Helmut Marko responds to being labeled as ‘second father’ of Max Verstappen
Dr. Helmut Marko is often considered to be the driving force behind Max Verstappen's F1 journey with Red Bull.
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Helmut Marko and Max Verstappen (via IMAGO)
Red Bull Motorsport Consultant Dr. Helmut Marko played a crucial role in shaping Max Verstappen as an F1 world champion. The Austrian has a long-standing relationship with the Red Bull star. So much so, that some call him the second father of the 27-year-old.
Helmut Marko confessed that he never felt as connected to a driver as he has to Verstappen. The 81-year-old has previously worked closely with the likes of Sebastian Vettel and Daniel Ricciardo. However, the Austrian claimed that he wouldn’t directly label himself as the second father of the four-time world champion.
I have never felt so connected to a driver, and I admit that directly. Whether I am his second father, you won’t hear me say that.
Helmut Marko told Formule1.nl
Marko highlighted that he has worked in the field of motorsport for a long time. The Red Bull advisor revealed that the first conversation he had with Max Verstappen was when the Dutchman was just 13 years old. Since then, the F1 star quickly ascended the motorsport ladder with his Toro Rosso debut in 2015.
Whether I am his second father, you won’t hear me say that. Look, I don’t know how long I have been working in this sport. What I do know is the first time I had a serious conversation with Max, he was 13.
Helmut Marko added
Max Verstappen a ‘reason’ for Helmut Marko staying in F1
The 81-year-old claimed that usually his conversation with a young driver lasts 10-15 minutes. But with Max Verstappen, Marko ended up discussing several things for over an hour. Additionally, the Red Bull advisor admitted that Verstappen was one of the two reasons why he is still active in the sport despite his age.
Normally in such a conversation, I talk to a young driver for 10 to 15 minutes. With Max, it was more than an hour. I still do this work for two reasons: one is Max.
Helmut Marko stated
Certainly, Marko understood how important Max Verstappen was going to be for Red Bull. The Austrian left no stone unturned to secure the future of the Dutch driver. This has indeed translated to results with the gamble paying off beautifully for the Red Bull advisor.
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Armaan Agarwal
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