BREAKING: Helmut Marko CLAIMS Max Verstappen Has Changed due to R… read more
Breaking: Helmut Marko Claims Max Verstappen Has Changed as Red Bull Era Turns a Page
By Hugo Harvey
Helmut Marko may have stepped away from his long-standing role at Red Bull, but his belief in Max Verstappen remains as firm as ever. The recently retired motorsport advisor has spoken candidly about the four-time Formula 1 world champion, offering a detailed assessment of how Verstappen has evolved both as a driver and as a person, and why he is convinced that the Dutchman’s success is far from over — even without Marko’s guiding presence in the garage.
For more than a decade, Marko and Verstappen were inseparable figures within Red Bull’s rise to the top of Formula 1. It was Marko who identified Verstappen’s extraordinary potential while he was still a teenager, making the bold and controversial decision to bring him into Formula 1 at just 17 years old. That gamble reshaped the sport. Verstappen did not simply adapt to the elite level; he thrived, quickly becoming the central pillar of Red Bull’s competitive philosophy and one of the most feared drivers on the grid.
The partnership delivered extraordinary results. Verstappen went on to secure four consecutive world championships, leading Red Bull through an era of dominance that will be remembered as one of the most commanding periods in modern Formula 1 history. Their shared intensity, blunt honesty, and relentless hunger for success became defining traits of the team itself.
That era, however, came to a painful close at the end of the 2025 season. Verstappen narrowly missed out on a fifth consecutive Drivers’ Championship, losing the title to McLaren’s Lando Norris by just two points in a dramatic and emotionally charged Abu Dhabi finale. For Marko, the fine margins of that defeat carried significant personal weight. He admitted that the heartbreak of coming so close played a major role in his decision to step away from Red Bull after so many years.
Reflecting on that moment, the 82-year-old explained that the loss brought a sense of clarity. “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.” His departure marks a major turning point for Red Bull, and an equally significant one for Verstappen, who will now compete in Formula 1 without the mentor who helped shape every stage of his career.
Despite this, Marko has dismissed any suggestion that Verstappen’s best days are behind him. On the contrary, he believes the Dutchman is entering a new phase of his career with greater depth and understanding than ever before. “Max will continue,” Marko stated emphatically. “I don’t see any end to his abilities, his incredible driving skills, or his technical understanding.” He highlighted Verstappen’s rare capacity to extract performance from any car and his exceptional ability to communicate precisely what he needs from engineers — qualities that Marko believes will remain decisive regardless of who stands beside him in the garage.
Marko was equally clear about the conditions required for future success. While Verstappen’s talent is unquestionable, Formula 1 remains a sport where machinery plays a defining role. “If he has the right car at his disposal, he will win several more world championship titles,” Marko said, underlining that Red Bull’s response to the sweeping 2026 technical regulation changes will be crucial.
Beyond the technical discussion, Marko also spoke about how Verstappen has changed on a personal level. The once fiery, uncompromising young racer has matured into a more balanced individual. “Max has changed,” Marko observed. “He is now a father, has cats, dogs, and a balanced life.” Rather than softening his competitive edge, Marko believes this stability has brought a new calm and perspective that could extend Verstappen’s longevity at the top of the sport.
In Marko’s view, experience and personal balance have strengthened Verstappen’s mental resilience, allowing him to handle pressure with greater clarity while maintaining the ruthless instinct that defines champions. As Formula 1 prepares for a major reset in 2026, Verstappen will face the challenge of a new era without one of his most influential allies. Yet, according to the man who discovered him, nurtured him, and watched him conquer the sport, Max Verstappen remains destined for more greatness. With the right car beneath him, his story at the summit of Formula 1 is far from finished.
About The Author
