Helmut Marko, the legendary figure in Formula 1 and the outgoing advisor for Red Bull Racing, has dropped a bombshell revelation: his most profound connection in the high-octane world of racing is with none other than Max Verstappen! As Marko wraps up an impressive 25-year tenure as Red Bull’s lead talent scout, he reflects on a relationship that has evolved into a remarkable partnership with the Dutch racing sensation.
Marko, who has been the mastermind behind Red Bull’s junior driver program since 2001, has been instrumental in launching the careers of 18 drivers, including the likes of Sebastian Vettel, Daniel Ricciardo, and Carlos Sainz. However, it’s Verstappen who stands out as the pinnacle of this achievement. Snapped up at the tender age of 17 in 2015, Verstappen was promised a seat in Formula 1 after just one year in single-seaters, and he has since lived up to every expectation, racking up an astonishing four world titles.
In an exclusive interview with Austrian broadcaster ORF, the 82-year-old Marko described his bond with Verstappen as “the most intimate” he has ever experienced with a driver. He elaborated, “The connection was certainly very intense… it was the closest connection I’ve ever had with a driver.” Marko expressed awe at Verstappen’s relentless improvement over the years. “With each passing year, Max has become faster, more mature, and better. Even though he is already the best driver, I can’t see an end to this development.”
Marko noted the transformation of Verstappen from a fiery young talent to a composed and mature leader within the team. “He hardly ever has any lapses or outbursts, which were of course present in the early stages. He has become an incredibly perfect personality for his age,” Marko stated, highlighting the evolution of Verstappen into a formidable force in the sport.
As Red Bull gears up to further expand its Formula 1 project with the introduction of its own power units in collaboration with Ford by 2026, Marko believes Verstappen is poised to thrive in this environment. “Max has become such a personality that, despite his relatively young age, he leads a team and can lead it the way he does,” he remarked, underscoring Verstappen’s vital role in the team’s future.
In a poignant moment, Marko revealed that Verstappen missed the dinner during which the decision regarding Marko’s departure was made. “Max should have been there too,” Marko lamented, attributing his absence to flight issues. The following day, their conversation was tinged with melancholy as Verstappen expressed disbelief at his meteoric rise to success. “He said he never could have imagined that he would ever achieve such success,” Marko shared.
Verstappen and Red Bull Racing have forged a formidable legacy, becoming the third-most successful pairing in Formula 1 history with an impressive 71 Grand Prix victories—trailing only the iconic Michael Schumacher (72 wins with Ferrari) and the legendary Lewis Hamilton (84 wins with Mercedes).
As the F1 world watches, Marko’s departure marks the end of an era, but his legacy, particularly through Verstappen, will continue to inspire future generations in the fast-paced world of motorsport. The question remains: how much further can Verstappen push the boundaries of racing excellence? Only time will tell, but one thing is certain—this dynamic duo has reshaped the landscape of Formula 1 forever!
