Helmut Marko admits Red Bull are losing “important people.” He attributes some of this to Max Verstappen
Red Bull’s motorsport advisor Helmut Marko has admitted that the team is facing a significant exodus of key personnel, and surprisingly, he attributed part of this turnover to reigning F1 champion Max Verstappen. In a candid interview, Marko revealed that several important members of Red Bull’s staff have left the team, which he partially links to the immense pressure Verstappen’s dominance and expectations bring to the entire organization.
“We are losing important people, no doubt,” Marko said. “A big part of it is due to the strain of constantly being at the top, and Max’s relentless drive for perfection has increased the demand on everyone. Not everyone can keep up with that intensity.”
While Verstappen’s performance on the track has been nothing short of exceptional, his desire to maintain Red Bull’s dominance has reportedly created a high-pressure environment. Marko acknowledged that the two-time champion’s pursuit of excellence has raised the bar for the entire team, but it has also made the work environment more demanding.
“Max is a true champion, and with that comes high expectations. The entire team has had to adapt to his level of commitment and focus. It’s not easy, and unfortunately, not everyone can handle the constant intensity,” Marko explained.
Despite the departures, Marko expressed confidence in Red Bull’s ability to continue thriving, citing their depth of talent and successful recruitment strategies. He emphasized that while losing key figures is never ideal, Red Bull has consistently found ways to rebuild and maintain its competitive edge.
“There will always be changes in a team like ours, especially when you are winning. But we remain confident in the people we have, and we are always looking for fresh talent to keep us at the top,” Marko added.
This admission comes at a crucial time for Red Bull as they look to continue their dominance in Formula 1. With Verstappen leading the charge, the team will need to ensure they can retain the right personnel to keep up with the championship-winning pace. However, Marko’s acknowledgment of the challenges within the team highlights the delicate balance required to maintain success at the pinnacle of motorsport.
