Former Formula 1 world champion Max Verstappen has promised to “have lunch” with Helmut Marko whenever possible, following an “emotional conversation” the two shared after the Austrian’s departure from Red Bull.
Marko stepped down from his role as Red Bull's motorsport advisor at the end of the 2025 season, concluding a long-standing relationship with the team and his partnership with Verstappen.
It was Marko who brought Verstappen into the Red Bull junior program, secured his Formula 1 debut in 2015, and promoted him to the senior Red Bull team in 2016.
Verstappen has achieved all 71 of his Formula 1 victories and four world titles with Marko by his side. The Dutchman has been fiercely loyal to him, even stating he would leave the team if the veteran were forced out against his will.
Now, with Marko officially retired, Verstappen recalled the “emotional” conversation with his mentor immediately after the final race in Abu Dhabi, where he missed out on the world championship to Lando Norris by just two points.
“We had a very emotional conversation after Abu Dhabi,” Verstappen told Sky Sports News. “It will be a bit different without him, but all good things come to an end. We will see each other anyway. If I go to Graz, we will have lunch together! We achieved so many great things together that will forever remain in our minds.”