The Formula 1 world is again in turmoil after an explosive exchange between Red Bull advisor Helmut Marko and the Verstappen family, who follows the unexpected departure of team boss Christian Horner. Horner, who was in charge of Red Bull Racing since 2005, was fired at the end of 2024 after internal struggles and disappointing performance of the team in the constructors’ championship, despite Max Verstappen’s fourth world title in a row. Tensions within the team have reached a new climax now, known for his sharp tongue, has expressed a public warning to Max Verstappen, while Jos Verstappen, the father of the world champion, immediately returned with his own warning to Marko.
Helmut Marko, the 82-year-old Austrian who played a crucial role in Verstappen’s rise within Red Bull, expressed his worries about the future of the team in a column for Speedweek. He pointed to the changeable performance of Max’s teammates in 2024, in particular Sergio Perez and later Liam Lawson, who both had difficulty scoring consistent alongside Verstappen. Marko warned Max that he can no longer only rely on his own performance to keep Red Bull at the top, especially now that McLaren and Ferrari’s competition is becoming stronger. “Max is exceptional, but even he cannot wear everything alone,” wrote Marko. “If he wants to become a champion again in 2026, he has to adapt to a team that is less dominant than before.” These comments were seen by some as an indirect criticism of Verstappen’s sometimes uncompromising driving style and his attitude within the team.
Marko’s warning was not well received by Jos Verstappen, who has had a tense relationship with the Red Bull advisor for some time. In an interview with De Telegraaf, Jos responded Fel: “Helmut must first look at himself before he reads Max the lesson. This team grew up by Max, not because of his interference.” Jos pointed out the internal chaos at Red Bull since Horner’s departure, in which he suggested that Marko’s influence on the team strategy and driver choices have undermined stability. “If Helmut thinks Max is the problem, then he is wrong. Maybe he should wonder how long he himself is welcome,” added Jos, a clear hint to the growing speculations about Marko’s own position within Red Bull.
The background of this controversy lies in the power struggle within Red Bull after Horner’s resignation. Horner’s departure followed in a tumultuous season in which Red Bull lost the constructor title to McLaren, despite Verstappen’s individual success. Sources on X suggest that Marko’s column was an attempt to strengthen his own position by shifting attention to Verstappen, but this seems to be counterproductive. Posts on X emphasize that many fans choose Jos’ side, with comments such as “Marko tries to blame Max, but everyone knows that management makes the mistakes.”
Max Verstappen himself has reacted reluctantly so far. In a press conference after the Grand Prix of Abu Dhabi, he said: “I focus on my work and winning races. What others say is their business.” Yet he hinted on frustrations about team dynamics, noticing that “some people can talk better internally than through the media.” His words seem to be an indirect sneer to Marko, known for his frank and sometimes controversial statements.
The situation reveals a deeper problem within Red Bull: a lack of unity after Horner’s departure. The team stands for a crucial winter in which it has to develop the RB22 to compete with McLaren and Ferrari. With Yuki Tsunoda as a current second driver and not a clear successor for Horner, much depends on how Red Bull dissolves these internal tensions. For Max Verstappen, who has a contract until 2028, the question is whether he will retain his loyalty to Red Bull if the chaos persists. Jos Verstappen’s warning to Marko suggests that the Verstappen family is ready to play hard when it comes to Max’s future. For fans, this soap in Milton Keynes promises much more drama in the run -up to the 2026 season.
