BREAKING: Helmut Marko Voices Doubts Over Verstappen’s Switching...read more.

Helmut Marko Voices Doubts Over Verstappen’s Switching…read more.

Red Bull senior advisor Helmut Marko has expressed reservations about Max Verstappen’s plan to race with car number 3 in the 2026 Formula 1 season, arguing that the change offers little benefit and risks weakening a well-established identity.

Marko noted that Verstappen’s long-time number 33 has become an iconic symbol of his success, closely tied to his championships and defining moments in the sport. In his view, stepping away from it now is unnecessary and does not contribute anything meaningful from a competitive standpoint.

While acknowledging that drivers are free to make personal choices, Marko questioned the idea that changing numbers represents a meaningful fresh start. He stressed that Verstappen remains at the peak of his career and does not require symbolic changes to stay motivated or competitive.

The veteran Red Bull figure also pointed out the commercial and historical value of continuity, suggesting fans and partners strongly associate Verstappen with number 33. Altering that image, he said, could dilute a brand that has been built over years of dominance.

Despite his comments, Marko made it clear that the decision will not affect Verstappen’s standing within Red Bull. He reaffirmed the team’s full confidence in the reigning champion, emphasizing that performance, car development, and execution under the 2026 regulations will matter far more than the number on the nose.

Verstappen, meanwhile, remains committed to his choice, viewing it as a personal decision aligned with his mindset heading into Formula 1’s next technical era.

The differing perspectives highlight a familiar dynamic at Red Bull—Marko’s focus on legacy and pragmatism versus Verstappen’s willingness to embrace change as the sport prepares for a new chapter.