Helmut Marko Declares “Perfect” Max Verstappen Doesn’t Need Him to Thrive at Red Bull

Helmut Marko boldly claimed that Max Verstappen did not need anyone at Red Bull anymore to thrive at the Austrian constructor.

Helmut Marko Declares “Perfect” Max Verstappen Doesn’t Need Him to Thrive at Red Bull

Max Verstappen and Helmut Marko (via Getty)

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Helmut Marko recently announced his exit from the Red Bull F1 team after serving them loyally for over 21 years. The Austrian remained one of the more controversial figures in the sport, but he surely had a great eye for talent, as he was responsible for Sebastian Vettel and Max Verstappen‘s entry. Now, following his exit, Marko reckoned that Verstappen no longer needed him or anyone to thrive at Red Bull and was self-sufficient enough.

Max Verstappen shared an extremely close bond with Helmut Marko at Red Bull. Amid the power struggle in the team, Verstappen was rumored to exit alongside Marko if the latter was ousted from the team.

Now, though the 82-year-old has left Milton Keynes from the 2026 season onwards, the Dutchman isn’t looking to follow him anymore. The four-time champion has achieved a great name with the team and is performing well without the need for a support system behind him.

Helmut Marko raised confidence in Max Verstappen’s capabilities to keep achieving success at Red Bull following the former’s exit. Despite the close ties shared by the two, Verstappen hadn’t commented much on the matter publicly or showcased his full-fledged support towards Marko regardless of his controversial comments on the grid. Now, the 82-year-old insisted that the Dutchman was mature enough and was a full-grown man as compared to his debut back in 2016.

Speaking on Max Verstappen’s current state, Helmut Marko confidently claimed the former was a grown man and no longer needed anyone to explain anything to him. In addition to this, Marko noted that Verstappen did not need anyone anymore and was going to perform well regardless of the support towards him by the team. As such, the 28-year-old did not need to have a full team working behind him in order to help him achieve success, as he has already achieved plenty so far.

Different circumstances call for different reactions. No one here has parted with arguments. Max is now more than a grown man; he no longer needs anyone to explain anything to him. Max is perfect — he doesn’t need anyone anymore.

Helmut Marko told oe24.

Helmut Marko reveals why Max Verstappen couldn’t attend the ‘planned farewell dinner’

Certainly, after serving Red Bull for more than two decades, the team had to celebrate his exit in a great fashion. Helmut Marko’s great relations with Max Verstappen meant that the latter’s presence was of great importance.

Max Verstappen, Helmut Marko, Laurent Mekies (via Red Bull)
Max Verstappen, Helmut Marko, Laurent Mekies (via Red Bull)

However, he was absent due to some undisclosed medical reason and couldn’t attend the grand farewell dinner for the outgoing Marko. The 82-year-old opened up on his thoughts on this and why the Dutchman wasn’t present at the event.

Helmut Marko noted that Max Verstappen had some flight problems, claiming that doctors advised him against flying in airplanes for some time because of his medical condition.

Regardless, the 82-year-old confirmed that there would be a meeting soon with the four-time champion. However, Marko was unaware whether the meeting would actually happen before Christmas or not, as even Verstappen is a family man now and has a daughter alongside his long-time girlfriend, Kelly Piquet.

Due to flight problems, Max could not come to the planned dinner, But there will be a meeting soon. Whether that will be possible before Christmas, I cannot say.

Helmut Marko noted

The FIA award ceremony is finished as well, and the 2025 season is officially in the books. It has been a crazy journey for Max Verstappen as he suffered from massive ups and downs throughout the year.

Moreover, Red Bull has faced massive personnel changes, especially after a majority of their old squad is now dissolved, and new faces are taking their roles to lead the outfit to a completely new era in Formula 1.

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