Helmut Marko exit backed to 'trigger' Max Verstappen Red Bull departure

Dutch racing driver Tim Coronel believes the exit of Helmut Marko has "triggered the departure" of Max Verstappen from Red Bull.

It was announced on Tuesday, following the title-deciding Abu Dhabi GP, that Marko had left Red Bull after over 20 years as its motorsport advisor.

He played a significant role in the progress of the team and its drivers, having overseen its junior programme.

Crucially, Verstappen has been a major backer of Marko, highlighted during Red Bull's 2024 power struggle when the Dutchman indicated that he would leave if the 82-year-old was ousted.

Following his exit, which Marko has stressed happened on his terms, the Austrian is adamant that Verstappen will not be affected.

"Max not only wants to be successful, he wants to be successful in a harmonious environment," Marko told Kleine Zeitung earlier this week.

"If he no longer has that, he will quit overnight. But he is still far too young for that now."

Despite Marko's comments, Coronel is certain Verstappen will soon follow the former Red Bull advisor out of the Milton Keynes-based squad.

Speaking in an end-of-year interview with RacingNews365, Coronel said: "The departure of Helmut Marko has triggered the departure of Max Verstappen."

Marko to be missed

Throughout Verstappen's F1 career, Marko has been a prominent figure in his corner, something that will now change.

The duo have been inseparable, something Coronel believes has been the case since they first met in an Austrian office.

"Those two are, of course, two hands in one," added Coronel. "I think from day one, when they met in an office in Austria, if I am to believe Jos [Verstappen].

"I might also miss Marko a lot. I really do think he is the father and birthplace of new, talented F1 drivers."

By leaving Red Bull, Marko became the second senior figure to depart in 2025, following in the footsteps of former team boss Christian Horner.

Horner was axed after more than 20 years with the outfit following the British GP, with Laurent Mekies replacing him.

Marko and Horner effectively built the Red Bull F1 outfit, although Coronel believes the former will be missed more.

"I don't miss Horner," said Coronel. "I think Marko is more of a legend, a much more remarkable man.

"Maybe also because he is a bit older and you have more respect for that. I also came across him sometimes when I raced. I can only bow down to this man."