An over two-decade-long and era-defining spell has come to an end after Marko communicated his decision to leave Red Bull following Verstappen's 2025 title defeat to Lando Norris.

Speaking to Kleine Zeitung, the former chief motorsport advisor for the Milton Keynes-based outfit reviewed the time successful time he and the Dutchman spent together at Red Bull which yielded four back-to-back Drivers' titles and two Constructors' championship.

"Certainly his first victory in Barcelona at the age of 17," Marko said of the moments that stood out from his collaboration with Verstappen. "And then also the first victory with Honda at the Red Bull Ring, as well as his first world title in 2021 or the rain race in Brazil.

"There are so many moments and positive performances from Max. It's unbelievable how he became more and more mature and precise," Marko added.

When asked if Verstappen - whom Marko groomed and vouched for ahead of his underage F1 debut in 2015 - could exit Red Bull as well, Marko brought to the fore a key condition that if unmet could result in an overnight departure from the team.

"No [there's no cause for worry about Verstappen leaving Red Bull]. Max doesn't just want to be successful, he wants to succeed in a harmonious environment. If he no longer has that, then he stops from one day to the next. But he is still much too young for that," he concluded.

The FIA will allow drivers to change race numbers as of next season, and Verstappen is interested in taking up Daniel Ricciardo's former number, '3'. However in order to do so, he'll need the Australian to sign off on the change. Read why here.

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