Exclusive: Marko details moment Verstappen became Red Bull 'leader'

Helmut Marko has hailed "leader" Max Verstappen for stepping up to help give direction to Red Bull after its power struggle at the start of the year. 

After allegations of misconduct were made against Red Bull team principal Christian Horner on the eve of the new season, a dossier of purported evidence was leaked to key stakeholders and media as Red Bull GmbH continued its own internal investigation, as Horner denied the allegations.

In Saudi Arabia, a power struggle broke out with Horner being backed by Red Bull GmbH majority owner Chalerm Yoovidhya, who owns 51% of shares in the company. The other side of the debate centered around father of Max, Jos Verstappen and CEO Oliver Mintzlaff who were reported to want Horner sacked. 

This power struggle had come after the death of Dietrich Mateschitz in October 2022, with his son Mark owning the remaining 49% of shares and Mintzlaff taking over the corporate projects brief, which includes Red Bull Racing. 

According to motorsport advisor Marko, Verstappen stepped up to lead the team through this rocky period, winning seven of the first 10 races of the year.

"He developed a strong personality on top of it and was a leader in this difficult situation which came after the death of Mr. Mateschitz," Marko exclusively told RacingNews365. 

"There was a vacuum but in the end, we stuck together and said: 'We have to win this championship, so let's work together.'"

"It was Max who won this championship, at half of the races, our car was not competitive and still he got the maximum [result].

"He won races when the car was not so good and it was important to finish fifth or sixth, which he did, so he was using his speed but also his brain.

"You must give him a car which is competitive again, and then he will be champion again."

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When asked what makes Verstappen such a formidable contender, Marko pinpointed three traits, as well as his stunning victory in the Sao Paulo Grand Prix that all but sealed the championship - and sent Red Bull a message for 2025.

"He has unbelievable car control, his focus, he loves the sport and in Brazil, I think he showed what is he capable of to come from 17th and win the race, making not one single mistake like the others who were falling off," Marko said. 

"He was driving a completely different line. It is a mixture between outstanding talent, instinct and brain. 

"He knew what he had to do, not take any risks, but we must be more consistent and the car must be better when it comes to the track as we are so far off on a Friday, it takes us a long time to get organised."