Helmut Marko reflects on Max Verstappen’s rise and Red Bull’s internal doubts
Former Red Bull advisor and long-time head of the team’s junior programme, Helmut Marko, has once again spoken about the unique relationship between the Milton Keynes-based squad and its star driver, Max Verstappen, revealing fresh details about the Dutchman’s sensational promotion to Red Bull back in 2016.
At a time when Formula 1’s future is the subject of intense technical debate, the Austrian former driver drew comparisons between Verstappen’s meteoric rise and the growing frustration currently pushing the four-time world champion to question his long-term future in the sport following the major 2026 regulation overhaul.
Marko’s comments arrive during a period in which discussions surrounding Formula 1’s future engine regulations are becoming increasingly heated, with nostalgia for previous eras of the sport also growing stronger among drivers and fans alike. According to the Red Bull veteran, Formula 1 is now facing a crucial crossroads: preserve the pure essence of racing or risk losing one of the most iconic figures of the modern era because of regulations that could place efficiency and hybrid energy management above pure racing performance.
Meanwhile, Max Verstappen continues to enjoy his occasional “escapes” from Formula 1, with the Dutch driver taking part this weekend in the legendary Nürburgring 24 Hours event.
The 2016 promotion and Christian Horner’s opposition
Looking back at the dramatic days that, ten years ago, led to Daniil Kvyat being replaced by an 18-year-old Max Verstappen, Helmut Marko revealed that the decision was far from unanimously supported within the upper levels of the Red Bull organisation.
Despite the obvious talent shown by the young Dutch driver, Team Principal Christian Horner reportedly had serious reservations about promoting Verstappen from Toro Rosso after only four races of the 2016 Formula 1 season. At the time, Verstappen had completed just a single full campaign in Formula 1 during 2015, where his extraordinary speed was already clear, but so was the need for him to continue gaining experience at the highest level.
Marko recalled the tension surrounding those decisive hours during an interview with the Dutch newspaper De Telegraaf.
“Team Principal Christian Horner did not agree with promoting Max after only four races. He was against it, just like many rivals and critics who put me under heavy pressure, saying that Max was still too young and that the move was dangerous,” Marko explained.
The Austrian also highlighted how the external criticism mirrored the internal doubts surrounding Max Verstappen’s rapid move to Red Bull Racing. At the same time, Marko once again took subtle digs at his former long-time colleague, whom he has repeatedly criticised following his dismissal last year.
Kvyat’s decline and Carlos Sainz’s disappointment
The need for a driver change was accelerated by Daniil Kvyat’s sudden drop in performance, which culminated in the infamous opening-lap incident at the Russian Grand Prix that eliminated Sebastian Vettel’s Ferrari from the race.
Although Kvyat had performed competitively alongside Daniel Ricciardo the previous season, his connection with the car appeared to disappear completely in 2016, with problems already emerging during winter testing.
That difficult technical situation ultimately opened the door for Red Bull management to intervene, with Verstappen being promoted ahead of the Spanish Grand Prix instead of fellow junior programme talent Carlos Sainz.
Marko analysed that key decision with his usual bluntness.
“The previous year Kvyat had performed adequately, but in 2016 he was no longer the same driver and had been complaining about the brakes since the very first day of testing. Max’s teammate, Carlos Sainz, was very disappointed that we did not choose him, but for us it was a very clear and simple decision.”
Marko also pointed out that Verstappen’s immediate victory on his Red Bull debut quickly silenced most of the remaining criticism. That race, the 2016 Spanish Grand Prix, is also remembered for the dramatic first-lap collision between the Mercedes drivers Lewis Hamilton and Nico Rosberg.
Verstappen’s concerns about the 2026 Formula 1 regulations
Turning to the present day, Helmut Marko admitted that he fears Formula 1’s upcoming regulatory changes could eventually push Max Verstappen towards an earlier-than-expected retirement from the sport.
The Dutch driver’s concerns about the 2026 regulations — particularly the heavy focus on Power Unit energy management and the potential reduction of pure driving performance — are fully shared by Marko, who believes the new technical direction risks limiting the natural expression of driver talent.
There is growing concern within parts of the paddock that Formula 1 cars could become excessively dependent on electrical strategy and energy-saving techniques at the expense of outright speed and wheel-to-wheel racing.
Speaking about the possibility of Verstappen eventually walking away from Formula 1, Marko maintained a pragmatic approach.
“Max leaving would certainly be a huge loss, but that’s how sport works. When somebody leaves, somebody new arrives and becomes the next star. However, this is not only about whether Max likes it or not, this is about the essence of racing,” the 83-year-old told Sport.de, referring to the risk of Formula 1 drifting too far away from its competitive roots.
Possible return of V8 engines welcomed by Marko
Within this climate of uncertainty, Helmut Marko welcomed the recent comments made by FIA President Mohammed Ben Sulayem regarding the possibility of Formula 1 returning to V8 engines from 2030 onward.
The prospect of moving away from the current ultra-complex hybrid systems in favour of lighter, louder and mechanically simpler power units is viewed by many traditionalists as a necessary step to reignite passion among drivers and fans.
Marko was nevertheless highly critical of the Federation’s current efforts to address the situation.
“What has been started in the short term is far from enough to put the top category back on track. I don’t know to what extent we will be able to return to pure racing, but regarding the V8s, I say the sooner they arrive, the better,” the Red Bull executive concluded.
His comments once again underline the growing divide within Formula 1 over the championship’s future direction, with many fearing that excessive technical complexity could ultimately damage the appeal of the sport for both drivers and fans.
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