[Saba Sports News] As the Red Bull Racing team enters a new phase, Max Verstappen reflected on a moment that holds special significance for him: a phone call with Helmut Marko after Marko officially left Red Bull. The veteran advisor, who has been with Red Bull Racing for over twenty years, chose to step down after the last season, ending his contract a year early and marking the end of an era. Since Red Bull entered F1, Marko has overseen the young driver development system and has been one of the team’s most core figures. Under his leadership, Verstappen progressed from the youth training system to the F1 stage, eventually becoming a four-time F1 World Champion.
Verstappen has previously expressed that Marko’s influence on his career has been crucial; he has been both a mentor and a driving force. When discussing his feelings about Marko’s departure, Verstappen admitted that he would certainly miss seeing him in the garage. He revealed that after the season finale in Abu Dhabi, they had a phone call that was very emotional and tinged with a sense of reluctance. He believes that while everything will be different now, all good things inevitably reach a phased conclusion. Verstappen stated that even though they may not be fighting alongside each other in the same team, he and Marko will continue to stay in touch. Whether they meet privately or share lunch together in Graz, Austria, this relationship will not fade due to changes in their roles.