Formula 1 star Max Verstappen has 'threatened to quit' the team over Helmut Marko's departure, as Red Bull confirm the Austrian will be leaving after more than two decades.
Marko has been one of the key figures behind Red Bull's rise into one of the dominant forces within F1.
He served as an advisor for the team and oversaw the driver development programme, which produced drivers such as Sebastian Vettel and Verstappen.
The Dutch four-time world champion developed such a strong relationship with Marko that he considers him a father figure.
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The announcement of Marko's departure is sure to unsettle Verstappen, who posted a heartfelt tribute on X.
He wrote: "Thank you, Helmut.
"We’ve achieved everything we ever dreamed of together. I’m forever grateful for your belief in me."
Back in March 2024, amid reports that Marko could be suspended, Verstappen insisted he could leave the team if Marko was dismissed.
“If such an important pillar falls away, it is not good for my situation and I have told the team that," Verstappen said.
“He is an important part of my decision-making for the future.
"For me, Helmut has to stay. I have a lot of respect for him, and what we have achieved together. It goes very far.
"He has built this team together with Dietrich [Mateschitz] from day one.
The Dutchman continued: "And he’s always been very loyal to the team, to everyone within the team, to make sure that everyone would keep their positions already from back in the day.
"I think it’s also very important, of course, that you give the man a lot of respect for what he has done. And that comes back also to loyalty, you know, and integrity.
"So, yeah, for sure, it’s important that he stays part of the team, also for me."
Red Bull issued a statement on Tuesday confirming that Marko will be leaving the team and thanking him for his 'integral' role in a 'remarkably successful chapter'.
Although there is no suggestion that Verstappen will leave Red Bull after an outstanding end to the season, it may have an impact on the Dutchman's long-term future.
Marko's departure leaves the team n a state of transition, with long-term team principal Christian Horner having left earlier this year.
Horner officially departed Red Bull in September, following his sacking in July after a difficult first half of the season.
Laurent Mekies was promoted from Racing Bulls to take charge and Verstappen enjoyed a strong end to the year under his leadership, missing out on the world title by just two points.
Red Bull's former design chief and legendary engineer Adrian Newey also left the team in 2024 to take a role at Aston Martin.
Next season will see the most significant regulation changes in several years, affecting both aerodynamics and power units.
If Red Bull can not provide a competitive car for Verstappen, he may look to move teams ahead of 2027.
Topics: Formula 1, Max Verstappen, Helmut Marko, Red Bull Racing, Christian Horner
James Taylor