remarks are likely to spark debate across the F1 world. Some view his statement as a calculated move to lower expectations and motivate the team. Others interpret it as a warning sign that Red Bull’s golden age could truly be behind them. Either way, it marks a significant moment in the narrative of modern Formula 1—a transition from domination to challenge.
The remainder of the season will be crucial for both Verstappen and Red Bull. While a championship win now appears unlikely, regaining competitiveness remains essential. Whether through mid-season upgrades or bold strategy shifts, Red Bull must rediscover their edge to avoid a complete collapse in form. Meanwhile, Verstappen faces the biggest test of his career: proving he can still lead, fight, and inspire, even when the odds are no longer in his favor.
In conclusion, Helmut Marko’s declaration signals not just the end of an era, but the beginning of a new chapter in Red Bull’s Formula 1 story—one where resilience and adaptation will define their legacy, rather than just sheer domination.
