Marko Predicts Early Exit for Verstappen from F1

Helmut Marko believes Max Verstappen will leave Formula 1 early, prioritizing comfort and passion over lengthy championship pursuits.

Helmut Marko is convinced that Max Verstappen will leave F1 relatively young. The Red Bull consultant doesn’t see his driver having a career as long as Fernando Alonso or Lewis Hamilton, and for several reasons.

“Max isn’t like Alonso or Hamilton,” Marko told ORF. “They drive as long as their physical condition allows them to participate. And yes, Max is very interested in winning.”

“But whether he wins four, five, or six world championships, that’s not what matters to him. He wants to enjoy his sport and be passionate about it. He wants an environment where he feels comfortable. That’s how it is.”

Marko finds the penalties Verstappen received for his language absurd: “The car isn’t competitive, and then they come with these penalties over an F-word in a press conference aimed at the car. It’s ridiculous.”

According to the Austrian, criticism falls too easily on Verstappen: “And that applies to other moments as well, like at the Red Bull Ring. He was accused of being much tougher and a bit unfair. He only did what the regulations allow. He changed lines and defended fiercely. We know he’s a tough driver.”

“It’s something the public wants to see, and I think, in general, we need to return to that old English racing philosophy—’Let them race’—and not dictate how they should behave. Of course, misconduct is unacceptable, but not with such narrow-minded interpretations.”