Dec.18 (GMM) Dr Helmut Marko has accepted part of the blame for Max Verstappen missing out on a fifth consecutive world championship, admitting Red Bull failed to deliver often enough amid internal chaos.
“Max delivered another fantastic season this year, perhaps his best ever,” the 82-year-old told Munich Merkur. “It wasn’t his fault, it was ours.
“We didn’t provide him with a car that was on par with his often enough. I partly blame myself for that, and that’s why I wanted to stop now.”
Marko again distanced himself from axed former team boss Christian Horner, stressing that his own exit was amicable at board level. “I didn’t want to travel anymore, the timing was right,” he said.
“They did want me to fulfil my contract, which ran until the end of 2026, but then they showed understanding. Contrary to some reports, we parted on very friendly terms.”
Ralf Schumacher, however, said the damage had already been done. “The team was a disaster. It fell apart,” he said. “It was clear there were two camps.”
Schumacher also noted that Marko’s influence had been steadily reduced. “Helmut has always said it is no longer fun for him when he can no longer decide like before,” he explained. “If your ideas are passed over every time, then the feeling that you are really needed disappears.”
While Sport Bild reports that Marko’s overarching role will not be formally replaced, Austrian media say Red Bull did offer him a reduced position focused solely on the driver academy – an offer he declined. That program, which delivered Sebastian Vettel and Verstappen and helped 15 drivers reach Formula 1, is now expected to be reshaped.
Schumacher believes a successor is already being lined up. “It’s going to be a big surprise,” he said, explicitly ruling out Vettel. “It’s not Sebastian Vettel.”
He concluded that Red Bull will feel the absence. “There is absolutely a void,” he said. “Especially in the junior program.
“Red Bull is still strong and successful,” added Schumacher, “but without Helmut Marko it will never be exactly the same.”
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