Max Verstappen has emerged as one of the best drivers in F1 history after securing the 2024 title.
The four-time world champion has raced for Red Bull since 2016. Red Bull Motorsport Consultant Dr. Helmut Marko revealed the turning point that changed Verstappen within the team.
In October 2022, Red Bull co-founder Dietrich Mateschitz passed away.
Mateschitz had played a key role in bringing the energy drinks giant to Formula 1 and was incredibly passionate.
Marko highlighted that Max Verstappen stood up as a leader after the death of the Austrian billionaire. The Dutch driver developed a strong personality to keep the team on-track.
He developed a strong personality on top of it and was a leader in this difficult situation which came after the death of Mr. Mateschitz.
Helmut Marko told RacingNews365
Helmut Marko admitted that a vacuum was created within Milton Keynes following Mateschitz’s demise.
However, the team has stayed together since then and focused on its consecutive title campaigns. As Verstappen won his fourth title in a row at Las Vegas GP.
There was a vacuum but in the end, we stuck together and said: ‘We have to win this championship, so let’s work together.‘
Helmut Marko explained
Helmut Marko acknowledged that Red Bull did not have the fastest car on numerous occasions this season.
Max Verstappen managed to not only win races with a slower car but brought in important P5 and P6 results.
Marko credited the Dutch driver for not only using speed but also his brain in successfully winning the championship.
He won races when the car was not so good and it was important to finish 5th or 6th, which he did, so he was using his speed but also his brain.
Helmut Marko added
Certainly, Max Verstappen has developed as one of the strongest drivers on and off-track.
The four-time world champion recognizes the importance of leading a team from the front.
Now, the 27-year-old would be focusing on a positive end to the campaign in the final two races.
