Max Verstappen will have to do without top advisor Helmut Marko next year. The 82-year-old Austrian, who offered Verstappen a spot in Formula 1 over ten years ago, is retiring. Red Bull announced on Tuesday that he has resigned. For Verstappen, Marko was one of the most important pillars within the team. He shared an emotional message on his social media.
Following the end of the Formula 1 season – and the heated title fight between McLaren and Max Verstappen – Helmut Marko felt it was time to put an end to his long career in motorsport. “Everything we have built and achieved together fills me with pride,” he responded in an official Red Bull press release. “Narrowly missing the world championship this season deeply affected me. It became clear to me that it is time for me personally to close this very long, intense, and successful chapter.”
‘Forever Grateful’
Max Verstappen shared his own message to Helmut Marko, one of his most important confidants within the Red Bull ranks, on social media. “Thank you, Helmut,” the message read. “We have achieved everything we ever dreamed of. I am forever grateful for your trust in me.” It is a beautiful tribute to Dr. Marko, who played a key role in the Formula 1 career of the Dutchman. With his keen eye for talent, he offered a 17-year-old Verstappen a seat at Toro Rosso in 2015. In 2016, the Dutchman was promoted to the main team… the rest is history.
The future of Helmut Marko was already in question early last year. Team boss Christian Horner was accused of crossing boundaries at the time, leading to a rift between the Austrian camp and the Thai majority shareholders. However, Verstappen stood up for Helmut Marko and repeatedly emphasized his loyalty to the top advisor. He also linked his own future to that of Marko.
