The Australian Grand Prix was the first race for Red Bull without Helmut Marko: What has changed for Max Verstappen as a result and why contact still continues
It was all over after last year’s Formula 1 season: just a few days after the final race in Abu Dhabi, Red Bull announced that Helmut Marko would be stepping down from his role as motorsport advisor at the end of 2025. The 82-year-old Austrian had been with the team for over 20 years and leaves a gap – especially for Max Verstappen.
The start of the new season marked the first race without Marko. But what will actually change in the Red Bull garage this year? “Maybe there will be a few less Austrian jokes from Helmut, but I’m still in contact with him,” Verstappen reveals with a smile.
The Dutchman, who was discovered and promoted by Marko, continues to maintain a close relationship with the Austrian. What do the two talk about now that Marko is no longer with Red Bull? “Maybe not so much about the details of the car, but more about life,” says the four-time world champion.
Verstappen admits: “It will feel a little different.”
Verstappen even admits that the loss of the Austrian is quite noticeable for him on race weekends. “I’ve shared so many moments with him, so of course it will feel a little different in the pits, but you also have to look ahead,” the 28-year-old emphasizes in Australia.
However, the first race without his long-time mentor did not go as planned for Max Verstappen: After an accident in qualifying, the Red Bull driver had to start from the back of the field, but after a solid comeback, he still managed to finish in sixth place, thereby limiting the damage somewhat.
However, it seems unlikely that Marko’s departure from Red Bull will have a profound effect on the Dutchman. “You have to think about performance,” says Verstappen, dismissing the idea of worrying too much about it. “But at the same time, as I said, we have a great relationship and will stay in touch anyway.”
