Helmut Marko reveals first Max Verstappen conversation after Red Bull exit announcement

Helmut Marko has revealed the first conversation he had with Max Verstappen following the announcement that he would leave Red Bull.

It was announced on Tuesday afternoon that, after over 20 years as Red Bull's motorsport advisor, Marko had left the outfit following the conclusion of the 2025 F1 season.

Marko's exit marks the end of a significant chapter for Red Bull, especially as the Austrian's departure comes shortly after Christian Horner's.

On Monday, following the Abu Dhabi GP, Marko met with Red Bull GmbH CEO Oliver Mintzlaff, as well as a representative of the Yoovidhya family, who own 51% of the energy drink company.

Verstappen was neither present nor aware of the meeting, during which Marko declared that he wanted to resign.

Marko spoke to Verstappen after the meeting to inform the four-time world champion of his decision.

"It wasn't a normal conversation," Marko told ORF. "There was a certain wistfulness. He said he never imagined he would achieve such success.

"Everything comes to an end, and I wished him all the best for the future. And he said we'll definitely meet somewhere."

Marko and Verstappen's unique relationship

Marko's connection with Verstappen is a significant one, to the extent that the Red Bull driver was prepared to walk out of the team if it ousted the 82-year-old.

In Marko's eyes, his relationship with Verstappen is unlike anything he has experienced with any other driver.

"The connection was certainly very intense, perhaps the closest I've ever had with a driver," added Marko. "And what was fascinating was that Max got faster, more mature, and better every year.

"I don't see any end to this development yet, even though he's already the best driver. And that was the fascinating thing. We hardly ever had any disagreements.

"There were a few instances where he did some stupid things in the early stages. But the more successful he became, the simpler his approach became.

"He has become much calmer, hardly has any of the lapses or outbursts that were naturally there at the beginning, and he has become an incredibly perfect or an incredible personality for his age."