Helmut Marko has shared that Max Verstappen expressed sadness upon learning about the veteran Austrian’s upcoming departure from the Red Bull team. Marko also stated that the four-time Formula 1 World champion would leave the team if they fail to maintain a conducive environment for his success.
Marko, aged 82, will be stepping down at the end of the year after serving as an advisor to the team for two decades, overseeing their junior driver program. It was Marko who brought Verstappen into the Red Bull family as a promising young talent, beating out competition from Mercedes.
The bond between the two was strong, with Verstappen publicly supporting Marko during internal turmoil at Red Bull last year. Verstappen referred to Marko as a ‘second father’ and indicated he would consider leaving the team if Marko was not part of it.
In an interview with Austrian publication Kleine Zeitung, Marko revealed that Verstappen was somewhat saddened by his departure, reflecting on their shared successes and memorable moments. Despite previous warnings about leaving Red Bull, Marko clarified that Verstappen has accepted his decision and fans need not worry about the champion’s future with the team.
However, Marko emphasized that for Verstappen, success must come within a harmonious environment. He made it clear that if the team fails to provide this, Verstappen might abruptly depart. Marko’s exit from Red Bull was officially presented as his choice, with Red Bull’s head of sporting projects expressing regret over Marko’s decision.
Reports indicate that tensions had been escalating between Marko and Red Bull’s leadership, with disagreements over public statements and unauthorized decisions. Marko denies these claims, dismissing them as baseless rumors circulated mainly by the British press.
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