The end of an era often brings a mix of emotions, and for Max Verstappen, the recent departure of Helmut Marko from Red Bull Racing certainly stirred the pot. During the team's 2026 launch event, the four-time world champion opened up about a deeply personal phone call with Marko, revealing the depth of their connection. But what exactly was said? Let's dive in.
Verstappen shared that he and Marko had a very emotional conversation following the Abu Dhabi race. He acknowledged that things would be different moving forward, recognizing that all good things eventually come to an end. This marks yet another significant change within Red Bull, following the exits of key figures like Adrian Newey, Jonathan Wheatley, and team principal Christian Horner in recent years.
Despite the professional shift, Verstappen emphasized that his bond with Marko remains strong. He even mentioned their plans to continue their relationship, including having lunch together in Graz. This underscores the significant impact Marko has had on Verstappen's career, with the pair having achieved so much together. And this is the part most people miss... the lasting impact of such relationships on the sport.
His new teammate, Isack Hadjar, echoed Verstappen's sentiments, expressing sadness over Marko's departure while acknowledging that he remains accessible. This highlights the widespread influence Marko has had on the team's development.
Verstappen also addressed speculation about Red Bull and Mercedes potentially exploiting a loophole in the new power unit regulations. He quickly dismissed such talk, stating that his focus remains firmly on driving the car and trusting the team to extract the most performance from the engine. The FIA is set to meet with power unit manufacturers to discuss the matter.
Here's where it gets controversial... Verstappen admitted that it's impossible to know if Red Bull has an advantage under the new regulations, emphasizing his role as a driver and his focus on the task at hand. The new machinery will undergo private testing before the season begins. When asked if the revised regulations will improve racing, Verstappen remained cautious, stating it's too early to say.
What do you think about the changes at Red Bull? Do you believe the new regulations will make the races more exciting? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
